By Dr. Gyan Pathak
Disruption of Christmas celebrations 2025 is several states in India, allegedly by the RSS activists and Hindutva forces, has brought in focus the pitfalls of fanning the majority Hindu communal passions against non-Hindu religious groups, more so because the inter-religious tensions are rising sharply on account of religious-political polarization fanned for winning elections since 2014 under PM Narendra Modi’s India. The ominous genie has been trying to come out from the pot for quite some time, and if it is allowed to come out, it would be very difficult to put it back again. Though condemnation is pouring in against the fresh attacks which is labelled as attack on secular values of India, PM Modi must reign in RSS-BJP clan and their associates trying to create trouble across the country, as well as miscreants from other religious groups too. Peaceful co-existence of all religious groups is certainly the best, which must be valued more than winning elections on communal divide.
The key developments on Christmas related violent incidents and disruptions of Christmas celebrations in India has been reported by reliable media organisations from across the country. The reports indicated that in various parts of India during the Christmas Celebrations there were many incidents of attacks, intimidations, vandalism, or disruptions targeting Christian festivities, including carol singing groups, decorations, schools, and church activities.
In Raipur in Chhattisgarh, a BJP ruled state, a mob vandalized Christmas decorations at a mall ahead of Christmas Day. The other BJP ruled states from incidents of violence were reported were Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Delhi. In Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, right-wing activists held Hanuman Chalisa recitations outside churches and disrupted events. In Nalbari, in Assam VHP and Bajrang Dal activists, who are associated with RSS as the BJP is, have reportedly vandalized Christmas decorations at a school. In Delhi, women and children celebrating or wearing Santa Caps were reportedly confronted by RSS activists. Madhya Pradesh is another BJP ruled state where a BJP functionary allegedly got into a heated altercation with a visually-impaired woman during an event.
Sarva Hindu Samaj, Sarv Samaj in short, a collective of various social, tribal, and Hindu organisations and the right-wing groups jointly given a call for a state wide bandh (shutdown) in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, that is on Christmas eve against alleged conversion by Christians. Their intentions were clear from the beginning, that is to disrupt the Christmas celebrations and preparations. During the bandh, some unidentified persons vandalized Christmas decorations at Magneto Mall in Raipur city.
It should also be noted that Mall was closed in view of the shutdown call. Nevertheless, a mob of 40-50 people armed with rods and hockey sticks entered the mall. The attackers raised slogans against Christians and also pro-Hindutva slogans as all RSS family organisations and activists do. Police said that some of the attackers were identified and strict action will be taken against them.
In vandalization of a school and a shop selling festival items in Nalabari by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activist, the Police said that they have arrested four people from both the organisations. They raised the slogan “Jai Shree Ram” during attack. The attackers even vandlised several shops selling festival items, and set some items on fire.
In Palakkad in Kerala, which is ruled by the Left, a children’s carol singing group was allegedly attacked, thereafter the suspect was arrested, who is reportedly associated by RSS and there is strong presence of RSS in the area. Reports of disruptions and violence are still pouring in from others parts of the country also.
These incidents have drawn public criticism, political statements, and police action in some cases, but the scale and nature of involvement by any specific organizations (RSS, Bajrang Dal, VHP, political party workers, etc.) varies by location and is still being investigated through official channels and local media reporting.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that Christmas was marked by “fear and anxiety” for Christians. Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot called such incidents “worrying and condemnable”.
Various Christian groups, including Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), have appealed to PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as Chief Ministers of States to ensure strict enforcement of law and order and extend proactive protection to Christian communities across the country.
India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and cultural expression. Any intimidation or attack on peaceful worship or celebration is a serious concern that should be addressed through law enforcement and democratic processes. Repeated reports of disruptions raise questions about social tolerance and the safety of minority traditions. Civil society, political leaders, and courts often play important roles in upholding constitutional rights, and they must continue to do so.
At this important juncture, we must be wary of polarisation for political ends, whether it is done by the ruling Hindutva forces or by others, since borrowing trouble can never be wise. News and social media discussions around the issue are often highly emotional and politically charged, which is not good for establishing and maintaining peace in the country. Position statements from political leaders tend to frame incidents in ways that fit broader narratives and electoral strategies. People must seek fact-checked reporting and multiple perspectives to understand the full picture.
One must keep in mind that regardless of religious affiliation, festivals and celebrations are part of India’s pluralistic fabric. Upholding everyone’s right to celebrate peacefully is essential for social harmony. Law enforcement must fairly investigate incidents and hold accountable individuals, groups, or organisations, who commit violence or intimidation, without bias. (IPA Service)
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