Christmas 2023 in India - History, Traditions and Facts

History of Christmas

The history of Christmas dates back to the emergence of Christianity. Long been a British colony, India still has a significant Christian population, making 2023 Christmas a common celebration in many parts of the country. Most popular in northeast and south India, these areas have dense concentrations of Christian traditions, making them the best places to enjoy Christmas.

Significance of Christmas

Christians celebrate Christmas every year on 25th December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Mass Service is a tradition where Christians commemorate Jesus's birth for humanity's welfare. With over 25 million Christians living in India, Christmas in 2023 is set to be memorable and pompous.

How is Christmas Celebrated in India?

Christians in India prepare for Christmas several days before by renovating and cleaning their homes. The shopping sprees continue for gifts, decorations, home decor, etc. Midnight Mass is one of the most important Christian services in India, particularly for Catholics.

The whole family will attend the Mass on Christmas Eve and enjoy a massive feast of various delicacies, mostly curries. They also give and receive gifts at the event. Indian Christians decorate their churches with candles and Poinsettia flowers for the Midnight Mass service. 

For many Christians, Christmas in 2023 would include attending the Midnight Mass service, wearing new clothes, eating festive meals, and spending time with family. Adults in families will give sweets and gifts to children. Small electric lamps, clay oil-burning lamps, banana or mango leaves, etc., are part of Christmas decorations in India.

Some also display a Christmas nativity scene with a Christmas tree and clay figures. Imitation of pine trees, branches, trees and bushes are also common. Hotels, malls, tourist spots, etc., have actors playing Santa to entertain the guests.

5 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas Holiday in India

Planning for a Christmas holiday in India? Explore one of these five best options to make your Christmas 2023 special:

1. Goa

Goa is perhaps the best place in India to celebrate the 2023 Christmas. Owing to its catholic population and Portuguese legacy, Goan people celebrate the festival with gripping fervours.

Must-Visit Church: Se Cathedral, Old Goa

Places to Stay: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Grand Hyatt, Ramada Caravel Beach Resort

Things to do: Visit churches, watch fireworks at the beaches, go for a river cruise on the Mandovi River

Nearest Railway Station: Karmali Railway Station, Vasco Da Gama Railway Station

Airport: Dabolim Airport
Read also: Why Instant Personal Loan for Christmas and New Year?

2. Kerala

Kerala has a majority Christian population, which makes Christmas 2023 celebrations worth seeing in the state. 

Must-Visit Church: Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi

Places to Stay: Vala House, Dew Drops Farm Resorts, Mudhouse Marayoor

Things to do: Visit churches, enjoy the backwaters, go shopping, spend time on the beaches, explore the Western Ghats

Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction, Thiruvananthapuram Central Station

Airport: Kochi (COK) Airport

3. Puducherry

The fascinating union territory is also known as ‘Little France’, with a lot of Christian lineage. 

Must-Visit Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Puducherry

Places to Stay: La Maison, Homestay Hotel La Villa 

Things to do: Visit churches, go shopping, bird watching, visit Auroville

Nearest Railway Station: Villupuram Junction

Airport: Pondicherry (PNY) Airport

4. Shillong

The northeastern city of Meghalaya has a major Christian population who will celebrate Xmas 2023 with great pomp and show. 

Must-Visit Church: Cathedral Of Mary Help Of Christians

Places to Stay: The Habitat Shillong, the Golf Retreat

Things to do: Visit churches, admire lights and decorations, enjoy activities like cliff diving, snorkelling, camping, scuba diving

Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station

Airport: Umroi Airport

5. Mumbai

Synonymous with a fast-paced life, Mumbai has a rich colonial past, making it a memorable point for Christmas celebrations in India.

Must-Visit Church: The Wodehouse Church, Colaba

Places to Stay: Empire Royale, Maharana Inn, Mumbai Garden Resort

Things to do: Visit churches, offer prayers, go to Elephanta Caves, go shopping

Nearest Railway Station: Mumbai Central

Airport: Mumbai International Airport

5 Classic Christmas Desserts in India

Apart from the traditional Christmas cakes, many other desserts are integral to Christmas celebrations in India. These mainly include the following:

1. Kheer: Kheer is a traditional dessert made with rice and milk. It tastes good both when hot and when chilled. Nuts and raisins added to it enhance the flavours several times. Although the western dessert rice pudding is inspired by kheer, the latter is not so thick. 
2. Neureos: Neureos are flaky pastries people prepare in Goa during festivals like Christmas, Diwali, and Ganesh Chaturthi. Christmas is incomplete in Goa without neureos. Also known as Karanji in Maharashtra and Gujiya in North India, these are small pastries filled with sweet fillings. People make them in almost every house, but the filling may differ based on the family’s preferences and budget.
3. Dodol: It is an authentic delicacy in Goa, a luscious dessert, and a perfect way to celebrate 2023 Christmas Day. Originally a toffee originating in Indonesia, its Goan version is also very delicious. Made with rice flour, coconut milk, nuts, and jaggery, it takes time to prepare, but the wait is worth the delicacy. Although the recipe is simple, preparing it with precision requires much care. Kids love it and don’t stop asking for more. 
4. Kulkuls: Rolled pastry-type desserts popular among Christmas celebrations in Goa, it is also known as kidiyo, literally meaning worms, due to their worm-like shape. Like fried papads, they are sugar-coated, making these finger foods more delicious. Made with eggs, flour, sugar, and coconut milk, these are easy to make and good in taste.
5. Achappam Rose Cookies: Another crispy sweet from Kerela, it is named a rose cookie due to its shape. Like other crispy biscuits or cookies, these are made with sugar, coconut milk, and rice flour. When fried, they turn golden in colour, giving it a crispy texture with great taste. 

Why Should You Apply Personal Loan for Christmas?

• Travel: If you plan to visit family or friends during the holidays, a personal loan can cover travel expenses such as airfare, accommodation, and transportation.
• Gift Purchases: A personal loan can provide the necessary funds to purchase gifts for family and friends, ensuring that you can celebrate the season of giving without compromising in gifts.
• Hosting Get-Togethers and Dinners: If part of your holiday tradition involves hosting get-togethers or festive dinners for family and friends, a personal loan can be instrumental in covering the costs of food, drinks, and entertainment

How to Apply Personal Loan to Make your Christmas More Enjoyable

• Determine Your Loan Needs: Identify the purpose for obtaining a Personal Loan and determine the appropriate loan amount
• Navigate to the Hero FinCorp Website: Go to the 'Personal Loan' section on the Hero FinCorp website and click on the 'Apply Now' or a similar button.
• Complete the Application Form: Provide accurate information in the online application form. Ensure that you review all details carefully before submitting.
• Verify KYC Documents: Submit the necessary KYC documents, including proofs of identity and address, in accordance with the specified requirements.
• Loan Approval and Fund Disbursement: Upon approval of your application, you will receive an offer letter outlining the terms of the loan

Conclusion

Christmas 2023 celebrations can be a great spectacle if you choose the right time and place to travel. Don’t let finance hold back your aspirations. Hero FinCorp offers small loans online that can help you cover the travel costs without overburdening your finances. Just apply for the loan on our website or personal loan app and get the required funding to make this Christmas memorable forever.

At Hero FinCorp, you can get an instant Personal Loan of up to Rs 3 lakh at an attractive interest rate, starting at 11%, with a flexible repayment tenure of up to 60 months. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Christmas called in India?

Indians call Christmas the ‘Bada Din’, literally meaning ‘Big Day’.

2. Where is Christmas Celebrated the Most in India?

Goa, Mumbai, and Kerala have a high majority of the Christian population, making Christmas a famous festival there. 

3. Is Christmas a public holiday in India?

Yes, Christmas is a public holiday in India. Most of the schools, offices, and businesses remain closed on this day.

4. How can I use a personal loan for Christmas celebration?

Once approved, you can use the personal loan funds to cover various Christmas-related expenses such as buying gifts, decorations, travel expenses, hosting parties

5. Can I use a personal loan for travel during Christmas?

Yes, a personal loan can cover travel expenses for Christmas celebrations. Ensure the loan amount and repayment terms align with your budget and travel plans

Disclaimer: At Hero Fincorp Limited, we deeply respect and acknowledge the diverse religious beliefs of our customers. We are committed to providing financial solutions that cater to your needs while upholding the highest standards of respect and sensitivity to your religious sentiments. We want to assure you that our personal loan offerings are designed to be entirely secular and devoid of any bias towards or against any religious belief or practice. Our primary goal is to offer you financial assistance without infringing on your personal beliefs. However, in the event that any aspect of our personal loan offerings, communication, or services unintentionally causes offense or hurt to your religious sentiments, please accept our sincere apologies. It is never our intention to cause any discomfort or distress. If you feel that any part of our personal loan services has inadvertently offended your religious beliefs, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated customer support team. We are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and working to ensure that your experience with us remains respectful and considerate of your religious values.

We appreciate your trust in Hero Fincorp Limited and are dedicated to providing you with personal loan solutions that uphold the principles of diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all religious beliefs.

Thank you for choosing Hero Fincorp Limited for your financial needs.