Mumbai (Staff Correspondent), December 10: India is famous for the diverse Christmas activities people participate in there, whose characteristics are the combination of traditional and modern-day customs. Whether it is the sandy beaches of Goa or the charming colonial lifestyle of Shillong, each trip allows you to celebrate the holiday season in a different way. There is something for everyone in these places where you can find anything from traditional midnight masses to loud and sensational street carnivals.
Here’s a guide to the top 5 destinations to make your Christmas 2024 memorable
Goa: A Festive Paradise
Goa comes first when you think about Christmas in India. Goa explodes with jubilant parades and decorations in the midst of various midnight masses. The high point is the midnight service at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the soulful carols and the soft light of the candles create an enchanting atmosphere. For those of you in search of an immersive experience, the seaside to-the-beach parties and fireworks displays provide an absolute balance between joy and festivity.
Absolutely, you got to sample the famous native goodies such as bebinca and dodol, which Goa uses to let you know of the rich heritage penchant they have locally. Also, the staff at the Museum of Christian Art show the merging of Christmas culture, which is very typical of Goa.
Shillong: Scotland of the East
Shillong sits prettily in the Meghalaya hills and hence benefits from a bonnie Christmas. Lit up and adorned with fairy lights, the city is one where families come together to celebrate Christmas. All Saints Cathedral springs up as the main focal point of celebrations with its colonial architecture evoking history and vibrant choirs making the enjoyment tenfold.
Happy holiday season, the market spaces and vital spots like Shillong Club where tradition and the Khasi people and the hint of the British influence are keenly superimposed. The weather is cool, and the landscapes are breathtaking, making Shillong a great Christmas destination.
Shimla: A Winter Wonderland
Located nearly seven thousand feet, Shimla, the “Queen of Hills”, metamorphoses into a winter wonderland around Christmas time. At Ridge and Mall Road, there is much joy to be seen, with all markets being geared up for the festivals and the streets being decorated with lights. Christmas should have been forgotten, and only the grand celebration of it would remind us of the same. Shimla is an English town surrounded by snowy hills and Victorian-style houses, and this is an environment that makes Christmas look way more romantic and magical than ever.
Pondicherry: A French Indian Festive Blend
The French colonial past of Pondicherry is a special perspective of the observance of Christmas. Midnight masses with elaborate adornments are usually held in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and other historical churches. The vehicle-lined streets of French-style houses form a fairy tale setting with shimmering fairy lights.
In some of the most fun local activities, they do the drawing of the kolam with rice flour, which is very detailed and artistic thus, the guests feel very welcome. From Indo-French cuisine to serene beachside gatherings, Pondicherry offers a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.
Mumbai: The City That Never Sleeps
Mumbai’s cosmopolitan vibe lends itself to a vibrant Christmas celebration. The Bandra neighbourhood is at the heart of the festivities, with Mount Mary Church hosting a popular midnight mass. Christmas markets across the city offer handmade ornaments and festive delicacies, while bakeries fill the air with the aroma of freshly baked goodies.
From carols sung in Marathi to Christmas bonfires on the beach, Mumbai blends cultural diversity with festive spirit. The city’s colonial-era churches and modern architecture provide a fascinating backdrop for the season’s celebrations.
