Public outcry on global festivites

Christmas 2025 in India

Hey everyone, as someone born in the early 2000s, I always thought Christmas in India was all about that shared vibe—Santa hats in markets, carols mixing with everyday chaos, and just good energy for everyone. But scrolling through what happened this year, it honestly left me feeling kinda down. Reports from multiple states show disruptions and vandalism targeting Christmas celebrations, mostly linked to groups like Bajrang Dal and VHP. It's not the India we want to see, especially during a time that's supposed to be about peace and joy.

What Actually Went Down

This wasn't just one or two isolated things—it happened across places like Assam, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and even Kerala. Here's a quick breakdown of some key incidents:

- In Assam's Nalbari district, members allegedly stormed St. Mary's School on Christmas Eve, tearing down decorations, setting stuff on fire, and chanting slogans. They also hit shops selling festive items. Police arrested four people connected to VHP and Bajrang Dal pretty quickly.

- Chhattisgarh's Raipur saw a mob vandalize Christmas setups at Magneto Mall—Santa statues, wreaths, all smashed during a bandh over "conversions."

- In Delhi's Lajpat Nagar, videos showed people confronting women and kids wearing Santa hats, accusing them of spreading "non-Hindu" stuff and telling them to celebrate only at home.

- Uttar Pradesh had protests outside churches, like in Bareilly, with groups reciting Hanuman Chalisa over claims a program hurt sentiments.

- Madhya Pradesh reports included disruptions at church events, with one incident involving harassment of a visually impaired woman at a Christmas gathering.

- Rajasthan and Kerala saw threats to schools and attacks on carol groups, leading some places to cancel events quietly.

Overall, groups tracking this say there were dozens of similar cases, from vendors getting intimidated to prayers getting interrupted. Christians are only about 2% of the population, so this hits a small community hard.

Why It Feels Off

Bajrang Dal and similar groups often say they're protecting "Hindu culture" from conversions or foreign influences. I get worrying about forced changes to traditions, but targeting peaceful celebrations—kids, schools, malls—doesn't feel like protection. It feels divisive. In a country that's all about festivals (Diwali, Eid, everything), why make one group's joy into someone else's issue? It just creates fear and pushes people apart, which isn't the pluralistic vibe India is known for.

Plus, it doesn't look great internationally when festive seasons turn tense like this.

Some Positive Notes Though

Not everything was negative—police made arrests in Assam, some leaders (even from BJP) called it out as unfortunate, and online, tons of people pushed back with messages of unity. Malls in some spots rebuilt decos overnight, showing that resilience.

Let's End on a Better Thought

Christmas 2025 had some rough moments, but it doesn't define us. The real spirit is in the millions who celebrated together without drama. Here's hoping next year we focus more on sharing the joy—no matter whose festival it is. What do you think—have things like this happened around you, or is it mostly peaceful where you are? Share below, let's talk.

Belated Merry Christmas, fam 🫶🎄Stay kind.

Sources (check these for more details):

1. Indian Express on Assam school vandalism: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bajrang-dal-men-storm-diocese-school-in-assam-destroy-christmas-decorations-inside-10438460/

2. TRT World overview of nationwide issues: https://www.trtworld.com/article/081b23f47428

3. Frontline on attacks and context: https://frontline.thehindu.com/newsletter/poll-vault-anand-mishra/india-christmas-attacks-hindu-rashtra/article70439045.ece

4. NDTV on arrests and protests: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/vhp-bajrang-dal-activists-arrested-for-christmas-vandalism-in-assam-9967593

5. Crux Now on school incident: https://cruxnow.com/church-in-asia/2025/12/arrests-made-following-christmas-harassment-incident-at-catholic-school-in-india

6. More reports from Hindustan Times, The Hindu, and others—search "Christmas disruptions India 2025" for the full picture.

Yours Truly,

Siegmeyer