The Roots of Faith in Kerala
The Christians of Kerala, especially the Syro-Malabar community, trace their roots back nearly two thousand years. Their story begins with Saint Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. According to tradition, “Sometime in the second half of the 1st century CE, Saint Thomas travelled outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, reaching as far as Kerala in South India.”
It is believed that in 52 CE, he landed at Muziris, a bustling seaport near modern-day Kodungalloor and established seven great churches along the Malabar coast. Over the centuries, East Syrian settlers and Persian missionaries joined local believers, enriching the faith and shaping what came to be known as the Saint Thomas Christian community. Today, the Syro-Malabar Church is one of the largest Eastern Catholic churches in the world.
Preparing for Christmas: The 25-Day Lent (Erupathinchi Nombu)
In Kerala, the Syrian Christian community observes a unique spiritual preparation known as the 25 Nombu (25-Day Lent). Beginning on December 1st, this is a period of abstinence and spiritual cleansing.
Dietary Restrictions: Families abstain from meat, alcohol, and sometimes dairy, adopting a strict vegetarian diet until the Christmas Eve midnight mass.
Carol Service: Groups of carolers move from house to house, singing traditional Malayalam hymns like * "Yahoodiyayile Oru Gramathil"* (In a village in Judea).
Decorations: Every home hangs a lit "Christmas Star" outside. In the Syrian Christian heartlands of Kottayam and Pala, you will see miles of streets illuminated by these paper stars.
The Christmas Feast: A Culinary Checklist
The end of the 25-day fast is marked by a grand feast. If you are in Kerala for Christmas 2025, here are the must-try dishes:
Duck Roast: The hero of the Syrian Christian table, cooked in thick coconut milk and spices.
Appam & Stew: Lacy fermented rice pancakes served with a mild, aromatic chicken or mutton stew.
Meen Pattichathu: A fiery red fish curry made with kudampuli (Kokum).
Vatteppam: A steamed, spongy rice cake with a touch of cardamom and raisins.
Kuzhalappam: Tube-shaped crispy snacks often served with tea.
Homemade Wine: Most grandmothers in Kerala brew their own grape or raisin wine months in advance.
The Midnight Mass
On Christmas Eve, the atmosphere becomes even more sacred. The Syro-Malabar community has a tradition that is both unique and deeply moving. Instead of beginning the Christmas liturgy inside the church, they start outdoors, around the Nativity scene. The idea is simple yet powerful: to remind the faithful of the cold night in Bethlehem, when Jesus was born. The baby Jesus is then carried indoors in a warm procession, symbolising the community bringing the divine infant into their hearts and homes.
During the liturgy, instead of the blessing of a new candle, which is common in many Catholic churches. Syro-Malabar Christians observe a special blessing of fire. This ritual, along with the traditional Syriac hymns and chants, creates an atmosphere that feels both ancient and alive.
A Blend of Traditions
What makes Christmas in Kerala stand out is the blend of influences. The celebrations carry traces of both Eastern and Western Christian practices, but also embrace local customs and flavours. From the Syriac liturgy sung in ancient tones to the carols sung in Malayalam, from Middle Eastern rituals to Indian hospitality, everything comes together into a festival that is rich, layered, and full of meaning.
Best Churches to Witness Syrian Christian Traditions
If you want to experience the specific "Blessing of Fire" and the outdoor procession mentioned above, you must head to the traditional strongholds of the Syro-Malabar church, rather than the touristy Fort Kochi.
St. Mary’s Forane Church, Athirampuzha (Kottayam): Famous for its dazzling illuminations and a midnight mass attended by thousands.
St. Mary’s Forane Church, Kuravilangad: One of the oldest churches in India (dating back to 105 AD), offering a deeply traditional liturgy in the Syriac-Malayalam blend.
Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary's Basilica (Alleppey): Experience the mass by the backwaters in one of the mother churches of the Syrian Christians.
A Warm Invitation
Christmas in Kerala is not just for Christians, it is a celebration of community. Friends, neighbours, and even strangers are welcomed into homes to share cake, wine, or a plate of appam and stew. For me, being part of that celebration was a reminder of how faith and food, devotion and joy, can bring people closer.
So, if you ever find yourself in Kerala during December, do step into a Syro-Malabar Christmas gathering. Listen to the hymns, join the midnight mass, taste the feast, and share in the warmth of a community that has kept its traditions alive for nearly two millennia. Or better yet, as they say in Malayalam: Christmas Ashamsagal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the difference between Christmas in Fort Kochi and Kottayam?
Fort Kochi (Latin Catholic influence) is famous for the Cochin Carnival and the burning of the Pappanji effigy. Kottayam (Syrian Christian influence) is known for traditional religious observances, the 25-day fast, and family feasts.
Q2. What is the traditional Christmas food in Kerala?
The traditional breakfast is Appam with Stew (Chicken/Mutton). The lunch feast usually features Duck Roast, Beef Fry, and the famous Kerala Plum Cake.
Q3. Do Syrian Christians in Kerala celebrate on December 25th?
Yes, like most of the world, they celebrate on December 25th. However, the celebrations technically begin with the Midnight Mass on December 24th, which breaks the 25-day fast.
