Having studied in convent schools throughout my life, Christmas holds a special place in my heart and in my memories. A month or two before the arrival of the festive season, rehearsals of the nativity play and school choir practicing the Christmas carols would begin. While walking down by the principal’s office and the classroom corridors, one could hear ‘Joy to the world’ or ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ being sung over and over. Let’s look at how Christmas is celebrated in a few of the cities of India.

Kanpur – Most of my childhood and adolescence has been spent in this city of Uttar Pradesh which has suddenly become a favourite with Bollywood filmmakers, in the last few years. My school was in the cantonment area of Kanpur. During the period around Christmas, you could feel the festivities right from the time you entered the school gate. The decorations, the choir sessions, the play practice, and the anticipation of the winter holidays added a cheer to the air. I remember trying to get a part in the nativity plan as a king or Joseph every year. And disappointment would be high if I didn’t get any part to play in the Christmas activities.

The city’s main market areas light up during Christmas. They get crowded with people coming from different parts of the city to look at decorations and indulge in festivities.

Kolkata – The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Kolkata and Christmas at the same time is ‘Park Street’.

Live music performances at Allen Park, food extravaganza, courtesy food kiosks dishing up an array of items, crowds of people, loud music and songs, different stalls selling Christmas goodies, and the beautiful twinkling lights, makes Park Street the most lit-up place in Kolkata, is a must-watch! And food in any of the restaurants on Park Street wouldn’t disappoint- you will remember every flavour for years to come!

The largest and the most popular cathedral in Kolkata, holds the midnight mass, with music by children’s choirs and carols. The church is a sight to behold. Adorned with a Christmas tree, lights, and lovely decorations, it hosts a grand celebration. People from different faiths and backgrounds come together to celebrate the festival.

Mumbai – Mumbaikars from across the religious spectrum have their ways of celebrating this special occasion. With well-attended masses held at historic churches, citywide jolly decorations, Christmas-themed parties, and events, and with plenty of festive dining options, Christmas in Mumbai is an affair not to miss!

One of my favourites- Mount Mary Basilica Bandra sits atop a hillock overlooking the Arabian Sea. The first edifice at the hillock is considered to have been built around 1570and rebuilt a couple of times. While the current church structure is only over one hundred years old, the church’s statue of Mother Mary is believed to have been brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century. With carols starting around 11:30 pm, Mount Mary Basilica’s Midnight Mass draws an audience not only from Bandra but also from the entire city.

Goa – Goa’s peak tourist season is during Christmas and New Year. People flock to the beach capital of India to spend the holidays. When I lived in Mumbai, most of the years I would try and visit Goa during this time- it is beautiful. And now it’s my second home as my husband is from Goa. The locals find it crowded at this time of the year.

Almost a third of all Goans identify themselves as Catholics, a legacy of more than four centuries of it being a Portuguese colony, and Christianity is highly visible across the region – the extraordinary 17th-century churches and cathedrals at Old Goa are the largest in Asia and every town and village has its parish church.

Christmas celebrations begin in earnest around mid-December with carol singing, concerts, street decorations, illuminated village nativity scenes, and Christmas markets. When you are in Goa during this period or any other time, try the Portuguese-influenced treats such as bebinca or Goa’s special Christmas dodol (a festive, toffee-like sweet). Goa is comforting and joyful during this time of the year. – Shivangi Bose (Shivangi Bose is a Marketing and Communications professional at a leading financial services company in Auckland. She moved to New Zealand in 2020 and is a contributing writer with The Indian News.)