Shillong
North-eastern India celebrates Christmas with gusto. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is one of the best
Daman
Daman’s hotels make a killing with the arrival of the holidaymakers. Most arrange for lively entertainment. But to enjoy Christmas in the old-fashioned way, drop in at any of the old churches. People from the neighbourhood gather to decorate the churches. Families and friends come together for the Mass. Daman is less than 200km by road from Mumbai.
Goa
Plan to celebrate Christmas in Goa only if you have the luxury of booking your journey tickets and accommodation months ahead, or, have a family or friend to offer you a place to stay. Listen to Christmas carols at the churches already gaily decorated. Donate generously if you happen to meet any of the carol singing groups on the streets – most collect funds to feed the poor. A traditional meal consists of turkey or chicken, pork sorpotel and pulao. Goans heart their home-made fruit cakes and wine. Do not forget to taste the dodol, coconut nest and bebinca.
Kochi
Christmas in Kerala is an exciting time. To catch a glimpse, spend a Christmas in Kochi. Illuminations to sale of Christmas decorations and cakes to carol singing to visits from Santa Claus usher in the cheerful season. Shining stars and colourful buntings decorate most homes. Following the midnight mass, people burst crackers to commemorate the birth of Christ.
Kolkata
Kolkata adores Christmas. Midnight mass at St Paul’s Cathedral, dropping in at the Bow Barracks (where many Anglo-Indian families reside), buying rich plum cakes at the city’s famous Jewish confectioner’s—Nahoum’s, queueing up at Flurys—the tea-room on Park Street, are a few of the must-do’s of the season. Expect a huge holiday crowd at the Alipore Zoo, Indian Museum, Victoria Memorial and other landmarks. The old clubs of Kolkata turn nostalgic for their Christmas Eve parties—wangle an invite through a member friend if you are not a member yourself. The recently introduced Kolkata Christmas Festival on Park Street is also a major draw—especially for its food stalls and the musical programmes.
Mumbai
Take to the lanes of Bandra to catch a glimpse of the traditional festivities celebrated by Mumbai’s East Indian community. While the local bakeries are busy making cakes, cookies and breads, pavements are full of vendors selling Christmas decorations. One of the most popular house décor is the ‘star kandil’ (star-shaped Chinese lanterns). Marvel at the illuminations and yuletide décor beautifying the shops along Hill Road. Pay homage to Jesus Christ at the mid-night mass at Mount Mary’s Basilica. The pleasant weather is a great draw for people to come outdoors. Expect a large crowd at the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and at the beaches.
Shimla
This former summer capital of British India used to revel in a white Christmas years ago. But now Mother Nature obliges occasionally. But people still flock to Shimla hoping for snow. The hotels are booked weeks ahead. Take a customary walk along the Ridge and the Mall Road. Of the large number of churches in Shimla, the historical Christ Church (second oldest church in North India) is the most popular. It is here that you can hear the century-old pipe organ being played.
Vailankanni
Christmas in Vailankanni (also known as Velankanni) has turned into a sombre affair after the devastation suffered during the tsunami that hit India’s east coast on December 26, 2004. People visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Health in large numbers. It is popularly referred to as the Lourdes of the East. Vailankanni is about 350km south of Chennai. Note: Before travelling, check with the local authorities about the latest road conditions owing to the rains battering Chennai and the surrounding region.
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