New Delhi: The days leading up to Christmas this year were marked by a series of disturbing incidents across several states, where alleged acts of vandalism, intimidation and disruption of celebrations targeted Christmas-related events, decorations and gatherings. From shopping malls and schools to carol groups and church premises, incidents reported from Chhattisgarh, Assam, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh triggered widespread outrage, particularly among Opposition leaders and Christian organisations, who warned that such actions were creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for religious minorities.

These incidents, occurring just ahead of one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the country, have reignited debates around religious freedom, law and order, and the responsibility of authorities to ensure that all communities can practise their faith without fear or intimidation.

Mall vandalised during bandh in Raipur

One of the most prominent incidents was reported from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, where Christmas decorations at a popular shopping complex were vandalised during a day-long shutdown called over alleged religious conversions.

According to police officials quoted by news agency PTI, unidentified persons damaged Christmas decorations at Magneto Mall in Raipur on Wednesday during the ‘Chhattisgarh bandh’. The shutdown had been called following a recent clash in Kanker district over the burial of a person belonging to a Christian family.

The mall management told police that although the mall was closed in view of the bandh, a group of around 40 to 50 people armed with rods and hockey sticks allegedly entered the premises. The group reportedly raised slogans and proceeded to vandalise Christmas decorations both inside and outside the mall, including a large Christmas tree installed for the festive season.

Videos and images of the damaged decorations circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp reactions from political leaders and civil society groups. Police said that some of the accused had been identified and assured that strict action would be taken against those involved.

The bandh itself received a mixed response across the state. While normal life was disrupted in several cities and towns, only partial impact was seen in other areas. However, the vandalism at the mall became a focal point of criticism, with many questioning why festive symbols were targeted during a protest unrelated to Christmas celebrations.

Assam: School and shops targeted ahead of Christmas

In Assam’s Nalbari district, incidents of vandalism were reported at a school and several shops selling Christmas-related items. Police said members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly vandalised decorative items meant for Christmas celebrations on Wednesday.

According to PTI, the accused entered St Mary’s School in Panigaon village and damaged or burnt decorative items prepared for Christmas festivities. Police said the vandals destroyed outer decorations, lights, plant pots and other articles, and set some items on fire, causing damage to school property.

Four people were arrested in connection with the incident. The arrested individuals were identified as VHP Nalbari district secretary Bhaskar Deka, district vice-president Manash Jyoti Patgiri, assistant secretary Biju Dutta, and Bajrang Dal’s district convenor Nayan Talukdar.

Police said the accused raised ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogans and allegedly warned the school authorities not to organise Christmas celebrations on the school premises the following day. The incident sparked concern among parents and educators, who said schools should remain safe spaces for students regardless of religious affiliation.

The accused also reportedly targeted shops selling Christmas goods in Nalbari town. Police said they set fire to some festive items near the Jain Mandir and entered several shopping malls and business establishments selling Christmas decorations, damaging and burning goods.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing and further action will be taken based on evidence and witness statements.

Carol group attacked in Kerala’s Palakkad

In Kerala, an incident involving a Christmas carol group further added to the sense of unease ahead of the festival. In Palakkad district, a group of children participating in carol singing was allegedly attacked on Sunday night while visiting homes of the faithful.

According to police, the carol group was confronted by a man identified as Ashwin Raj. The incident reportedly occurred in an area where the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is considered to have a strong presence.

As per the complaint, the accused destroyed the group’s band set and other musical instruments used for carol singing. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident left children and their families shaken.

Police registered a case and said action would be taken against the accused. The incident drew condemnation from local leaders and Christian organisations, who said such attacks on traditional and peaceful practices like carol singing were unacceptable.

Heated altercation involving BJP functionary in Madhya Pradesh

Another controversy erupted in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur after a video surfaced online showing a BJP district vice-president, Anju Bhargava, allegedly engaging in a heated altercation with a visually impaired woman during a Christmas-related event at a church.

In the widely circulated video, Bhargava can be seen shouting at the woman and questioning her about bringing a young girl “among Christians”. The clip triggered a strong backlash on social media, with several Opposition leaders condemning the remarks and accusing the BJP of fostering intolerance.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate shared the video on social media, calling the behaviour “ignorance and cruelty” and stating that such actions were “the easiest way to advance in the BJP”. The incident added to the growing list of pre-Christmas controversies and further fuelled political debate.

Opposition reactions and rising concern

The incidents collectively prompted sharp reactions from Opposition leaders, who said that Christians were being targeted during a sacred and festive period. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that Christmas this year had been marked by “fear and anxiety” for many Christians in India.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot also weighed in, calling the incidents “worrying and condemnable” and urging authorities to take firm action against those responsible. Several other Opposition leaders echoed similar sentiments, warning that such incidents could damage India’s social fabric and constitutional values.

Christian group appeals to PM Modi

Amid growing concern, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) made a public appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, and chief ministers of various states, urging them to ensure strict enforcement of law and proactive protection for Christian communities.

In a video appeal released on Christmas Eve, CBCI president Archbishop Andrews Thazhath expressed “deep pain” over what he described as a disturbing rise in attacks on Christians across the country.

“Peaceful carol singers and faithful gathered in churches for prayer have been targeted, causing fear and distress among law-abiding citizens who seek only to celebrate their faith in peace,” the Archbishop said. He added that such incidents deeply wound the spirit of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and the right to worship without fear.

Appealing directly to the country’s leadership, Archbishop Thazhath urged authorities to ensure that Christmas could be celebrated “in an atmosphere of security, harmony and mutual respect”.

A broader question of harmony and security

As Christmas celebrations unfolded across India, these incidents cast a shadow over what is traditionally a time of joy, reflection and communal harmony. While many parts of the country celebrated the festival peacefully, the episodes of vandalism and intimidation raised serious questions about religious tolerance and the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing targeted disruptions.

Authorities in the affected states have said investigations are ongoing and action will be taken against those responsible. However, political leaders, civil society groups and religious organisations have stressed that beyond arrests and inquiries, there is a need for sustained efforts to protect constitutional freedoms and ensure that festivals of all communities can be celebrated without fear.

The pre-Christmas unrest has once again brought to the forefront concerns about communal harmony and the importance of upholding India’s pluralistic ethos, especially during times meant for peace, goodwill and shared celebration.