Christmas was celebrated with devotion and vibrant traditions across Northeast India, as churches, communities, and security forces marked the birth of Jesus Christ with prayers, cultural events, tourism activities, and messages of peace, unity, and hope.
Christmas was celebrated with profound religious devotion, traditional warmth, and vibrant community participation across the Northeastern states of India, transforming the region into a glowing landscape of faith, unity, and cultural harmony. The festival witnessed widespread observance, particularly in Christian-majority states such as Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, where prayers for peace, prosperity, and social harmony resonated from hundreds of churches.
To commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, churches of all major denominations organised special prayer services, midnight masses, and devotional programmes. From urban centres to remote hill villages, the spirit of Christmas permeated every corner, symbolising hope, love, and togetherness. Churches, government buildings, private establishments, homes, streets, parks, and even graveyards were adorned with colourful lights, flowers, stars, Christmas trees, and Christian motifs, creating a festive atmosphere that had been building up for several days.
Governors and Chief Ministers of all Northeastern states extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to the people, emphasising the message of peace, compassion, and communal harmony. Since Monday, thousands of government and private buildings across Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and other states were illuminated, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted Christian traditions blended with local customs.
One of the defining aspects of Christmas in the Northeast is its strong sense of community participation. Traditional community feasts, often organised on the second day of Christmas, are integral to the celebrations. These gatherings transcend religious, political, and social boundaries, with leaders from various political parties and people from all walks of life participating in the festivities. Such inclusive celebrations underline the region’s commitment to unity and social cohesion.
Christmas celebrations were equally vibrant in Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, where people from diverse religious backgrounds joined the festivities. Non-Christians actively participated in church programmes, cultural events, and social gatherings, reinforcing the spirit of interfaith harmony that characterises the Northeastern region.
Children and youth played a significant role in the celebrations, performing group carols, nativity plays, and Christmas-themed cultural programmes that conveyed messages of love, peace, and joy. In Mizoram, traditional congregational singing services known as “Zaikhawm” were held after church services, showcasing the state’s unique blend of faith and tradition. Christmas-related observances began on Wednesday evening with devotion services and dedication programmes organised by local churches.
The Roman Catholic Church conducted solemn midnight masses on Christmas Eve, attended by large congregations. In Mizoram, Christmas is traditionally observed over two days, and in some areas, celebrations extend up to a week depending on local customs and convenience. A customary high tea, locally known as “Thingpui ruai,” was served on Christmas Day, while community feasts were scheduled for the following day by major churches such as the Mizoram Presbyterian Church and the Baptist Church. Some indigenous churches began community feasts on Christmas Day itself.
Mizoram, a border state known for its vibrant Christmas celebrations, continues to observe the festival by harmoniously blending religious devotion with traditional practices. Despite the influence of modern and Western-style celebrations, the Mizo community has largely preserved its cultural identity rooted in historic traditions. Notably, some Christian denominations, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church, do not observe Christmas.
Mizoram Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) attended a Christmas service at the Central Church of the Baptist Church of Mizoram in Aizawl. Addressing the congregation, he highlighted that Christmas exemplifies humility, hope, and light for humanity. He emphasised that the festival calls for meaningful action over mere words, urging people to express love through deeds. The Governor also extended his best wishes for the New Year, encouraging citizens to move forward with faith, love, and optimism.
As part of the festive celebrations, a Christmas Carol Service was organised at Lok Bhavan in Aizawl in collaboration with the Aizawl West-I Area Masihi Sangati. Lok Bhavan was opened to the public on multiple days during Christmas and the New Year period, allowing people to share in the festive spirit.
Various church bodies, non-governmental organisations, and civil society groups, including the influential Young Mizo Association, organised charitable activities, distributing gifts and essential items to the poor and needy. Such acts of generosity reinforced the core Christmas value of giving.
State governments in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya declared extended holidays to enable widespread participation in the celebrations. In Nagaland, towns and villages were illuminated, homes were decorated, and churches echoed with hymns and carols. Midnight masses and morning worship services drew large crowds dressed in festive attire. Traditional community feasts, exchange of greetings, and visits to friends and less-privileged families marked the occasion.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio conveyed Christmas greetings through a social media message, expressing hope that the festival would bring peace, joy, and renewed faith to every household.
In Meghalaya, the festive charm was amplified by the influx of tourists. Streets, churches, homes, and natural landscapes were decorated with colourful lights, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and festive splendour. Hotel rooms in and around Shillong and other popular tourist destinations were fully booked weeks in advance, highlighting the state’s growing appeal as a Christmas tourism hub.
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In Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council reflected on the challenges faced by the community due to prolonged ethnic conflict. While acknowledging the improved atmosphere this year, the council urged people to celebrate Christmas with compassion while remaining united and vigilant in their pursuit of justice and peace.
Adding to the celebrations, Assam Rifles personnel celebrated Christmas with local communities across Tripura, Assam, and Manipur. Through carol singing, distribution of cakes and gifts, and participation in prayers, they reinforced bonds of trust and unity. Residents warmly appreciated the gesture, describing it as a symbol of friendship beyond duty.
Across the Northeast, Christmas once again emerged as a powerful expression of faith, resilience, and communal harmony.
