Wishing our Christian citizens a Happy Christmas, full of peace and joy.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 25, 2024
The history of Christmas in South Asia is a fascinating blend of ancient Christian traditions, colonial influences, and contemporary adaptations. While many associate Christmas with Western culture, its roots in the Indian subcontinent—spanning India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka—trace back centuries, much longer than one might imagine. Today, more than two billion people celebrate Christmas across the world, including a small percentage in the historically warring states of India and Pakistan. Although the Christian communities here are small, their presence reflects a legacy of over two thousand years, deeply intertwined with the cultural mosaic of South Asia.
The Origins of Christmas in South Asia
Christianity reached the shores of the Indian subcontinent long before the arrival of European colonizers. According to tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle arrived on the Malabar Coast (modern-day Kerala) in 52 CE. This early Christian community, known as the Saint Thomas Christians, marked the beginnings of Christianity in the region.
Over the centuries, traders, missionaries, and travelers brought Christian customs to other parts of the subcontinent. The spread of Christianity wasn’t uniform—it flourished in coastal areas where foreign interactions were frequent. While Christmas was celebrated in early Christian enclaves, it remained largely localized until much later.
Colonial Influence: Christmas Grows Beyond Christian Communities
The arrival of European powers in the subcontinent—starting with the Portuguese in the 15th century—gave Christmas a more prominent presence. The Portuguese introduced Christmas traditions to Goa, making it one of the first regions in South Asia to celebrate the holiday on a larger scale. With the British East India Company establishing its dominance, Christmas gained further visibility across the subcontinent.
https://www.todaytranslations.com/news/celebrating-christmas-in-south-and-southeast-asia/
For the British, Christmas was not just a religious event but also a cultural celebration. Churches were built in cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras, where elaborate Christmas services attracted both Europeans and locals. The British also hosted Christmas feasts, distributing food and gifts among local communities as part of their holiday customs.
In areas now part of modern-day Pakistan, such as Karachi and Lahore, British administrators and missionaries introduced Christmas traditions through schools, hospitals, and churches. The establishment of institutions like the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Karachi became hubs for Christmas celebrations.
Contemporary Christmas Celebrations in South Asia
Today, Christmas is celebrated widely across the Indian subcontinent, transcending religious boundaries. In India, vibrant festivities include midnight Masses, nativity plays, and Christmas markets. Cities like Goa, Kochi, and Kolkata come alive with lights, carols, and community feasts. Traditional sweets like plum cakes, kalkals, and rose cookies are a cherished part of the celebrations.
In Pakistan, where Christians form a small minority, Christmas holds special significance. Communities gather in churches for Mass, followed by cultural events and feasts. Streets in Christian neighborhoods, such as Youhanabad in Lahore, are adorned with fairy lights and Christmas trees. Schools and businesses often hold Christmas programs, spreading holiday cheer beyond the Christian population.
And in Bangladesh, the capital Dhaka hosts large-scale celebrations in areas like Tejgaon, home to the Holy Rosary Church. Sri Lanka, with its significant Christian population, embraces Christmas with both religious devotion and a spirit of festivity.
A Unifying Celebration
Despite the differences in scale and traditions, Christmas in South Asia reflects the region’s diversity and adaptability. The fusion of global customs with local flavors—be it through food, music, or decorations—has made the holiday unique in every country.