When you think of Christmas in India, the first place that comes to mind is mostly Goa, isn’t it? However, did you know that Christmas is a big phenomenon in the Northeast as well? Many states, such as Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Assam, etc have longstanding Christmas celebrations that you might not be familiar with.
Christmas In Mizoram: Origins, Celebrations, Food, Music, And More
How Christmas Came To Be Celebrated In Mizoram
Mizoram has been a predominantly Christian state, especially since the arrival of Welsh missionaries in 1894. Initially, the festival was celebrated in the style of traditional Mizo festivals, focusing on community rituals and feasts. These were organized by local churches, with villagers contributing to the festivals.
The Mizo communities have a rich heritage of Christmas songs and literature in the local languages. They also have a rich culture of community worship, Mizo music, and other cultural elements associated with Christmas.
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Christmas In Mizoram: How Is It Celebrated?
Christmas in Mizoram in contemporary times is often celebrated for three days, commencing on Christmas Eve. Households in Mizoram deck up in the festive mood, with markets and streets drowning in colorful Christmas lights and decor.
Major cities in Mizoram, like Aizawl, are lit up in decorative lights and attract both locals and tourists. Christmas celebrations in Mizoram are not as flashy and flamboyant as those in Goa; large-scale Christmas parties are rare. However, what makes Christmas in Mizoram so unique is its small scale and cozy atmosphere. Christmas here, despite being small in scale, is a celebration of community spirit and togetherness.
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Many churches set up traditional sermons, community feasts, charity drives, and the Midnight Mass on Christmas day. Many local hospitals, schools, colleges, and NGOs also organize charities and provide clothes, gifts, food, and essential supplies to the underprivileged. This act of generosity and charity is symbolic of the Christian values of goodwill, service, and kindness associated with Christmas.
Mizoram Christmas Food: A Cross-Cultural Culinary Celebration
Mizoram is a state known for its distinct culinary heritage, and during Christmas, you must not miss out on the unique range of foods you can get to try. Mizo cuisine is understated yet nuanced, with flavors and ingredients that are locally sourced. It is a balanced mix of plant-based and meat dishes, including pork and beef.
During Christmas, expect a wide range of Christmas-special foods such as traditional sweets, cakes, one-pot pies and meals, and porridges. Many communities engage in community feasts where the food is prepared by villagers themselves. These cooks are known as ‘Fatus’, who have great culinary expertise. In fact, many ‘fatus’ pass their culinary knowledge and heritage over generations.
While many communities use cooking gas to cook food, many others still rely on traditional firewood. The latter lends an earthy, rustic, and more grounded taste to the food, enhancing its flavor. While most of Mizoram’s communities have embraced a modern lifestyle, they use plantain leaves and bamboo cups for traditional feasts and celebrations.
Celebrating The Yuletide Spirit With Soulful Music
Christmas songs and carols are an integral part of the Yuletide (the time around Christmas) spirit. Mizoram, in its own distinct style, has a rich heritage of Christmas music in the Mizo language.
Communities engage in singing and congregation in an appointed hall or house in the village. They sing Christmas songs composed by Mizo composers like Patea, Kamlala, Damhauha, and others. Carols are performed door-to-door by youngsters, and church service or ‘lenkhawm’ (singing service) is also a common part of the Christmas celebration in Mizoram.
In recent times, Mizoram has also seen a rise in the integration of western, rock music during Christmas. Many youngsters organize concerts and music programmes that are a soulful amalgamation of traditional Christmas music, Mizo music, and Western music.
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Summing Up
Christmas in Mizoram is all about community celebration and reveling in the Yuletide spirit. The festival is celebrated on a comparatively smaller scale than in Goa or other metropolitan cities, but the essence of the celebration remains unchanged. Community feasts, church services, charity drives, bustling markets, and delicious Mizo food especially curated for this festival are some commonplace elements that form the essence of Christmas in Mizoram. Time to learn your Christmas carols, dress in your best fits, and enjoy a Christmas unlike any other!
