Welcome to a spiritual expedition across the diverse land of India, where the air is filled with the melodious hymns and the joyous spirit of Christmas. This festive season, we invite you to explore the enchanting world of renowned churches that stand as timeless testimonials to faith, history, and architectural marvels. From the tranquil corners of Kerala to the heart of Delhi, India boasts a plethora of churches that come alive with vibrant festivities and exude an ethereal charm during Christmas. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover these iconic sacred spaces, where the lights, carols, and reverence create an atmosphere of peace and celebration, making your Christmas in India truly memorable.
Christianity has been associated with India since 52 A.D. It was first introduced to the Indian population through St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s disciples. Throughout history, the French, Dutch, Portuguese and English ruled over India and generally practised Christianity. Consequently, churches were built, and their architecture and layout influenced the country. India’s churches have left a lasting imprint on the land.
Christ Church – Shimla
Christ Church is one of the earliest churches in Northern India, established in 1857 by the British to cater to the area’s significant Anglican British community. The church was inaugurated in 1857 to serve the Anglican British residents of Shimla in the nineteenth century. British Colonel J.T. Boileau planned it, and it is today one of the city’s most loved and admired attractions. The Christ Church is fashioned in the neo-gothic architectural style. It features church bells, a front hall, and five window panes of stained glass representing various Christian attributes – Patience, Faith, Humility, Fortitude, Hope and Charity. The church’s stunning yellow building, one of Shimla’s heritage sites, is visible afar. Its magnificent architectural grandeur and fascinating history make it a popular Shimla tourist spot for curious travellers.
St. John In The Wilderness Church – Dharamsala
St. John in the wilderness church in Dharamshala is also known as the St. John Church. It is an Anglican Church consecrated to the Baptist Saint John. This church is located near Dharamshala on the route to Mcleodganj. It is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most important churches. The church, renowned for its gorgeous design and neo-gothic architectural style, is nestled within deodar woods and lined with memorial stones of British soldiers deployed here. This church, in Forsyth Ganj, was completed in 1852. The wife of Lord ElginLady Elgin (Mary Louisa Lambton) contributed to the Belgian stained-glass windows. It may appear to be an ancient and abandoned building from the outside, yet the interiors remain well-preserved and lively. The church draws many travellers and tourists daily, especially on Sundays.
Basilica of Bom Jesus – Old Goa
The Basilica of Bom Jesus, located in Old Goa, was finalised in 1605 AD. The Basilica holds St Francis Xavier’s burial and mortal remains. It is a monument characteristic of the historic architectural styles pioneered by the Society of Jesus, also recognised as the Jesuits. The church, dedicated to the Infant Jesus, has been designated a World Heritage Site. Bom Jesus translates to “Good Jesus” or “Baby Jesus”. This church was built in 1594 and inaugurated in 1605, marking Christianity’s start in India. The basilica is one of India’s oldest churches and the country’s best Portuguese and baroque architecture specimen. The saint’s relics continue to draw many worshipers from all over the world.
St. Francis Church – Kochi
St. Francis Church, known for its exquisite design and atmosphere, is considered one of India’s earliest European-built churches. The church, built of wood and mud, was devoted to St Bartholomew and was located in the centre of the fort built by the Portuguese with the approval of the former Cochin Raja. The St. Francis Church Kerala is India’s oldest European church. Vasco Da Gama, the great Portuguese explorer, was buried in St. Francis Church in 1524. Unlike other European church building models, the architecture of St. Francis Church is in the classic European style with few ornamental embellishments. The church’s interior resembles ancient Indo-European design, with a timber ceiling and rock flooring.
St. Paul’s Cathedral – Kolkata
St Paul’s Cathedral is regarded as the Eastern World’s first Episcopal Church. It is a Church of North India Anglican cathedral. It was built to serve the city’s growing Christian population. The construction is designed in the Indo-Gothic style, with a rising pinnacle, a descending white façade, and colourful tinted windows. The St. Paul’s Cathedral typically took years to build. It was finally sanctified on October 8, 1847, by Bishop Wilson. The central tower was inspired by Canterbury Cathedral’s ‘Bell Harry’ tower. It is a must-see for tourists looking for excellent historical and architectural experiences.
Velankanni Church – Velankanni
Velankanni Church, located on the Coromandel Coast shorelines of the Gulf of Bengal, is regarded as one of India’s holiest Christian religious places. It is commonly known as the “Lourdes of the East” and is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. According to legend, Mother Mary appeared in this small hamlet with the Child Jesus towards the latter of the 16th or early 17th century. The Pope has declared it a holy city, attracting many pilgrims from every region of the world. The Church’s architecture is distinctive in the Gothic style. The church comprises a massive structure with beautiful architecture.
Reis Magos Church – Goa
Reis Magos, one of Goa’s oldest churches, was devoted to the Three Wise Men of the Christmas legend, Caspar, Balthazar and Melchior. The Franciscans supervised and maintained this church, which was built in 1555. It was attributed to Saint Jerome. The church is located on the banks of the Mandovi River at Bardez Taluk, North Goa. The multi-hued wooden ceiling portraying the Wise Three Men giving presents to Baby Jesus, the centre of the meticulously sculpted and painted behind the high altar, is the focus of the church’s brilliant and spectacular interiors. Every year in January, the ‘Festa dos Reis Magos’ (Feast of the Wise Three Men) is organised. During this event, local teenagers reenact the tale of three kings delivering presents to the newborn Jesus.
San Thomas Basilica – Chennai
Santhome Basilica is a prominent shrine that honours St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve Disciples designated for propagating the Lord’s teachings. Portuguese explorers built it over Saint Thomas’ grave in the 16th century. In 1893, the Colonists reconstructed it into a cathedral-status church. The church, built in neo-Gothic style, enthrals tourists with rows of oak benches, naturally illuminated halls, and spectacular window frames with coloured panes. A museum containing significant relics is a must-see for visitors to the church.
India, a land that speaks a thousand languages and has been ruled by a variety of civilisations all through history, recalls its past via majestic stone buildings scattered around the country and through religions that have been impacted in a staggering array of ways by such historical kingdoms. Christianity is a religion that was founded in India in the sixth century AD and now retains the honour of ranking as the third biggest religion, following Hinduism and Islam. As the faith grew in popularity, many gorgeous churches were constructed in India.