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Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Varanasi: A Blend of Cultures
My elder sister, who has been living in Denmark for four years, called me during Christmas. Naturally, we talked about how Christmas is celebrated there. She told me that most shops in Denmark are closed, and many people prefer to spend the holiday with their families.
But then she mentioned that she missed celebrating Christmas in Varanasi. This surprised me because Christmas is a Christian festival, and New Year traditions also come from the West. Yet, she longed for the way these festivals were celebrated in Varanasi.
It made me reflect on how, just like England’s national food Chicken Tikka, or tea time became a tradition in England (even though tea is popular in Asia), Varanasi has its unique way of celebrating Christmas. It’s a blend of cultures, showing how traditions evolve across borders.
Away from the debates of civilization clashes and misunderstandings, I thought of Marianne Williamson’s words: “Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one.”
This made me think of the Christmas stories of O. Henry, especially “A Cosmopolitan in Café.” In this story, a man is asked where he’s from, to which he replies that it doesn’t matter. He argues that we should judge people by who they are, not by their origins. He humorously points out how people from all regions can defy stereotypes and still be human.
Similarly, in Varanasi, despite its slow pace of change, the city has welcomed elements of various cultures. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world, and while it may hold on to its traditions, it has not rejected change entirely. It has adapted over time while maintaining its vibrant spirit.
The Christmas fairs in Varanasi, mostly held at churches like St. Mary’s School, are an example of this blend. Hindus, who may not know the religious significance of Christmas, still participate, understanding it as a celebration of Christ’s birth. This is similar to how Hindus celebrate Krishna’s birthday, as both have similarities in their childhood stories.
On New Year’s Day, temples in Varanasi are filled with people seeking blessings. It is an old tradition to visit the temple and seek blessings from God.
A few methods are also equally popular *Many Hindus enjoy celebrating Christmas and New Year because these holidays allow them to eat non-vegetarian food, which is otherwise restricted during Hindu festivals.
*Interestingly, the old generation in Varanasi still remembers the influence of Buddhism and Jainism on Hinduism, particularly the emphasis on non-violence. This is why eggs are not used in cakes or pastries during Christmas.
This can be confusing for foreigners, but it’s not a problem for those who have lived in Varanasi for years.
For example, the owners of Good Hope Bakery, who have been living in Varanasi for twenty years, happily distribute cakes during Christmas, offering both egg and eggless options to cater to local preferences.
In Varanasi, both locals and foreigners have adapted their ways of celebrating the New Year to respect each other’s beliefs. It’s refreshing to see such cultural coexistence in a world that often focuses on the clash of civilizations. This blend of traditions in Varanasi shows an optimistic picture of a future where cultures live together in harmony.