Rising Intolerance Highlights Threat to Religious Celebrations in India During Pre-Christmas Festive Season

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India's Christmas celebrations in 2025, which are usually characterized by festivities and communal unity, were marred by vandalism and intimidation incidents in the states of Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Assam, thereby raising fears of rising intolerance preceding another important festival celebrated by Christians.

Raipur Mall Vandalized During Pre-Christmas Clash

In Raipur, capital of Chhattisgarh, a major clash broke out on 24th December when some members of a right-wing group entered Magneto Mall and deliberately damaged Christmas items such as trees and installations.

Videos and reports suggested that a large number of men with wooden lathes entered the premises of Magneto Mall during a state-wide bandh called by some Hindu bodies due to alleged illegal religious conversions and communalism.

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The mall's security personnel failed to control the agitators, and they damaged Christmas items, creating a sense of panic. An FIR has been registered, and the police are trying to track down the culprits from the CCTV footage. There are reports of a loss of ‘lakhs of rupees.’

According to reports, the bandh was a result of violence in Kanker district, where a dispute regarding the burial of a Christian’s body led to clashes between various communities. Though protests remained peaceful, the mall attack drew flak for targeting celebration occasions.

Assam School Decorations Vandalized by Extremists

In the Assamese district of Nalbari, four persons, including some local leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, were apprehended by the police for damaging Christmas-related decorations and material at St. Mary’s School in the Panigaon village. 

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According to the police, the culprits broke into the school campus and damaged decorations by setting them on fire. They chanted religious slogans, threatening the townspeople against organizing Christmas events. A case has been registered.

Kerala Christmas Attack Threatens Religious Harmony?

Nevertheless, Kerala state saw the arrival of news about an alleged attack on the children's Christmas caroling party in the Palakkad district, where the kids were slapped, and their instruments were destroyed. Political leaders condemned the act, saying it was an attack on secularism.

The events have set off reactions and discussions on social media and among politicians concerning religious freedom, communal harmony, and the safety of minorities during holidays. It is said that the recent destruction of property is a very disturbing indication of the locals being intimidated in the name of religion while celebrating.

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