BREAKING: Rising Intimidation Against Christians Mars Christmas Celebrations in India

A series of reported incidents across multiple states has heightened concerns over the safety of India's Christian minority during the 2025 Christmas season. Verified reports from credible sources, including The Hindu, Indian Express, and international outlets, document disruptions, confrontations, and assaults linked to allegations of religious conversions—claims often denied by police and affected communities.

A disturbing pattern of Christmas season chaos is unfolding across India, fuelled by RSS and Sangh Parivar outfits targeting Christians and their celebrations:

👉Odisha: A group of men in Puri were caught on video bullying poor roadside vendors for selling Santa hats, declaring… pic.twitter.com/cVVxFV46j0

— Dr Syed Naseer Hussain, M P (@NasirHussainINC) December 23, 2025

In Mumbai's Kashimira on 22 Dec, Hindutva leaders stopped Christmas celebration, and made children recite the Hanuman Chalisa and chant "Jai Shree Ram." They urged the kids to be “kattar” (staunch) Hindus, accusing organisers of making them pray during the Christmas celebration. pic.twitter.com/A3UGDIdvvH

— Waquar Hasan (@WaqarHasan1231) December 25, 2024

• Uttar Pradesh (Bareilly): On December 24, a group of 20-25 individuals from Hindu right-wing outfits recited the Hanuman Chalisa outside a church in the Cantonment area, raising "Jai Shri Ram" slogans amid police presence. The event sparked social media uproar but involved no reported physical violence.
• Delhi (Lajpat Nagar): Bajrang Dal activists allegedly confronted Christian women and children wearing Santa hats, accusing them of proselytisation and forcing them to leave a public space. Videos show verbal harassment; police described it as a minor exchange that was resolved.
• Kerala (Palakkad, Pudussery): An RSS worker was arrested for attacking a children's Christmas carol group on December 21, damaging instruments and traumatising minors. Protests followed, with the incident condemned as an assault on communal harmony. One BJP leader justified it controversially, drawing criticism.
• Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur): Right-wing groups, including a local BJP functionary, entered churches alleging forced conversions among visually impaired attendees during Christmas outreach events. Videos show physical altercations, including manhandling; police intervened, finding no evidence of coercion. Students confirmed voluntary participation for meals and prayers.
• Odisha (Puri): Videos captured men harassing roadside vendors selling Santa hats, declaring "This is Hindu Rashtra" and insisting Christian items cannot be sold. Vendors, including Hindus, were intimidated; local Bajrang Dal distanced itself, claiming the men were outsiders.

India celebrating Christmas 🎄 https://t.co/jrPeb0v7gj pic.twitter.com/cANU6Xysae

— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) December 24, 2025

These events align with broader reports of over 700 anti-Christian incidents recorded in 2025 by groups like the United Christian Forum, often tied to anti-conversion laws in BJP-ruled states. Authorities have arrested perpetrators in some cases (e.g., Kerala), while denying forced conversions in others. Church leaders, including the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, have urged protection, warning such actions undermine constitutional religious freedoms.

Look, this is what happening in India with the people who are celebrating Christmas

Christmas is probably the largest scale festival even celebrated in the Arab nations. While in a secular country under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India, is opposing this celebration and… pic.twitter.com/YdxW9M0L2Q

— Priyanshu Kumar (@priyanshu__63) December 24, 2025

Reports emerged of a Christian priest harassing congregants or explicit calls to burn churches during this period. Overall persecution trends show a documented rise, though incidents vary in severity—from verbal intimidation to physical disruptions—with police intervention common but impunity concerns raised by rights groups.

India's secular framework guarantees religious freedom, yet these disruptions highlight ongoing tensions. Christians, comprising about 2.3% of the population, continue contributions in education and healthcare amid calls for dialogue and accountability.