In a vast country like India, the beauty of the Indian Christmas (aka Xmas, Natal, Bada Din) lies in its diverse cultures, local flavours, and myriad traditions. From the ritual of lighting a rooftop earthen lamp in South India to decorating doorways with mango leave torans in Mangalore and Goa; from making rice paddy cribs in East Indian homes to roasting sticky rice cakes around a bonfire in Nagaland, each region has its unique way of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ! Food is an integral part of any celebration in Indian homes. So as tables dazzle with red wine, duck curry, pork vindaloo, suckling pig, roast chicken, Christmas cake, and marzipans, it sets the vibe for a joyous Christmas festival. Whether it is the crowd gearing up for midnight mass, or friends and family pecking around the dinner table, some timeless desi Christmas traditions still waltz through many households.
Casual Leave Effect
When one talks of Christmas celebrations, the first thing that flashes before the eyes is a majestic Christmas tree, Santa masks, red stockings, colourful streamers, stars, wreaths, and shiny baubles. However, some Christian families still carry the age-old tradition of a DIY Christmas tree made from banana or mango leaves. Both are considered auspicious and keep out negative energies. Father Santosh Fernandes, a priest from Mangalore says this unique Christmas tradition is still practiced in some coastal villages. “Back in the day, handmade mango leaf decorations adorned our Christmas celebrations. Today, the tradition is rarely found except in smaller villages due to the bustling market for modern decorations sold in ample quantities,” Father Fernandes says.
The Deccan Charm
In homes across South India, a small clay lamp is kept on the rooftops and doorsteps for the ‘saviour’ of the world. It signifies the essence of the festival and birth of Christ. In Hyderabad, it is common to witness a laid-back scene where people from all religions partake in the Bada Din midnight mass at St. Mary’s Basilica, Secunderabad, and the Wesley Church in Ramkote. The prayers are followed by the exchange of traditional sweets like kajjikayalu, makai chudwa, nethi ariselu, homemade cakes and rose cookies, dryfruit rote and the quintessential Bada Din biryani.
Curious Crib Culture
What better way to explain the history behind Christmas than through beautifully adorned cribs complete with three kings, shepherds, cattle, and the parents of baby Jesus? People in Delhi NCR and Goa keep their cribs simple with hay, reminiscent of the humble stable where Jesus was
born. But the native East Indians of Mumbai (authentic Mumbaikers) swap hay for paddy and rice. Walter Murzello, founder of the Mobal Goathan Panchayat, says, "Our cribs, boasting paddy and rice which sprout in 10 days, pay tribute to our fishing [Kohli] and agriculture occupations and its stronghold in Mumbai.” Dereyk Murzello, Finance Controller, Candol East Indian Association, adds, “Christmas means joy and peace. We share Kuswars with neighbours, a gesture to mend past arguments and spread love and joy as Christians.” In Mangalore, the locals craft their cribs with coconut leaves, not the average run-of-the-mill variety, but carefully hand-stitched ones.
Kul Kul ke Jiyo
Step into a Christian house during Christmas, and one is greeted by a festive feast — colourful marzipans, plum and rum cakes, Nevris, guava cheese, and cookies adorning the table for a calorie-rich celebration. But the star of the sweet symphony is the Kul Kul, affectionately known as ‘Kidiyo’ (insect) in Konkani made of coconut, flour, semolina, and eggs. Marcelo Azavedo, a senior account PR manager says, “As our home transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and harmonious Christmas carols, we dive into a mouthwatering tradition consisting of Kul Kuls, Nevris, rose cookies, and dodol—a taste of love and sweet nostalgia.”
The Corridinho Dance
Goa is famous for its Christmas (aka Natal in Portuguese, Konkani and Marathi) celebrations and lavish culinary spread. But no Natal is complete without villagers from different vaddos (areas) taking part in the famous Corridinho dance. It is a traditional Portuguese folk dance that particularly thrives in the Algarve region. The Corridinho is a cultural expression shaped by history, offering a glimpse into Algarvian life which consisted of plain sounds and lively conversations.
