Holiday Traditions of India

"Merry Christmas"

Holiday Traditions in India

Christmas in India is primarily a religious holiday, with churches playing a major role in the celebrations. Advent Sunday, the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, marks the beginning of the Advent season. On this day, churches and households begin planning their services, decorations, and festive meals.

Christian Communities in India

Although Christians make up just 2.3% of India’s population, this still amounts to approximately 25 million people, given the country’s vast population. The largest Christian communities are found in Mumbai, Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram. These regions are home to vibrant Christmas celebrations that blend religious and cultural traditions.

Lights, Decorations, and Christmas Trees

Indian festivals are always celebrated with plenty of lights and colors, and Christmas is no exception. During the holiday season, churches, homes, stores, and malls are adorned with multicolored twinkling fairy lights, paper streamers, candles, and poinsettia flowers. Instead of the traditional pine tree, many families decorate banana or mango trees with lights and ornaments. Some families even drape cotton wool over their trees to imitate snow.

Handmade Decorations and Stars

Many Christmas decorations in India are handmade, with stars being a particularly popular choice. These stars are hung on homes and streets, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Nativity scenes, known as Christmas cribs, are an important part of Christmas decorations, with neighborhoods and churches often competing to create the most elaborate displays. At midnight on Christmas Eve, baby Jesus is reverently placed in the manger.

Regional Christmas Traditions

Southern India

In Southern India, Christians place small oil-burning clay lamps on the flat roofs of their homes to symbolize that Jesus is the light of the world.

Northwest India

In Northwest India, tribal Christians of the Bhil community sing carols and tell the Christmas story every night for a week in surrounding villages, bringing the spirit of Christmas to many.

Southwest India

In the state of Kerala, traditional Catholics fast from December 1st until the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This solemn period of fasting is followed by joyful celebrations as the Christmas feast begins.

Christmas in Goa

Goa, a region with strong Christian roots, is known for its Christmas traditions that incorporate both Indian and Western customs. Families sing carols, decorate Christmas trees, and bake fruitcakes. One of the unique Goan traditions is the preparation of kuswar, a special collection of sweets shared with friends, neighbors, and family. These sweets include:

• Rose cookies – Deep-fried crispy cookies shaped like roses.
• Kidiyo – Curly dough balls deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Neurio – Sweet dumplings stuffed with palm sugar, dry fruits, and coconut.
• Dodol – A toffee-like dessert made from coconut and cashews.
• Pathekaan – Savory banana chips.
• Challis – Round, deep-fried lentil snacks.
• Cardamom and cashew macaroons.

Making these sweets is a fun family affair, with everyone contributing to the holiday preparations.

Christmas Eve Feast

The Christmas Eve dinner in Goa is a lavish affair, featuring dishes such as dukra maas (pork) and chicken curries, roast turkey, and sannas (steamed rice cakes). After dinner, families attend the midnight mass, which is followed by the ringing of church bells to announce the arrival of Christmas Day.

Santa Claus in India

In recent years, Christmas has been embraced by non-Christian communities in India, with more secular traditions, such as gift-giving and Santa Claus, becoming popular. In India, Santa delivers presents to children from a horse-drawn cart. He is known by different names across the country:

• Christmas Baba in Hindi and Urdu (Father Christmas)
• Christmas Taathaa in Tamil
• Christmas Thatha in Telugu (Christmas Old Man)
• Natal Bua in Marathi (Christmas Elder Man)
• Christmas Papa in Kerala

Epiphany – January 6th

Christians in India also celebrate Epiphany on January 6th, which commemorates the visit of the magi to the baby Jesus. This day marks the end of the Christmas season, and is often celebrated with church services and feasts.

Holiday Traditions in India

Video by WION

Traditional Indian Holiday Recipes

During Christmas in India, families come together to prepare a variety of festive dishes that blend local flavors with holiday traditions. From savory curries to sweet treats, these recipes reflect the diversity of India's regional cuisines. Here are a few authentic Indian holiday recipes:

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1. Neurio (Sweet Coconut Dumplings)

Neurio is a traditional Goan Christmas treat, a sweet dumpling stuffed with a mixture of coconut, dry fruits, and spices. These deep-fried dumplings are a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 1/4 cup chopped dry fruits (raisins, cashews, almonds)
• 1/2 cup grated jaggery or sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Oil for deep-frying
• Water as needed

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and ghee. Add water gradually and knead into a smooth, firm dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes.
2. In a pan, heat the grated coconut, jaggery (or sugar), and sesame seeds over medium heat. Stir constantly until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dry fruits and ground cardamom. Let the mixture cool.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into small circles (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
4. Place a spoonful of the coconut filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, sealing the edges with water and crimping them with a fork or your fingers.
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Fry the neurio in batches until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

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2. Sannas (Steamed Rice Cakes)

Sannas are soft, spongy steamed rice cakes from Goa, traditionally served during Christmas alongside pork or chicken curries. They have a slightly sweet flavor, making them a perfect complement to savory dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw rice (soaked for 4-6 hours)
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Drain the soaked rice and grind it into a smooth batter along with the grated coconut, using a little water as needed.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
3. Add the yeast mixture, sugar, and salt to the rice batter and mix well. Cover the batter and let it ferment in a warm place for 3-4 hours.
4. Once the batter has risen, grease small molds or idli plates and pour the batter into them, filling them halfway.
5. Steam the sannas for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the sannas cool slightly before removing them from the molds. Serve with curries or enjoy them on their own.

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3. Kidiyo (Goan Fried Dough Balls)

Kidiyo, also known as "kulkuls," are deep-fried curly dough balls that are a must-have during Christmas celebrations in Goa. They are coated in powdered sugar and enjoyed as a sweet snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
• 1 pinch of salt
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, ghee, and salt. Gradually add the coconut milk and knead into a smooth dough. Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes.
2. Take small portions of dough and roll them into thin ropes. Cut the ropes into small pieces and roll each piece over the back of a fork to form curls.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Fry the dough curls in batches until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
4. While still warm, toss the fried kidiyo in powdered sugar to coat. Let cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

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4. Pork Vindaloo (Goan Pork Curry)

Pork Vindaloo is a spicy and tangy Goan curry traditionally served during Christmas feasts. Made with vinegar and a variety of spices, this dish is flavorful and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or sannas.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork, cut into cubes
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the pork in vinegar, turmeric, and salt for at least 1 hour.
2. In a dry pan, toast the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and ground spices until fragrant. Grind the toasted spices into a powder.
3. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until golden brown.
4. Add the marinated pork to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Stir in the ground spices and cook for a few minutes to coat the pork.
6. Add water to the pot, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve hot with steamed rice or sannas.

These traditional Indian recipes bring the flavors and warmth of the holiday season to your table. Enjoy preparing and sharing these festive dishes with your family and friends during Christmas!

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