During Christmas this year. Christians across India faced a surge of harassment, intimidation, and attacks on churches, particularly in BJP-ruled states. According to Catholic Connect, mobs associated with right-wing Hindutva groups have targeted worshippers, disrupted celebrations, and damaged church property, sending a chilling message to minority communities.
In Dungarpur, Rajasthan, members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bajrang Dal disrupted Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bichhiwara village on December 14. Worshippers and clergy were confronted during service, accused of forced conversions. In Palakkad, Kerala, Christmas carol teams were verbally abused and attacked by activists, prompting police complaints and arrests of RSS-linked workers. Meanwhile, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, a planned Christmas celebration at a hotel on the banks of the Ganga was canceled after Hindu groups claimed it hurt religious sentiments.
In Delhi, members of the Bajrang Dal forced Christian women wearing Santa hats to leave a public space, accusing them of proselytizing, despite their explanation that they were spreading Christmas cheer. The incident was recorded and circulated widely. Bhubaneswar, Odisha, saw street vendors selling Santa hats and Christmas accessories harassed by men asserting that India is a “Hindu Rashtra” and Christian items had no place in public commerce.
In Chhattisgarh (Raipur), opposition to a Christian burial escalated into violence, with mobs setting homes and churches on fire. Madhya Pradesh witnessed two high-profile incidents: a visually challenged woman was publicly abused in Jabalpur, while four Catholic parishes in Jhabua were initially denied permission for carol singing, prompting intervention from the High Court. In Kolkata, West Bengal, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat declared India a Hindu nation during a centenary event, while in Trivandrum, Kerala, an official Christmas programme for postal employees was canceled after objections to including an RSS-linked anthem.
A Growing Ideological Climate
Catholic Connect emphasized that these incidents are part of a broader ideological pattern. Calls to declare India a “Hindu nation” have moved from the fringe to mainstream political discourse, challenging the secular foundations of the Constitution. The selective enforcement of laws, indifference from authorities, and repeated accusations of “forced conversions” without evidence exacerbate the vulnerability of Christian communities.
Reports suggest that law enforcement often lectures victims instead of taking action against aggressors, allowing extremist groups to operate with impunity. The normalization of harassment and violence against Christians is especially alarming during Christmas, a season associated with peace and goodwill.
Calls for Unity and Protection
Catholic Connect notes that the Church hierarchy has largely responded with press statements rather than coordinated action, leaving believers exposed. Analysts and clergy stress the urgent need for Christian denominations to unite under a common platform to safeguard the right to worship and celebrate freely.
As Christians across the country prepare to observe the birth of Christ, these attacks serve as a stark reminder that religious freedom in India remains under pressure. Advocacy for the protection of minority communities, coupled with solidarity and awareness, is crucial to ensuring that Christmas remains a season of peace, hope, and safety for all.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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