As churches across India filled with worshippers on Christmas Day, celebrations in several states unfolded amid fear rather than joy. Multiple reports of vandalism, intimidation and disruption of Christian gatherings emerged from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, raising concerns among religious leaders and civil rights groups.
Several of these incidents have been linked to right-wing Hindu organisations, including groups affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Police authorities confirmed arrests in some cases and said security had been stepped up around churches and public places to prevent further unrest.
Incidents reported in multiple states
In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Christmas decorations at a shopping mall were vandalised after a large group allegedly forced its way inside. An employee told the media that such behaviour had never been witnessed at the mall in over a decade of operations.
In Kerala, a Christmas carol procession involving children, most under the age of 15, was reportedly attacked on December 21. Police arrested a man identified locally as being associated with the RSS and charged him under laws related to communal violence. The incident drew strong reactions after remarks by some local political leaders were perceived as justifying the attack, causing distress among parents and residents.
In Madhya Pradesh, two incidents were reported in which a visually impaired woman attending a prayer meeting was assaulted, alongside accounts of mob harassment during church gatherings. Similar intimidation was reported against street vendors selling Christmas items in parts of Delhi, including Lajpat Nagar, where vendors and families wearing Santa hats were confronted.
Calls for restraint and protection of rights
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad issued appeals urging Hindus not to celebrate Christmas, a move critics say contributed to an atmosphere of exclusion. In response, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the attacks, calling them contrary to India’s secular values and warning that any infringement of constitutional rights would not be tolerated.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and the Bombay Catholic Sabha also expressed deep concern, urging authorities to ensure the safety of Christian communities during the festive season.
With police deployment increased at churches and sensitive locations, religious leaders and civil society groups have reiterated that Christmas, at its core, is a message of peace — one that must be protected in both spirit and practice.