Lets catch a glimpse of what to expect of this festival in different corners of India. Maybe this year, you might as well plan a Christmas vacation in India in one of these places and throw your folks for a loop.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Tucked away in the Khasi Hills is ´The Abode of Clouds.´
Shillong´s culture has been greatly shaped by the British and stands true even to this date. The way they incorporated the western lifestyle with their folklore is mesmerizing and can be witnessed even in the way they celebrate Christmas.
The local tribal customs and traditions are observed by the manner of their dressing and the food. There is a historic Christmas tree set in the All Saints Cathedral Hall premises that was planted by the British and is over a century old, this tree symbolizes the attachment to their western connect.
The local bands and vocal artists contribute to the holiday cheer by performing shows for Christmas and ring in Christmas with much splendor.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Christmas in Mumbai is celebrated with enormous zeal, especially in the localities of Bandra and Colaba. A lot of events are planned around the city to spread the Christmas cheer. Christmas ornaments and decoratives are sold throughout the city, which make the market places a sight for sore eyes. Events include cake mixing workshops, carol singing groups, concerts, flea markets etc.
There is something for everyone. They also hold midnight masses in famous churches like Holy Name Cathedral, St. John´s Church and St. Thomas´s Cathedral. Being in Mubai around Christmas won’t be the worst thing, trust me!
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Goa
Being a place that is inhabited by a massive Christian population, Christmas in Goa is a grand affair. The Portuguese influence is widely felt even during Christmas. It’s an established fact that Goans can throw quite a party and during Christmas they show just how good it can really get.
The streets bustle with holiday cheer and people from across the world join in to celebrate Christmas here. The neighbourhoods are infused with the smell of freshly baked goodies and there is no escaping from the Christmas decorations as the whole region is adorned by tinsels and buntings.
The re-enactment of Jesus’s birth, in the form of ‘Cribs ’, is the most attractive feature in Goa. Folks flocking to Churches to attend the Midnight Mass is a common sight as is the sound of the melodious Christmas Carols being sung on Christmas eve.
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Christmas Feasts are organized which offer scrumptious Goan delicacies like Dodol, Batika and Pinrag.
Puducherry, India
If tranquil beaches and quiet & delicious Christmas meals followed by Midnight Mass or a visit to the Church is your thing, you must pack your bags and leave to Pondicherry for this Christmas vacation in India. Enjoy your dinner by the sea this Christmas with your loved ones.
This place has a very serene note to its Christmas celebrations standing true to its Aurobindo connect. The Churches are beautifully decorated and the icing on the cake is the authentic French Cuisine served by various restaurants. They hold catchy events and prove to be a paradise for the gluttons.
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Manali, Himachal Pradesh
If you’re one of those people who are of the opinion that it’s not really Christmas unless it is a white and snowy, then you need to head to Manali. Your Christmas vacation in India can get really cool and covered with snow this time if you head to the mountains.
You could make a snowman (cue the song from Frozen), make a snow angel, have snow fights or just sip some hot chocolate by a fireplace in a wooden house as you gaze at the cotton candy, glitzy snowfall outside. If done right, you could land yourself in a perfect fairy tale-like Christmas.
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For some outdoor fun, Manali has tonnes of sports for you. You can go skiing with your partner on the Solang valley and on the slopes of Rohtang Pass, or go snowboarding, enjoy cable car rides at amazing heights to witness stunning views.
So if you live in a place where Christmas isn’t celebrated with such spirit, or if you´re just tired of celebrating your Christmas vacation in India the same old way, head to one of these destinations right away and be sassy!
