Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Christmas Day 2025 by attending a special morning service at the historic Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi. The visit, which took place early on Thursday, December 25, saw the Prime Minister join a large congregation of Christians from Delhi and northern India for prayers and carols.
A Service of Peace and Compassion
The Christmas morning service at the cathedral featured traditional hymns, carols, and prayers. A significant moment came when Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Swarup, the Bishop of Delhi, offered a special prayer for the Prime Minister and the nation. Following the service, PM Modi shared his experience on social media platform X, posting a video with highlights from the event.
"May Christmas bring renewed hope, warmth and a shared commitment to kindness," the Prime Minister wrote alongside the video. In a separate post, he elaborated, "Attended the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi. The service reflected the timeless message of love, peace and compassion. May the spirit of Christmas inspire harmony and goodwill in our society."
Continuing Engagement with the Christian Community
This visit is part of a pattern of engagement by Prime Minister Modi with India's Christian community during important festivals. His participation in Christmas and Easter events has become a notable feature in recent years.
In 2023, during Easter, he attended a programme at Delhi's Sacred Heart Cathedral. Later that same year, he hosted a Christmas celebration at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. In 2024, his engagements included a dinner at the residence of Minister George Kurian and an event organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.
Festive Greetings Across the Political Spectrum
The spirit of Christmas was also reflected in messages from other political leaders. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP, extended his festive wishes to the nation through a video message.
"Merry Christmas, everyone! May this season bring joy, happiness, and prosperity, and fill your lives with love and compassion," Gandhi said in his greeting. This exchange of festive messages highlights the shared cultural celebrations that transcend political lines during national festivals.
The Prime Minister's early morning visit and the subsequent greetings underscore the multicultural fabric of India, where major festivals of all communities are recognized and celebrated in the public sphere.
