India, the land of vibrant culture and ethnicity, is
known for the celebration of a number of colorful festivals in myriad ways.
In this secular nation, people following different religions coexist in
harmony. All the important festivals of the religions are celebrated with
equal pomp and gaiety. Although Hindus predominate the total population of
the country, a considerable proportion of people are following Christianity.
They celebrate Christian festivals including Christmas, Easter and Good
Friday with great enthusiasm and fanfare. Friends and acquaintance following
religions other than Christianity also eagerly take part in the celebrations
of the Christian festivals, which speaks volumes of the unity in diversity
in India.
Some places of India are well known for their celebrations of Christian
festivals. The celebration of Christian festivals in Goa, an erstwhile
Portuguese colony, is worth special mention. Some of the oldest and most
beautiful Indian churches are in Goa. Apart from the regular Christian
festivals, these churches observe auspicious days in the Christian calendar
by feasting, prayers and processions. While Goa is predominant, when it
comes to Christian festivals, other states are also equally enthusiastic
about celebrating the occasions. In many parts of the country, streets are
filled with carolers and other entertainers, during the festive season.
Christmas is the prominent Christian festival, celebrated with great fanfare
all over India. Apart from the Christians, people belonging to other
religions also take part in the celebrations of the festival, which is its
specialty. Easter and Good Friday are observed with utmost religious fervor.
They also hold a prominent position among the calendar of events in India.
Holiday is declared in schools and other educational institutions, for both
the festivals. In our related section, we have given complete information on
the celebration of the popular Christian festivals in India.
| Christian Calendar 2009 | |||
| JAN 2009 | 01 | Thursday | New Year |
| FEB 2009 | 14 | Saturday | Valentine's Day |
| MAR 2009 | 22 | Sunday | Mothering Sunday (UK) |
| APR 2009 | |||
| 10 | Friday | Good Friday | |
| 12 | Sunday | Easter (Western) | |
| 12 | Sunday | Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian) | |
| 19 | Sunday | Easter (Orthodox) | |
| MAY 2009 | 10 | Sunday | Mother's Day |
| JUNE 2009 | 15 | Monday | Father's Day |
| OCT 2009 | 31 | Saturday | Halloween |
| NOV 2009 | 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day |
| 30 | Monday | St Andrews Day | |
| DEC 2009 | 08 | Tuesday | Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
| 25 | Friday | Christmas | |

