Christianisation Creeps Into Hindu Festivals Nationwide
From Durga Puja to Pongal, repeated controversies point to a systematic push to introduce Christian imagery into Hindu religious celebrations nationwide.
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Across Bharat, several Hindu festivals have witnessed controversies where traditional religious symbols were altered or replaced, triggering public debate over cultural appropriation, religious intrusion, and allegations of systematic Christianisation of indigenous celebrations.
A series of incidents reported from different parts of Bharat over the past several years have raised concerns among Hindu organisations and cultural observers regarding the alleged alteration of Hindu religious festivals through the introduction of Christian symbols and practices.
Kolkata: Durga Puja Controversy
On December 24, 2024, in Kolkata, West Bengal, a youth organisation named "Nabapally Association" set up a Durga Puja pandal at Barasat's Colony that drew sharp criticism. The organisers allegedly depicted the Hindu goddess Durga, or Kali, in the form of Mother Mary holding Lord Shiva, drawing visual parallels with Christian iconography.
The pandal was designed as a replica of Russia's St Basil's Cathedral, further intensifying objections. Several Hindu groups alleged that the depiction hurt religious sentiments and amounted to defaming Hindu deities.
Gujarat: Garba Festival Incident
Raas Garba is a traditional Hindu festival... But Christian missionaries are poking their nose here as well... watch video
— No Conversion (@noconversion) April 11, 2019
This same nonsense is happening across India ... next would be Christian Bhangra pic.twitter.com/EzYyIEyChW
On April 11, 2019, in Gujarat, Christian missionaries were reportedly seen introducing Christian prayers and readings from Biblical texts during the traditional Raas Garba celebrations. The visuals circulated on social media, sparking widespread debate over the presence of Christian religious practices within a Hindu cultural event.
Navratri Image Replacement
On October 14, 2018, during Navratri celebrations, controversy emerged after reports that images of Goddess Ambe Ma (Durga) were replaced with images of Jesus at certain locations. The incident led to strong objections from local Hindu organisations.
Commercial and Cultural Concerns During Diwali
Concerns were also raised over the use of Santa Claus imagery during Diwali, particularly following Axis Bank's advertisement campaign titled "Dil Se Open Celebration 2025". Critics argued that Hindu festivals are increasingly being blended with Christian or Western symbols, diluting their religious identity.
Tamil Nadu: Pongal Celebrations Under Scrutiny
In January 2026, multiple incidents during Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu attracted public attention.
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Believers at the St Matthias Catholic Church in Ashok Nagar celebrate Pongal festival by cooking and wishing each other. pic.twitter.com/rZnGWuAQ0d
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
On January 15, 2026, Pongal was reportedly cooked inside St Matthias Catholic Church, with traditional rituals performed alongside Christian symbols. On the same day, members of the Christian community were seen celebrating Pongal at St Joseph's Church in Thoothukudi, performing rituals such as boiling rice in clay pots and arranging traditional festival items within church premises.
Photographs circulating online showed images of Jesus placed at the centre of Pongal ritual setups, replacing traditional Hindu deities. In another instance, a Christian priest was reportedly seen reciting Bible verses during the celebration.
Eastern and Tribal Regions
Similar concerns have been raised in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, particularly in tribal regions. Activists allege that traditional tribal-Hindu practices are being gradually altered, leading to cultural displacement, demographic changes, and rising social tensions.
Holi, Bathukamma and Regional Festivals
On March 7, 2023, a Christian church organised a Colour Run event incorporating elements associated with the Hindu festival of Holi, including coloured powders.
During Bathukamma celebrations in Telangana on October 24, 2018, reports emerged of Christian religious practices being incorporated into the festivities.
On May 6, 2018, during the Moda Kondamma festival in Visakhapatnam, Christian crosses were reportedly placed on welcome arches without community consent.
Similarly, on April 30, 2019, during the Uthralikavu Pooram festival in Kerala, also known as the Kerala Elephant Festival, Christian crosses were allegedly placed on festival structures carried during temple processions, leading to protests by devotees.
Public Reaction
The official handle @NoConversion reacted to these developments, stating that similar incidents are occurring across the country, reflecting public concern over what is perceived as a recurring pattern.
In a Nutshell
While supporters of these actions describe them as cultural participation or inclusivity, critics argue that the repeated introduction of Christian symbols into Hindu festivals across states and years suggests a systematic alteration of religious traditions. The issue continues to generate debate over cultural preservation, religious boundaries, and the future of Bharat's indigenous festivals.
Written by
Mokshi Jain
Sub-editor, The Narrative