Christmas celebrations across several parts of India were disrupted this year amid a series of vandalism incidents, threats and confrontations, raising renewed concerns over religious intolerance and public order during one of the country’s most widely observed festivals.
From Assam to Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi, multiple incidents involving right-wing groups were reported in the days leading up to Christmas, prompting police action in some cases and political fallout in others.
Assam: Diocese School Vandalised in Nalbari
The most serious incident was reported from Nalbari, where a group of activists affiliated with Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad allegedly stormed St. Mary’s English School on Christmas Eve.
According to the police, the group vandalised the nativity crib and Christmas decorations on the school premises and burned ornaments while shouting religious slogans. They also reportedly targeted a local shop selling Santa caps and masks, destroying the items on display.
Nalbari Senior Superintendent of Police Bibekananda Das confirmed that a formal complaint had been filed by the school authorities. “Around nine people were involved. They came looking for the principal, and when they couldn’t find him, they vandalised decorations and banners,” he said.
By Thursday evening, four individuals were arrested on charges including criminal trespass, mischief by fire and criminal intimidation. Those arrested included district-level office-bearers of the VHP and Bajrang Dal, according to a statement from the district administration.
Chhattisgarh: Christmas Decorations Destroyed at Raipur Mall
On the same day, a mob armed with sticks barged into Magneto Mall in Raipur, vandalising Christmas installations and decorations.
The incident coincided with a day-long “Chhattisgarh bandh” called by the Sarva Hindu Samaj against alleged religious conversions. A mall employee told reporters that “80 to 90 people entered the mall and went on a rampage”.
Raipur Senior Superintendent of Police Lal Umed Singh said an FIR had been registered and investigations were underway, though no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
Madhya Pradesh: BJP Leader Faces Action After Church Incident
In Jabalpur, tensions escalated after BJP district vice-president Anju Bhargava was accused of manhandling a visually impaired woman outside a church in the Katanga area. Bhargava reportedly alleged that children were being converted to Christianity.
The woman later told The Indian Express, “Just because I come to celebrate Christmas doesn’t mean I have changed my religion.”
While the police did not file an FIR, the BJP’s Jabalpur unit issued a show-cause notice to Bhargava, giving her seven days to explain her conduct, party officials confirmed.
Another incident was reported from the Madhotal area of Jabalpur, where members of Hindu Seva Parishad allegedly disrupted a prayer service. Church members claimed that men entered the premises chanting slogans and causing panic, while the group maintained they were questioning possible conversion activities. Police detained several youths and said they were investigating based on statements from both sides.
Rajasthan Advisory on School Celebrations
In Rajasthan, the Sri Ganganagar education department issued an advisory barring schools from “forcing” children to dress as Santa Claus for Christmas programmes. The December 22 order cited representations claiming the district was predominantly Hindu and Sikh and warned schools against placing “unnecessary pressure” on students.
Delhi: Verbal Altercation in Lajpat Nagar
In Lajpat Nagar, a video circulated on social media showing women wearing Santa caps being heckled by men allegedly linked to Bajrang Dal. The women were accused of religious proselytisation and asked to leave the area.
However, Delhi Police said no complaint was received. DCP (South East) Hemant Tiwari described the incident as a “minor and momentary verbal disagreement” that was resolved on the spot.
Growing Concerns Over Religious Harmony
Civil society groups and minority representatives have expressed concern over the pattern of disruptions, warning that such incidents undermine India’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom.
While authorities have taken action in some cases, critics say inconsistent responses risk emboldening fringe elements. As investigations continue, the incidents have cast a shadow over festive celebrations and reignited debate about tolerance, rule of law and the protection of minority rights in public spaces.
