Christmas In India

India proudly acknowledges Christian community's contribution: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on the Christian community on Monday for its role in the freedom movement and in various fields like healthcare and education, and said the country proudly acknowledges its contribution. In an interaction with the members of the community at his residence here on Christmas, Modi said the values of compassion, inclusivity and justice for all propagated by Jesus Christ also served as a "guiding light" in his government's development journey. Praising the community for playing an important role in giving direction to the society and sense of service, he noted that Mahatma Gandhi had said the Non-cooperation Movement was conceived under the patronage of Sushil Kumar Rudra, the then Principal of St. Stephen's College. Modi also recalled his old, intimate and warm relations with Christians since his days as the Gujarat chief minister and said they have always been at the forefront in serving the poor and deprived. Many thinkers and leaders from

Midnight masses, celebrations on beaches mark Christmas festivities in Goa

Prayers, midnight masses and carols sung in praise of Lord Jesus ushered in the Christmas festivities in Goa where several people gathered at churches and beaches for the celebrations held throughout the night. The streets of capital city Panaji were crowded with people who participated in the celebrations till the early hours of Monday after attending the midnight masses in churches. The famous Church Square in the heart of Panaji turned into a sea of people, as a large number of tourists have also arrived for the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the coastal state, which has about 30 per cent Christian population. Keeping with the festive spirit, Goans decked up their houses in colourful lights and put up beautifully decorated cribs, depicting the birth of Lord Jesus. At Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji, devotees started gathering from 11 pm on Sunday to attend the prayers. With the ringing of bells at midnight, the birth of Lord Jesus was celebrated a

Merry Christmas 2023: History, significance, top 50 wishes, quotes to share

Christmas is one of the most celebrated festivals across the world. People celebrate by exchanging gifts, bringing Christmas trees to homes and more. Check 50 best wishes, messages to share

Dhankhar writes to Kharge again, invites him to residence on Christmas Day

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday invited Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to his residence on December 25 for an interaction on the issue of disruptions in Parliament and the suspension of opposition MPs, saying despite his repeated requests, such a meeting could not happen during the Winter session. The vice president said the disorder in the House was deliberate and part of a strategy. "I do not seek to embarrass you by indicating the predetermined role of the main opposition party in this communication, but will share with you when I have the benefit of interaction with you," he said. In a fresh letter to Kharge, who is the leader of opposition in the House, Dhankhar wrote, "We need to move ahead" and invited him for an interaction on December 25 "or a time of your convenience" at his official residence. Responding to Kharge's December 22 letter, the Rajya Sabha chairperson said he wished that the Congress leader's assertion that "we firmly believe in fostering dialog

Christmas 2023: Know the importance of lighting candles on Christmas

Christmas candles carry seasonal cheer into the home and lighting the candles has extraordinary significance. Christmas candles are also symbolic of the Light from Heaven during the winter evenings

Ways to plan your Christmas and New Year holidays this festive season

Travelling during the Christmas and New Year is different from travelling during other times of the year. Arranging the ideal holiday needs pre-planned preparation to ensure a charming experience

Merry Christmas 2023: History, Importance, Traditions, Common Rituals

Christmas is a much-cherished celebration all over the planet. The celebration is related with good cause, spreading happiness and investing energy with loved ones

10 Decoration Ideas on Christmas Evening and why they are important

Generally, the Christmas tree is an evergreen decoration. Not only was it thought to prevent illness and evil spirits, but it was also a symbol of eternal life with God

India's busiest routes see surprise dip in airfares for year-end travel

Fare 'adjustment' comes as airlines seek to rectify missteps taken before Diwali

Covid concerns fail to dampen Christmas spirit, people go out in Delhi

Hundreds thronged churches across the national capital for Christmas festivities on Sunday after two years of muted celebrations in the shadow of the Covid pandemic with people seeking to find a balance between rituals and precautions. Colourful lights, Christmas trees, buntings and balloons decked up street corners, markets and public areas as people from all religions and cultures celebrated the festival with food and music. Christmas this year comes amid a low number of Covid cases. However, church-goers exercised caution considering the surge in infections in some countries. Most churches urged the people to wear masks and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. "It (crowd) was double the number we witnessed last year. There are no harsher curbs like the previous two years. So, the number has obviously gone up," a spokesperson of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi said. "However, we urged people to wear masks and maintain social distance considering cases are rising in some .

PM Modi, Congress president Kharge extend Christmas greetings to nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday greeted the nation on the occasion of Christmas

Mix of silence and celebration for exclusive clubs for Xmas, New Year's Eve

In a changed world, owing to the pandemic, while people are no longer going to traditional places of work, they are looking for a third space - a home away from home

In pictures: Christmas celebrations across the nation

Christmas, also known as the 'Feast day of Christ', is celebrated on December 25 every year. The day marks the birthday of Jesus Christ

In pics: From Jammu to Chennai, India celebrates Christmas

Christmas, originated as the birth celebration of Jesus Christ, is contemplated in myriad ways across the world

Delhi continues to shiver on Christmas, mercury dips to 6 degree celsius

The city recorded the maximum of 17 cold days in December 1997

Festivity grips nation as markets turn Christmas red amid anti-CAA protests

However, the mood was sombre in Assam where intense anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests were witnessed in run-up to the festival during which at least five people were killed

Christmas: A multi-city guide to celebrating the season of cakes and carols

The constantly evolving nature of festivals in a multicultural scenario has added so much more to family traditions

'We are afraid of Christmas': Tensions dampen holiday in India

Resistance to Christmas is part of a broader ideological battle that has produced countless acts of violence and harassment across India based on religious identity