Despite being considered a Christian celebration, non-Christian communities across India have begun warmly embracing secular Christmas traditions in recent years, introducing their own unique twists on the festivities. In fact, it has become so popular that they now affectionately call it ‘Bada Din’, meaning ‘Big Day’.
Listen out for Santa’s horse-drawn cart
In India, Santa Claus is also known by various endearing names, such as Christmas Baba, Christmas Taathaa, or Natal Bua, depending on where you are. Here, he forgoes his usual reindeer-drawn sleigh, opting instead for an often colorfully decorated, horse-drawn cart laden with gifts for children. This cheerful adaptation reflects India’s flair for blending local culture with global celebrations.
Color, light, and nature as Christmas decor
When the festive season arrives, homes across the country become tapestries of vibrant Christmas decorations and glowing lights. Mango leaves dangle gracefully from doorways and windows, adding a touch of nature to the festivities. At the same time, the classic pine tree is replaced by verdant banana and mango trees, decorated head to toe in colorful ornaments. Across the country, floors and tabletops are covered in rangoli, the elaborate patterns made with coloured powders, flowers, and rice.
Across India, floors and tabletops come alive with rangoli—intricate patterns made from colored powders, flowers, and rice. Warm candlelight and glowing fairy lights spill from windows, while in southern India, rooftops radiate the soft glow of small oil-burning clay lamps, or diyas, symbolizing Jesus as the light of the world.
Cochin Carnival in Kerala (25 Dec 2023 – 1 Jan 2024)
Kicking off with a spectacular procession of elaborately decorated floats and traditionally dressed performers weaving through the seaside town of Fort Kochi, the Cochin Carnival is one of India’s most flamboyant festive events. Held during the ten days leading up to the New Year, it draws locals and tourists alike to its coastal streets.
The festival’s itinerary is packed with beach football and volleyball, wrestling and biking competitions, lessons in Thekkoottam Kali, a traditional folk dance, and much more. The Carnival’s cultural program showcases the region’s diverse artistic traditions and allows local artists to display their talents through dance and music.
Then, on New Year’s Eve, the festivities conclude with the burning of Pappanji, an effigy of an old man that is set alight at midnight as a symbol of the passing year. Then a massive fireworks display fills the night sky, and attendees celebrate through to the morning.
Fireworks on beaches in Goa
Every year, Goa, the small state on India’s southwest coast, celebrates Christmas and New Year’s Eve with vibrant fireworks displays and light shows. Above Anjuna Beach, the night sky comes to life with brilliant bursts of color illuminating the lapping waves and golden sands below. With other beaches such as Arambol, Calangute, and Vagator also putting on their own fireworks displays, the Goan sky becomes a tapestry of light every Christmas.
Kolkata Christmas Festival
Nowhere in India does Christmas sparkle quite like in Kolkata, where public spaces become adorned with twinkling lights, Christmas trees showered with ornaments are set up in the centre of squares, and lively Christmas bazaars pop up around the city.
The epicenter of festive celebrations in Kolkata is the Christmas Festival on Park Street, where sparkling fairy lights, illuminated bells and bows, and neon-wrapped trees light the way for revelers to get into the festive spirit. Allen Park becomes covered in installations showcasing contemporary and traditional interpretations of classic Christmas tales, and food stalls pop up to feed attendees.
Meanwhile, energetic processions featuring festive floats and marching bands make their way through the city, their tanks filled with dancers and actors in vivid costumes.
The Spirit of ‘Bada Din’
Across India, Bada Din has grown into more than just a religious holiday. It is a celebration of light, kindness, and community. From southern rooftops glowing with diyas to Goan skies bursting with fireworks, from the artistic vibrancy of Kochi to the glittering charm of Kolkata, Christmas in India beautifully reflects the nation’s inclusive spirit and festive warmth.
Many communities and social organizations now mark the occasion with acts of giving—hosting shared feasts, distributing gifts, and supporting local charities—ensuring that the joy of Bada Din reaches everyone.
Image Credits: Hanging stars by Giorgina Carini © Shutterstock; Sparklers by Abie Davies © Shutterstock; Diyas by rawf8 © Shutterstock; Arambol beach fireworks by yurakrasil © Shutterstock;
