In different parts of India, the celebration of Christmas in 2025 was marred by the activities of vandals and attackers, which in turn led to police investigations as well as strong political reactions widespread across the country. The events of damaged decorations, assaults at churches, and attacks in public places have again raised the issue of religious intolerance in the country.
Assam: School Decorations Vandalised
It is reported that Bajrang Dal members entered St Mary’s English School in Panigaon, a town in Nalbari district, Assam, and afterward, destroyed Christmas decors. A local shop’s decorations were also defaced earlier that day. Senior Superintendent of Police Bibekananda Das has confirmed that the reports have been made and that the police are looking into the case.
Raipur Mall Attack
Chhattisgarh saw a violent incident at Magneto Mall in Raipur during the “Chhattisgarh Bandh” called by Sarva Hindu Samaj to protest the alleged religious conversions. The incident involving approximately 80-90 masked individuals has been reported, among the acts of vandalism Christmas decorations, and threatening of staff, and creating fear among customers. An FIR has been filed, but still, no one has been arrested.
Incidents in Madhya Pradesh
In Jabalpur, the district vice-president of BJP, Anju Bhargava, has been implicated in the battery of a blind woman in the company of a child and the child’s conversion being the reason given for the attack. No formal complaint has been made, however, Bhargava was issued a show-cause notice. Along with this, 15-20 men chanting religious slogans disrupted a prayer service in Madhotal resulting in temporary arrests.
Rajasthan: Restrictions on Santa Celebrations
Authorities in Sri Ganganagar district issued orders to schools, not to make it mandatory for the children to come in Santa Claus dress for Christmas. The request came from Bharat Tibet Sahayog Manch, which pointed out the predominantly Hindu and Sikh population with very few Christians in the district and was the reason for the decision.
Delhi: Verbal Clash in Lajpat Nagar
Lajpat Nagar became the location of a video that showed women in Santa caps having their fun spoiled by men apparently from Bajrang Dal. The police side confirmed it was a minor conflict that got resolved right away and no complaints were made.
Kerala: Attack on Carol Singers
The incident of a children’s Christmas carol group in Palakkad, Kerala, being assaulted by an RSS-BJP worker led to protests. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the event, saying that the assaults on Christian customs impact the whole country. He called for a united front and cautioned that the freedom of worship and cultural values are at risk.
Such incidents have raised a serious concern regarding the acceptance of others, which has overshadowed the chosen time for celebrations and, still, several communities are quietly celebrating.
