Indian know how to enjoy and making most of any celebration opportunity. I am saying this because I have seen how people enjoy the yuletide season. Even though Christmas is not an Indian festival, but people marks the occasion with full enthusiasm and enjoyment. From Cakes to Christmas tree to Santa Claus. People know how to celebrate the festivities. I remember wearing Santa Claus dress to commemorate the occasion in office. In India, Christmas and New Year are celebrated with a vibrant mix of global Christian traditions and unique Indian flavors. Many people like to visit church to attend Midnight Mass, caroling, they buy Christmas trees & decorate home with lights. They are not leaving behind feasting on festive foods like biryani, cakes & sweets, and exchanging gifts. I am fond of eating plum cake one of the most selling cake during Christmas. But this year, things have changed and it is going to be a silent celebration.
(scene at my village - own edited image)
I am in my village far away from the chaos of city. I was trying to figure out the mood of the people as we are getting closer to the yuletide season. One thing that I noticed among the villagers that the people has nothing to do with the upcoming Christmas and New year. The new year celebration is minimal and people were quietly busy in their harvesting and the paddy separation. Everyone is busy in their post farming activity. There is nothing strange to know that there no fuss about the celebration. Village people does not like to create chaos. They wanted minimal celebration within their family group. On the other side, the city people were already preparing for the celebration. My friends group already started table booking in clubs. Everyone is pumped up to make the celebration grand in their own way. But when it comes to my celebration, it is completely different.
Ever since I came to my village our new year celebration has always revolved around our family. We have a big family so everyone like to spend the occasion jointly. As of now there is no fuss or chaos about the celebration. But I am sure things unfolds very quickly. Here in village people organized family picnic in the woods or the riverside. Even during new year they like to stay together. Although there is no plans made as of now, but suddenly on the fateful days we will be going to a family picnic. Everyone will pitch in to make their arrangement. From different dishes to sweets and above all mutton. Everything will be cooked in the riverside or inside the jungle . It depends upon the availability of the space. Mostly the entire village can be seen enjoying the occasion own way. While Christmas is referred as "bada din". New year is just another day in the calendar for them. Village celebrations of Bada Din are about community, faith, sharing, and unique local flavors, making it a truly Indian Christmas.
Celebrating Yuletide with family builds strong bonds through shared traditions, creating cherished memories, fostering a sense of belonging, and teaching values like gratitude, resilience, and ancestral connection. I simply loves the time mingling, meeting, chatting with different family member.
In good faith - Peace!!
