Christmas in Bangladesh: Celebrating Diversity and Festivity
Christmas in Bangladesh is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural tapestry and communal harmony. Despite being a nation where Muslims constitute the majority, the festive spirit of Christmas, locally known as ‘Boro Din’, illuminates the season with its unique blend of traditions. Approximately 0.3% of Bangladesh’s population is Christian, yet the celebration of Christmas resonates with the values of joy, peace, and goodwill across different communities.
On Christmas day, the Christian community in Bangladesh participates in church services and cultural programs. The churches are adorned with lights and nativity scenes, creating a picturesque atmosphere of celebration. The exchange of ‘Preeti-bhoj’ or ‘Prem-bhoj’, which are terms denoting a feast of love and friendship, plays a central role in bringing families and friends together during this time.
The Bangladeshi adaptation of Christmas customs may be more subdued in comparison to Western celebrations, but it is nonetheless heartfelt. Offering glimpses into the country’s dedication to cultural diversity, Christmas in Bangladesh underscores the collective desire to observe this global holiday with local nuances and a welcoming spirit.
History of Christmas in Bangladesh
Christmas in Bangladesh has evolved from a purely religious event into a cultural celebration that transcends religious boundaries.
Origins and Historical Context
Christmas, or “Boro Din”, meaning “the big day” in Bengali, traces its celebration in Bangladesh to the country’s small Christian community, which accounts for approximately 0.3% of the population. The observance of the holiday began with the presence of Christianity brought by missionaries and settlers over the centuries.
Influence of Colonial Period
During the British colonial period, the celebration of Christmas became more pronounced in Bangladesh due to the presence of British expatriates. As a result, the customs and traditions associated with Christmas, including church services and festivities, became more visible and influenced local practices. After independence, irrespective of the decline in British influence, Christmas remained a public holiday in Bangladesh, signifying its lasting imprint from the colonial era.
Current Celebrations
In Bangladesh, Christmas, or Boro Din as it’s locally known, involves a blend of religious reverence and community festivities despite the Christian community being a minority.
Celebrate Christmas Day Traditions
Midnight Mass and Prayers: Many Christians in Bangladesh begin their Christmas Day with midnight mass, a tradition that brings families and communities together in worship. The mass includes the singing of hymns, reading scripture, and a sermon relevant to Christmas.
Exchange of Greetings: On the day, Bengali Christians exchange greetings of “Shubho Boro Din,” or “Shuvo Boro Din”, wishing each other a blessed Christmas. Homes often display modest yet noticeable festive decorations.
Community Events and Gatherings
Cultural Programs and Food: Churches and Christian neighbourhoods often host cultural programs featuring music, dance and skits that narrate the story of Christmas. Such events provide an opportunity for non-Christians to partake in the celebrations, thus fostering communal harmony.
Charitable Activities: It’s common for the Christian community in Bangladesh to engage in charitable acts during the holiday season. They distribute food and gifts among the less fortunate, reflecting the Christmas spirit of goodwill and compassion.
Cultural Significance
In Bangladesh, Christmas holds a dual significance as both a religious holiday and a celebration that transcends religious lines, fostering unity and joy among diverse communities.
Religious Observances
Christmas, locally referred to as Boro Din, which translates to “the big day” in Bengali, carries immense religious importance for the Christian community in Bangladesh. They observe this day to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, which is marked by special church services and prayers. A typical greeting exchanged is “Shubho Boro Din”, wishing others a happy and merry Christmas.
Secular Aspects and Inclusivity
Although predominantly a religious festival, Christmas in Bangladesh has taken on a secular flavor in urban areas, engaging people from various faiths. This participation reveals the holiday’s ability to bridge cultural gaps and bring together individuals in a bond of communal harmony. Special events and festive decorations become a common sight, embodying the spirit of inclusivity that this celebration brings forth.
Local Customs
Traditional Foods
Christmas in Bangladesh showcases a blend of local and traditional cuisines. Pitha, a variety of rice cakes, is especially popular during the festive season. Families also prepare Borhani, a spicy yogurt drink, to accompany meals. Bakeries across the country are busy making cakes, which are an integral part of the Christmas feast.
Christmas Decorations
Homes and churches are adorned with colorful decorations. The use of stars and lights is common, reflecting the festive mood. Christmas trees, although not traditionally common, are becoming a part of the decor in urban areas, decorated with ornaments and tinsel to bring in the Christmas spirit.
Gift-Giving Practices
The exchange of gifts is an adopted practice during Christmas in Bangladesh. Gifts are often simple, focusing on the gesture rather than the value. Clothing and books are among the common gifts, reflecting consideration and a personal touch. Many people also choose this time to donate to the less fortunate, emphasizing the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
Media and Entertainment
In Bangladesh, media and entertainment play a pivotal role in the Christmas celebrations, offering special content tailored for the festive season.
Television and Radio Programmes
Television channels and radio stations in Bangladesh craft special programming for Christmas, known as Bara Din. They typically feature holiday-themed dramas, movies, and talk shows that highlight the traditions and spirit of Christmas. Viewers can expect to find Christian leaders and community members discussing the significance of the day and sharing messages of peace and unity.
Music and Caroling
Music is an integral part of Christmas festivities in Bangladesh. Television and radio broadcast an array of Christmas songs and carols both in Bangla and English. Caroling is also a common practice among the Christian communities, where groups visit homes and public venues to perform, fostering a sense of joy and togetherness.
