Christmas celebrations across India are facing mounting pressure as Hindu extremist groups intensify attacks on churches and Christian communities, prompting warnings from human rights advocates about a sharp escalation in religious violence.
According to the Christian watchdog group Open Doors, more than 60 incidents have already been reported this season involving disruptions of Christmas gatherings, church services, and public displays tied to the holiday. In several states, right-wing vigilante groups have been accused of storming churches, tearing down decorations, and intimidating Christians during worship.
One widely shared video from the eastern state of Odisha shows a group of Hindu men harassing roadside vendors selling Santa hats. In the footage, the men claim that selling “Christian items” is unacceptable because India is a “Hindu rashtra,” or Hindu state, language that explicitly excludes religious minorities.
“Being Hindus, how can you do this?” the men are heard saying. “Wrap up quickly and go away from here. If you have to sell anything, sell Lord Jagannath’s merchandise.”
Christians make up roughly 2 percent of India’s 1.4 billion people, while Hindus account for about 80 percent and Muslims roughly 14 percent. Despite their small numbers, Christian leaders say they are increasingly being singled out.
The right-wing Hindu organization Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which is aligned with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has openly urged Hindus not to celebrate Christmas. In a letter circulated earlier this month, VHP general secretary Surendra Gupta warned that participating in other faiths’ festivals could lead to “social acceptance of other faiths,” a statement critics say directly undermines religious freedom.
Christian advocacy groups report that violence has become increasingly common. The United Christian Forum says it has documented more than 600 attacks against Christians across India this year alone, averaging nearly two incidents per day. Those cases include mob assaults, public humiliation, church disruptions, and even the demolition of homes.
Concerns are also growing over the enforcement of anti-conversion laws, which are officially meant to prevent forced religious conversions. Rights groups argue those laws are frequently used to target Christians and other minorities. Twelve Indian states currently enforce such laws, and 123 criminal complaints were reportedly filed against Christians this year.
Tensions have been especially high in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. In one recent incident in the city of Jabalpur, a group led by a regional BJP leader was filmed forcing its way into a church and assaulting a visually impaired woman during a service. In another case last week, extremists reportedly raided a church, threw chairs at worshippers, and accused clergy of forced conversions. Police later detained several people.
The situation has drawn international attention. Earlier this month, members of the European Parliament met with human rights organizations to discuss what they described as a disturbing rise in targeted attacks on Christians in India.
“Christians in India are punished not for wrongdoing but for simply gathering, praying, or helping their neighbors,” said Tehmina Arora of Alliance Defending Freedom International. She also noted that India’s own Supreme Court has acknowledged that anti-conversion laws are being misused to wrongly prosecute Christians.
In the United States, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged the State Department to designate India as a “country of particular concern,” citing what it calls systematic violations of religious freedom.
As Christmas approaches, Christian leaders in India say fear is replacing celebration, with many churches scaling back public events amid threats and intimidation. Human rights advocates warn that without intervention, the violence is likely to continue well beyond the holiday season.
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In Hindu countries, of course they would. That religion, like many Christians, believe that their pathway is the ONLY legitimate way to the everlasting. Many American fundamental extremists feel the same way. They would like all religions shut down, also. Don\’t point fingers at the Hindi without pointing fingers at our own extremists!! Prof. Larry Schlatter
India has many religions so perhaps Christianity may seem at odds with the population. We, in the United States, are not always tolerant of religions that are different from Christianity.