“Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace.”
Christianity is not new to India. St. Thomas the Apostle, also called Doubting Thomas or Didymus was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Present during the last supper, he is best known for disbelieving Jesus’ resurrection when first told of it. He was perhaps the only Apostle who went outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel. He is believed to have brought Christianity to India in 52 CE.
Bada Din or Christmas is observed in India on 25th December. The greetings “Merry Christmas” translates to ‘Krismasasya shubhkaamnaa’ (Sanskrit) and ‘Christhu Jayanthi Nalvaalthukal’ (Tamil). And father Christmas becomes ‘Christmas Baba’ in Hindi or ‘Christmas Thaathaa’ in Tamil, oil lamps sometimes replace candles and banana plants and mango leaves sometimes replace traditional Pine trees but the yuletide spirit prevails.
The Midnight mass on Christmas Eve is a very important service and on the night of 24th December, all members in families visit their local churches to attend the Midnight mass. The mass over, everyone relishes a mouthwatering feast of various delicacies. Thereupon, presents are exchanged. Although Christians are few in number Christmas is celebrated with gaiety across India – some regional twists exist but it enriches the overall message of peace and harmony.
An essentially Western concept Christmas has become a part of the country’s essential festival calendar. Like all places, the Balighai beach too wears a festive spirit during the xmas- new year period, lights abound, parties are organised including the new year bash. It is also one of the best times to travel due to the prevailing cool weather.
In 2010, Christmas festivities go a long way and on the fifth day get converted into the gayest affair of the year- the New Year celebrations. Celebrated on the last day of the year, that is, on 31st of December, this is the jolliest of all the festivals celebrated all over the globe.
Christmas Offers, Holiday and Vacation Packages : Toshali Resorts Package from 23rd December to 25th December 2010 (Thursday – Monday) http://bit.ly/fmgXpZ ..
Welcome The New Year 2011 At Toshali Resort, New Year Package from on 30 Dec 2010 to 3rd Jan 2011 – http://bit.ly/hmjpg2
For details on the exclusive family package contact you travel consultant Metu at metu@toshali.in