A City in Celebration Mode: Inside Guwahati’s Christmas Preparations

Guwahati is steeped in festive cheer as the city, along with the rest of Assam, prepares to celebrate Christmas. Markets are bustling with shoppers, churches are glowing with decorative lights, and the sound of carols fills the air, reflecting the joy and anticipation ahead of the festival.

With just hours left for Christmas, preparations are in full swing at Pan Bazar’s historic Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in the Northeast. Students from Cotton University have volunteered to assist the church management in decorating the premises. Established in 1844 and consecrated in 1850, Christ Church holds immense historical significance in the spread of Christianity in the region.

Speaking to DY365, a local resident and student from Cotton University said the initiative was driven by the spirit of Christmas.

“As tomorrow is Christmas, a few of us from Cotton University thought of helping the management of Christ Church. We are excited as we have never experienced such a moment before. We hope Lord Jesus helps everyone recover from the pains and sorrows in their lives,” the student said.

Festive enthusiasm is equally visible in city markets, where Christmas-related items dominate shop displays. From Santa Claus figurines and Christmas trees to colourful stars and chocolates, the seasonal merchandise has drawn large crowds. A well-known saleswoman from Guwahati’s Silpukhuri area told DY365 that customer response has been encouraging this year.

“The response from customers has been quite good so far. We still have today and tomorrow, and people usually come in large numbers every year. There has been no price hike this year,” she said.

According to her, Santa Claus figurines are available in 31 different designs, with prices ranging from Rs 20 to Rs 9,000 depending on size and quality. Christmas trees ranging from one foot to ten feet are also available, priced up to Rs 4,000.

Churches across Guwahati have been beautifully decorated and special arrangements have been made for Christmas prayers and midnight masses. Christ Church, which was rebuilt twice after being damaged by earthquakes in 1856 and 1897, was finally reconstructed in 1901. Located near Nehru Park, the church remains a prominent religious landmark as well as a popular tourist destination.

Guwahati’s cityscape is dotted with both Baptist and Catholic churches, each contributing to the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Many of these structures have stood the test of time, bearing witness to the city’s evolving social and religious fabric.

Among the prominent churches that draw devotees and visitors during the Christmas season are Christ Church in Pan Bazar, Guwahati Baptist Church on Hem Barua Road known for its striking architecture, Victoria Family Church at Dighalipukhuri which hosts a range of community activities, Zion Revival Church in Garchuk noted for its large Sunday congregations and social outreach programmes, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral at Abhaypur, admired for its architectural elegance and deep-rooted historical significance.

As Christmas approaches, Guwahati stands ready to celebrate the festival with devotion, joy and a spirit of togetherness, reinforcing the city’s tradition of communal harmony.

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