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Christmas originates from the word Christ’s Mass. In short it is also called as Xmas derived from Greek letter X (Chi), the first character of Christ. Christmas is celebrated on 25th of December to mark the birth day of Jesus. Many scholars believe the date is not the birth day of Jesus but is celebrated to commence the winter solstice. Some hold the view that it falls exactly nine months after spring equinox the date regarded as conception of Jesus. The date is celebrated as Christ’s birth from around 336 AD. In India the festival is called ‘Bada Din’, the big day.

In India the festival is a symbol of delight, love, patience and humanity. The festival has a special significance in every Indian’s life. Christmas gives an extra reason of joy to the people. The festival marks the start of vacation to the students and office bearers. People from all religion, class, and creed celebrate the mood of the festival. A large part of Indian community is Christian and they celebrate the festival with great joy and ethos. The rituals to celebrate the festival vary from place to place in India. The festival has a flavor of region, climate and other local elements.

The markets get decorated with balloons, stars and Santa masks for children. Youth exchange cards with each other to express bonding. Christian communities begin the preparation a month before by white wash of their house, decorations and purchase of new clothes for the occasion. The main attraction for the kids is the vacations from the schools.

In south India, the Christians light clay lamp on the houses similar to Diwali festival of Hindus. In north India the Christmas tree is made up of bark of ashoka tree, banyan tree, or banana tree instead of the pine tree used in western countries. The Christian tribes celebrate by singing in the nights.

The most famous place for Christmas celebration in India is Goa. It attracts not only the Indians but also the foreign tourists. The beaches of Goa are full of tourists in all their vigor and mood of enjoyment. Music and dance are an important part of Goa Christmas celebration. The traditional midnight mass services called ‘Cock Crow’, is participated by Catholics of Goa. The Carnival, similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, is the most important event at Goa.

With all its color and diversities and celebration not only by Christians but by all the communities, Christmas can be regarded as the most secular festivals of India.