JulianaThurston at 17:30, 22 April 2026

2026-04-22T17:30:34Z

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{{Short description|Violence against Christians in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2025}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
| title = 2025 Christmas violence in India
| partof = the [[violence against Christians in India]]
| image = 2025-Christmas-Violence-in-India.jpg
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| caption = An attack at the Magneto Mall in Raipur by members of Bajrang Dal.
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| location = Across India
| target = [[Christianity in India|Indian Christians]]
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| date = {{start date|2025|12|20}}-<br />{{end date|2025|12|25}}
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| type = [[Vandalism]] • [[Arson]] • [[Mob violence]]
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| motive = {{ubl|[[Anti-Christian sentiment]]|[[Hindu extremism]]}}
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In December 2025, several incidents of violence, vandalism, arson, and disruption of [[Christmas]] celebration were reported across multiple states in India. These incidents occurred primarily in Christian institutions, prayer gatherings, and public decorations, often under the pretext of preventing alleged "[[religious conversion]]s"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-26 |title=Christmas marred by vandalism, threats across MP, Chhattisgarh, Assam and Delhi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vandalism-assam-school-latest-christmas-disruptions-week-10438926/ |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=40 Charged For Vandalising Christmas Decorations At Raipur Mall |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-magneto-mall-40-charged-for-vandalising-christmas-decorations-at-raipur-mall-9961410 |website=[[NDTV]]}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> or preserving "cultural awareness."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christmas celebrations in India marred by rising attacks and tensions |url=https://bayofbengalpost.com/news/Christmas_celebrations_in_India |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=Bay of Bengal Post |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Mishra |first=Anand |date=2025-12-26 |title=Christmas in India: Faith, Fear, and Mob Violence |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/newsletter/poll-vault-anand-mishra/india-christmas-attacks-hindu-rashtra/article70439045.ece |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=[[Frontline (magazine)]] |language=en}}</ref>. These incidents were primarily caused by members of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] and other Hindutva right-wing organizations. Notably [[Bajrang Dal]], a militant wing of the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad|Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-29 |title=Hindu Nationalists Attack Christmas Celebrations Across India - International Christian Concern |url=https://persecution.org/2025/12/29/hindu-nationalists-attack-christmas-celebrations-across-india/ |access-date=2025-12-31 |website=persecution.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Background ==
{{See also|Violence against Christians in India}}
The violence in 2025 occurred during a decade-long backdrop of rising attacks against Christians in India. According to the United Christian Forum, 834 incidents was recorded in 2024, a big jump from just 139 in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=834 Attacks on Christians in India in 2024, 100 More Than 2023: Rights Group |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/834-attacks-on-christians-in-india-in-2024-100-more-than-2023-rights-group |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> By November 2025, there were 706 documented incidents, with [[Uttar Pradesh]] (184) and [[Chhattisgarh]] (157) leading the list.<ref name=":0" /> Of the 579 incidents reported between January and September 2025, only 39 resulted in police cases; with a 93 percent gap in the documentation of these complaint.<ref name=":0" />

== Timeline ==
=== Lead-up to Christmas ===

* '''Chhattisgarh:''' Several days before Christmas, a major violent episode broke out in the [[Kanker district]] of [[Chhattisgarh]]. Between December 15 and 18,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Chhattisgarh: Mob Torches Christian Home, Churches Over Burial Dispute; Survivor Alleges Hindutva Role |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/chhattisgarh-mob-torches-christian-home-churches-over-burial-dispute-survivor-alleges-hindutva-role |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sikdar |first=Shubhomoy |date=2025-12-18 |title=Mob vandalises prayer hall over burial dispute in Bastar |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/chhattisgarh/mob-vandalises-prayer-hall-over-burial-dispute-in-bastar/article70412766.ece |access-date=2025-12-28 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> a dispute over a Christian burial in the villages of Bade Tevda and Amabeda escalated into a riot. According to reports, a mob exhumed the body of a convert and attacked the local community. During the rampage, multiple churches were set on fire and several Christian homes were destroyed. When police attempted to intervene, the clashes intensified, leaving a prayer hall vandalized and around 20 police members injured.<ref name=":6" />
* '''''Bandh'' (Shutdown):''' Following the unrest in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh, an umbrella body of tribal and social organizations known as the "''Sarva Samaj''" called for a state-wide ''bandh'' (shutdown).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sangh Scares Off Santa: A Christmas of Fear |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/sangh-scares-off-santa-a-christmas-of-fear |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref> The organization demanded strict action against "illegal conversions" and protested what they termed "administrative bias" in handling the Kanker clashes.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Statesman News |date=2025-12-24 |title=Statewide bandh disrupts normal life in Chhattisgarh over religious conversion-linked violence |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/statewide-bandh-disrupts-normal-life-in-chhattisgarh-over-religious-conversion-linked-violence-1503530110.html |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=The Statesman |language=en}}</ref> The United Christian Forum wrote to the [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Union Home Minister]] urging the cancellation of the ''bandh'', warning that a shutdown specifically targeting the Christian community on [[Christmas Eve]] would lead to unrest.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-12-24 |title=United Christian Forum urges Centre to cancel Chhattisgarh bandh against Christian community |url=https://madhyamamonline.com/india/united-christian-forum-urges-centre-to-cancel-chhattisgarh-bandh-against-christian-community-1479956 |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=madhyamamonline.com |language=en}}</ref>

* '''Madhya Pradesh:''' A prayer meeting and feast organized on the occasion of Christmas in the Gorakhpur area of Jabalpur was disrupted by a Hindu group alleging forced religious conversions.<ref name=":4" /> The event was attended by a large number of differently abled children (from the city's school for the hearing- and visually-impaired).<ref name=":4" /> Members of the VHP, Bajrang Dal, and BJP workers arrived at the venue after claiming they received a "tip-off" that religious conversions were being conducted under the guise of the celebration. The situation escalated into a clash between the activists and those attending the event.<ref name=":4" /> During the altercation, BJP District Vice President Anju Bhargava was filmed harassing a differently-abled woman named Safalta Kartik. Kartik later stated that she and her daughter were abused and interrogated about their religion, despite her assertions that she attends the feast annually and that no inducements for conversion were ever offered.<ref name=":4" /> This incident was followed by a similar incident in the Shakti Nagar area on December 22.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Targeted Attacks Disrupt Christmas Prayer Meetings in Madhya Pradesh; Catholic Groups Condemn |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/targeted-attacks-disrupt-christmas-prayer-meetings-in-madhya-pradesh-catholic-groups-condemn |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Kerala:''' On the night of December 21, a group of minors singing Christmas carols in Palakkad was attacked by local men. Police later arrested an activist linked to the RSS for destroying the group's musical instruments.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-12-24 |title=Protests erupt after RSS-BJP man's alleged attack on children's Christmas carol group in Kerala's Palakkad |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/protests-erupt-after-rss-bjp-mans-alleged-attack-on-childrens-christmas-carol-group-in-keralas-palakkad/article70432557.ece |access-date=2025-12-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Later, the education minister of Kerala V Sivankutty commented that 'schools in Kerala buckled under pressure from right-wing groups to cancel Christmas celebrations.'<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title='Govt Looking Into Schools Cancelling Christmas Celebrations Due to RSS Pressure': Kerala Edu Minister |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/govt-looking-into-schools-cancelling-christmas-celebrations-due-to-rss-pressure-kerala-edu-minister |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Odisha:''' In [[Puri]], street vendors selling [[Santa Claus]] costumes were targeted and harassed by right-wing activists. The group justified their actions by claiming the land belonged to the Jagannath temple and asserting that items related to Christian festivals should not be sold in a "Hindu nation." The vendors were subsequently forced to 'pack up their stalls' and were asked to 'leave the city.'<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mohanty |first=Subhashish |title='Christians don't have a say here': Vendors harassed in Puri for selling Christmas items |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/christians-dont-have-a-say-here-vendors-harassed-in-puri-for-selling-christmas-items-prnt/cid/2139341 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref>
* '''Haridwar:''' A government-run hotel (UP Tourism) was forced to cancel its "Experience Christmas" event scheduled for December 24. The cancellation came after priests from the Ganga Sabha alongside other Hindu groups protested,<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-12-22 |title=Haridwar hotel cancel Christmas event after protest by Hindu groups |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttarakhand/haridwar-hotel-cancel-christmas-event-after-protest-by-hindu-groups/article70427146.ece |access-date=2025-12-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> claiming that celebrating Christmas near the holy river was "anti-Hindu" and against local traditions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-12-22 |title=Christmas event axed in Haridwar: Ganga Sabha protests over UP govt hotel's programme; anti-Hindu, says priest |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/haridwar-priests-oppose-x-mas-celebrationsin-govt-hotel-force-organisers-to-cancel-event/articleshow/126107458.cms |access-date=2025-12-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

=== December 24 (Christmas Eve) ===
* '''Assam:''' A mob affiliated with the Bajrang Dal and VHP stormed St. Mary's English School in [[Nalbari]]. They burned the school's nativity scene and destroyed Christmas decorations,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-12-25 |title=VHP activists vandalises Assam school, burns items from shops to protest Christmas celebration |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/fringe-outfit-vandalises-assam-school-burns-items-from-shops-to-protest-christmas-celebration/article70436039.ece |access-date=2025-12-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> leading to the arrest of four district-level leaders.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-26 |title=VHP, Bajrang Dal office-bearers held for Christmas vandalism: Assam police |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vhp-bajrang-dal-office-bearers-held-for-christmas-vandalism-assam-police-101766734450246.html |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Bareilly:''' Groups gathered outside a cathedral in Bareilly to protest against the Christmas prayers, alleging that the gathering was a cover for conversions. Amid police presence, the group recited ''[[Hanuman Chalisa]]'' and shouted '[[Jai Sri Ram]].'<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Noor |first=Avanish Kumar |date=2025-12-25 |title=Jingle Hell? Hate Crimes Against Christians See a Spike Around Christmas Again |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/jingle-hell-hate-crimes-against-christians-see-a-spike-around-christmas-again |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Mayank |date=2025-12-24 |title=Uproar as Hindu group allegedly recited Hanuman Chalisa outside Bareilly church before Christmas |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/uproar-as-hindu-group-allegedly-recited-hanuman-chalisa-outside-bareilly-church-before-christmas/article70435069.ece |access-date=2025-12-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* '''Chhattisgarh: '''On Christmas Eve, a state-wide shutdown (''bandh'') was being observed by the '''''<nowiki/>'<nowiki/>'''Sarva Samaj'<nowiki/>'' across Chhattisgarh.<ref name=":7" /> While the shutdown received a mixed response with support from traders' associations in urban centers,<ref name=":7" /> it disrupted daily life.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Masked men vandalise Xmas decor in India |url=https://www.observerbd.com/news/559985 |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=The Daily Observer}}</ref><ref name=":7" /> Despite the shutdown, a mob of approximately 40-50 men with rods and hockey sticks entered the Magneto Mall in [[Raipur]].<ref name=":1" /> According to mall management, the mob began asking the people present there ‘Are you Hindu or Christian? 'What is your caste?'<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-12-25 |title='What is your caste?': Mobs with rods, hockey sticks vandalise Raipur mall, damage Christmas decorations; losses worth lakhs |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/what-is-your-caste-right-wing-activists-with-rods-hockey-sticks-vandalise-raipur-mall-damage-christmas-decorations-losses-worth-lakhs/articleshow/126171759.cms |access-date=2025-12-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> They vandalized Christmas trees and other decorations while chanting slogans.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-12-25 |title=Mob barges into Raipur mall, vandalises Christmas decorations |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mob-barges-into-raipur-mall-vandalises-christmas-decorations-10437753/ |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The incident occurred during the state-wide shutdown called by ''Sarva Samaj'' and several Hindu organisations.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

=== December 25 ===

* '''Indore:''' On Christmas Day, a mob vandalized a Christmas celebration in [[Indore]]. Reports stated that a group of men stormed a venue, destroying the Christmas tree and other decorations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-26 |title=“We'll Chant Jai Shri Ram, Just Don't Break This”: Christmas Event Attacked in Indore, Five Detained - The Logical Indian |url=https://thelogicalindian.com/well-chant-jai-shri-ram-just-dont-break-this-christmas-event-attacked-in-indore-five-detained/ |access-date=2025-12-27 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Malpani |first=Mehul |date=2025-12-26 |title=After Jabalpur, Christmas celebration disrupted in Indore; mob vandalises decorations |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/madhya-pradesh/after-jabalpur-christmas-celebration-disrupted-in-indore-mob-vandalises-decorations/article70440464.ece |access-date=2025-12-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
{{Expand section|date=December 2025}}
===Domestic===
[[Indian National Congress|Congress]] MP [[Shashi Tharoor]] has expressed 'deep concern over rising fear and anxiety among Christians in India...'<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-12-26 |title=Not just Christians, assault on all of us: Shashi Tharoor on Christmas vandalism |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/shashi-tharoor-on-christmas-vandalism-not-just-christians-assault-on-all-of-us-2841912-2025-12-26 |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> He commented, "To my mind, this solidarity is fundamental, and we're going through a time, and sadly, there are attacks on Christians in different places of the country. Even in [[Kerala]], there was an attack on a carol singing group in [[Palakkad]], which is truly shocking."<ref name=":5" />

===International===
[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bangladesh)|Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh]] expressed deep concern over the "mass violence" against religious minorities in India and urged the Indian government to properly investigate the "atrocities" committed against the minorities during the Christmas.<ref name="pa" /> The condemnation followed the [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|India's Ministry of External Affairs]]' concern over the situation of minorities in Bangladesh issued days prior.<ref name="pa">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-12-28 |title=Bangladesh expresses deep concern over 'mass violence' against minorities in India |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/79pc85ru03 |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=[[Prothom Alo]]}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:December 2025 in India]]
[[Category:Hate crimes in India]]
[[Category:Persecution of Christians by Hindus]]
[[Category:Hinduism-motivated violence in India]]
[[Category:Arson in 2025]]
[[Category:Hindutva]]
[[Category:Violence against Christians in India]]
[[Category:2025 in Christianity]]
[[Category:Attacks during Christmas celebrations]]
[[Category:December 2025 crimes in Asia]]
[[Category:2025 crimes in India]]

2025 Christmas violence in India - Revision history

JulianaThurston at 17:30, 22 April 2026