India— A wave of attacks, harassment and restrictions against Christians has been reported across several Indian states in the days leading up to Christmas, raising fresh concerns about the safety of religious minorities.
Churches have been vandalized, prayer services disrupted and Christmas celebrations cancelled. Particularly in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or influenced by Hindu nationalist groups.
Rights groups and church leaders say the incidents follow a familiar pattern that intensifies around major Christian religious events.
Incidents reported across multiple states
In Rajasthan’s Dungarpur district, members linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bajrang Dal entered a Catholic church during Sunday Mass and accused clergy of forced conversions.
In Kerala, Christmas carol groups faced verbal abuse and physical intimidation, leading to police complaints and arrests.
In Uttarakhand’s Haridwar, Hindu groups forced the cancellation of a Christmas event near the Ganga calling it inappropriate in a “holy city”.
In Delhi and Odisha, Christian women and street vendors were harassed for wearing Santa hats or selling Christmas items.
In Chhattisgarh, tensions over the burial of a Christian man escalated into violence, with homes set on fire and churches vandalized.
Similar incidents were reported in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and West Bengal, where pastors were confronted, celebrations cancelled or permissions denied.
Pattern of pressure ahead of religious events
Rights monitors say these incidents are not isolated.
Christian groups report that harassment often peaks during Christmas, when worship and public celebrations become more visible.
According to faith-based monitoring organizations ‘Open Doors’, more than 2,900 incidents of persecution against Christians were reported across India between January and November 2025.
States such as Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh feature prominently in these reports.
A major concern remains the use of anti-conversion laws, now enforced in at least 12 states.
Although framed as safeguards against forced conversions, these laws are frequently used to file complaints against pastors and believers without evidence.
This year, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan further tightened such laws, while district authorities in parts of Chhattisgarh imposed restrictions on house churches and prayer gatherings.
Silence, law enforcement and wider concerns
Church leaders and civil society groups have criticized what they describe as selective law enforcement.
In several cases, police advised Christians to cancel services instead of stopping those issuing threats.
At the same time, authorities often act swiftly on unverified allegations against minority communities.
Observers warn that repeated calls by influential figures to define India as a “Hindu nation” have created an environment where intolerance feels normalized.
India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equality before the law, but critics argue these principles are under strain when minorities face pressure simply for practicing their faith.
As Christmas approaches, Christian communities say they are calling for protection, equal application of the law and reassurance that religious freedom remains a lived reality, not just a constitutional promise.
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