What is Christmas?
Christmas is celebrated on 25 December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. In India it is a national holiday and is enjoyed by people of every faith, especially in Goa, Kerala, the North-East, Mumbai and Kolkata.
Christmas in India
Churches hold midnight mass on Christmas Eve, and homes are decorated with paper star lanterns, cribs showing the nativity scene and Christmas trees. Kolkata's Park Street and Goa's churches are famous for their lights and celebrations.
Cakes and carols
Plum cake, kulkuls, rose cookies and other sweets are baked and shared with neighbours. Carol singers go from house to house, children wait for Santa Claus, and friends exchange gifts.