Christmas is supposed to be the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on the 25th of December, the date of which was mentioned for the first time in 336 A.D. It was introduced by the Europeans with the advent of colonisation of India. Christmas in India is celebrated not only by Christians but is observed and celebrated by people of other religions as well. Since India is a secular country, it holds special significance here as it substantiates her belief of unity in diversity through this. Business runs high during this period as people flood the market to buy Christmas trees and presents for their dear ones, irrespective of their religion. People from all walks of life come together and this occasion serves as a binding factor to foster brotherhood and humanity.
The midnight mass is seldom missed by many and in the southern parts of the country clay lamps are used instead of candles to decorate houses with (akin to diwali-indicating the incorporation and merging of the local traditions). Many even decorate their houses with mango leaves. In schools and colleges across the country, skits are enacted during this time depicting the birth of Christ. Hymns and carols are also sung to mark this occasion. The notion of Father Christmas, better known as Santa Claus, secretly coming and hiding sweets and presents for kids is something all of us are familiar with, irrespective of our background or religion.
Christmas in Darjeeling is celebrated with true allegiance. To get a hotel booked during this festive season seems to be next to impossible as the place assumes a very colorful look despite the mercury levels dropping down and the chill biting right into your bones. Tourists are found in almost every nook and corner of the town. A bevy of activities buzz the town and cars are hired to ride through the treacherous roads, lush green foliage and the snow capped mountains of the queen of hill stations. Hotels like Hotel Windamere organize entertaining programmes for its guests and members, spanning through the entire Christmas week and as the darkness of the night approaches, the town enlivens up all the more.