Christmas

The state of West Bengal abounds in cultural extravaganzas and fairs and festivities. The secular state finds an occasion to celebrate every joy that life offers and rejoices in the festive celebrations of every caste and creed. Christmas, a traditional Christian festival is also celebrated with grandeur.

Kolkata as well as the suburbs of West Bengal comprises of a sizable Christian populace. Hence Christmas, the annual festival that is celebrated on 25th December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated in West Bengal with great splendor. Colloquially referred to as Bara Din by the Bengalis, West Bengal celebrates Christmas in traditional style with Christmas trees, gifts and the conventional meal of stuffed turkey and roast pudding.

A holiday is declared in the state and Christmas Eve witnesses masses of people from a variety of religious backgrounds gathering in the premises of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the other churches to attend the holy mass. A deep sense of tranquility and sanctity engulfs people as the psalms are read and the choirs sing the popular carols. In shopping malls, large stores and amusement parks people dress up as the beloved Santa Claus and offer gifts to people. Special shows are organized and all Bengali families go out to celebrate the festivities.

Kolkata’s very own Park Street is all decked up and adorned in Christmas finery. A wonderful spectacle greets the eye as massive crowds flock to the city’s happening locale to watch it all dressed up in Christmas splendor, while the local bands sing the cherished Christmas carols and the delicious aroma of a Christmas dinner of stuffed turkey wafts through the nostrils of those looking forward to a traditional Christmas meal.