Darjeeling Hosts First Christmas Carol Festival Emphasising Unity

Amitava Banerjee, MP, Dec 22, 2025, Darjeeling: In the run-up to Christmas, Darjeeling celebrated the Darjeeling Christmas Festival 2025 with music, carols, and cultural programmes on Monday. The festival was organised by the state Tourism Department and the district administration, in collaboration with the Himalayan Christian Association.

As part of the festivities, the first-ever Darjeeling Christmas Carol Festival was held at the Open Theatre, Chowrasta, from 11:30 a.m., drawing a large gathering of residents and tourists. The event highlighted the rich Christmas traditions of the hills while promoting a message of peace, brotherhood, and unity.

“Christmas is for everyone. It does not belong to a particular community. It is a time of love, joy, harmony, hope, and celebrations,” said Satish Khaling, coordinator of the Himalayan Christian Association.

The programme began with an opening prayer, followed by the ceremonial flagging off of Christmas decorative tokens. A Christmas cake-cutting ceremony and a performance by specially-abled children from the ‘Flame of Hope’ group added to the festive spirit. Messages emphasising the significance of Christmas and communal harmony were also delivered.

A key attraction was a series of performances by church choirs and cultural groups from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Nepal. Choirs from St. Columba’s Church, St. Andrew’s Church, Cathedral Church, and the Church of North India, Darjeeling, presented soulful Christmas carols. Cultural troupes from Kalimpong and Sikkim captivated the audience with their performances.

The celebrations concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony by representatives of various churches, accompanied by the singing of hymns, symbolising peace, hope, and unity.

“Every year we illuminate the Mall. This year, for the first time, the Carol Festival was organised as part of the celebrations. It aims to promote winter tourism in the hills while preserving Darjeeling’s unique cultural and religious heritage,” said Richard Lepcha, SDO, Darjeeling.

Stalls selling handicrafts, food, books, and greeting cards were also set up, while the Darjeeling Mall was lit up in festive lights.

Meanwhile, Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), Chief Minister of Sikkim, visited Bishop House in Darjeeling to extend birthday greetings to Bishop Stephen Lepcha of the Darjeeling-Sikkim Diocese. He was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Darjeeling Police and attended a programme followed by a festive lunch. The CM appreciated the Diocese’s dedicated service and contributions in social welfare and education.

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post