Kerala is one of the best places in India to celebrate Christmas. About 20% of the state’s population is Christian, and people of other religions may also join in with the celebrations. Signs of the festive season are evident in Kerala for weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
One of the loveliest Keralan Christmas traditions (also found in Goa) is hanging a Christmas star outside homes and shops. They come in a range of colours and patterns, and a lighted lamp is placed inside at night for a magical effect. The beautiful stars are found everywhere in Kerala, even outside the homes of non-Christian families.
Most Christian families will also have a crib and a Christmas tree outside their homes. The photo above is taken of the amazing and unique Christmas tree and crib display created by the family at Community Greenpalm Homes, a homestay in the Keralan backwaters. We had never seen such a magnificient and inventive Christmas display, using the local palms and plenty of colourful decorations.
As everywhere in the world, Christmas in Kerala is celebrated with mass on Christmas Eve in the churches, and lots of delicious food on the day itself.
I’ll be taking a blogging break next week to focus on my own festive celebrations and to work on my upcoming Guide to Kerala Houseboats ebook, which I’m hoping to release early next year. Merry Christmas everyone!
Tags: christmas, Kerala, Kerala India Travel
We have been waiting for many years to take our son to India. After reading this article I think we’ll be bringing him to Kerala to celebrate Christmas in the next couple of years. Very exciting. Thanks for the post.