Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!
Yet another Christmas season is here to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. A wonderful season to rejoice and to share the love of God. Misty nights, brightly shining stars, visually arresting lightings, beautifully ornamented Christmas trees, awesome cribs depicting nativity scenes, crisply wrapped gifts, and cheerful Santa – nothing can beat the overwhelming happiness and gleeful spirit of Christmas. Churches and Cathedrals are decked up at their best during the festivity and are lively with midnight mass, melodious carols, and fun-filled celebrations. Christmas in Karnataka is celebrated with equal zest and fervor as in other parts of the state in India, yet it has given it its own flavor.
Christmas is always full of joy, and celebrating it in Churches makes it even more blessed. In this blog, we are presenting to you some of the famous Churches to visit in Karnataka during Christmas.
St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore
One of the must-visit churches in Karnataka during Christmas is St. Philomena’s Church, situated in Mysore. Constructed in 1936 in the Neo-Gothic style, St. Philomena’s Church is said to be one of the tallest churches in Asia and the second-largest on the continent.
With ornate decorations and lighting, the church takes on a festive look during Christmas. The church attracts a large number of people on Christmas Eve, cutting across religious lines. Devotees attend the special mass prayers and sermons at the church with utmost devotion.
St. Mary’s Basilica, Bangalore:
Believed to have been built in the 18th century, St. Mary’s Basilica is the oldest church in Bangalore and the only church in the state elevated to the status of a minor basilica. It is situated in Shivajinagar in Bangalore and attracts many devotees year-round.
The Church also sees a huge crowd of devotees during the Christmas season. You will be mesmerized by the solemn service and the beautiful decorations at the Church. The statue in St. Mary’s church is believed to have miraculous power, and there is a belief that prayers here are fulfilled by Mother Mary.
Infant Jesus Church, Bangalore:
Established in 1971 in Vivek Nagar in Bangalore, the Infant Jesus Church is a Roman Catholic Church specially dedicated to Infant Jesus. It was built to commemorate the historic Infant Jesus Church of Prague. Many miracles are said to have happened at this Church.
The Church has a fan-shaped hall which is built in such a way that no matter where you sit, you will feel the altar is facing you. It is one of the prominent Churches in Karnataka, you should visit to enjoy the merriment of Christmas. Though the Church seats over 2,500 people, on Christmas Eve, it witnesses over 10,000 people who have come here to attend the holy mass and to indulge in the Christmas celebrations.
Sacred Heart Church, Bangalore:
The Sacred Heart Church, located on Richmond Road, is one of the well-known religious landmarks in Bangalore. Built-in 1896, the Sacred Heart Church serves as a relic of the colonial past. The Church looks simply beautiful with the rare blend of Gothic and French architectural style, having solid blocks of granite rock, marble interiors, beautifully sculpted statues, and pillars decorated with Corinthian-style carvings.
The Church is beautifully decked up during Christmas, offering a visual treat to behold. The mass service of the Church is well-organized, and the Christmas Carol of the Church is very popula,r which makes it one of the best Churches in Karnataka to head to during Christmas.
Holy Trinity Church, Bangalore:
The Holy Trinity Church is yet another must-visit church in Karnataka to enjoy the festivities of Christmas. It forms a major landmark in Bangalore and is situated at the Trinity Circle towards the east end of MG Road.
Built in 1851 for the British Regiment stationed in Bangalore, the Holy Trinity Church is regarded as the largest military church in Southern India. It reflects an English Renaissance style of architecture and can accommodate 700 people at a time. The Church is mesmerizingly illuminated during Christmas, and you will find myriads of devotees and tourists coming to the church for the midnight masses.
St. Antony’s Shrine, Mysore:
The St. Antony’s Shrine situated in Dornahalli is one of the famous Churches in Mysore, in the state of Karnataka. Dedicated to Saint Antony, this beautiful shrine is known for its miraculous powers. The Church premises are dotted with wondrous attractions, both for the ardent devotees and curious travelers.
The attractions here include a Perpetual Adoration Chapel, a stall that offers rosaries, holy water, bracelets, key chains, etc, and the wide variety of animals and birds that the clergy raises. The Church is of immense beauty, and it looks extra gorgeous when illuminated with lights during Christmas. To visit this shrine on Christmas Eve and attend the holy mass is a great experience.
St. Bartholomew’s Church, Mysore:
Being one of the oldest churches in Mysore, St. Bartholomew’s Church was established to serve the European officers’ Christian congregation under the service of the Mysore Maharaja and the the Mysore British Resident. The main striking feature of this Church is its charming marble altar.
The Church is very famous for the eminent people who have visited it, including the 19th-century reigning Governor-General of India, Lord William Bentinck, Lady Wellington, King George V, and Edward VIII. The solemn service at the Church, accompanied by the melodious tunes of the pipe organ resonating throughout, and the soothing carols, makes Christmas Eve a wonderful experience.
Infant Jesus Cathedral, Mysore:
The Infant Jesus Cathedral, situated in Hinkal, in Mysore, was an initiative by Bishop Jacob Thoomkuzhy to fulfill the needs of the Syro-Malabar Community. The architecture of the church is more similar to the contemporary style than what you see at most of the grand cathedrals in the country.
The thatched terracotta tiled roof, which is a common element of Malabari houses, is the main highlighting feature of Infant Jesus Cathedral. Once you walk inside this Cathedral, you will realize that its central hall is shaped like an Octagon. Visit the Infant Jesus Cathedral during Christmas and feel blessed by attending the solemn Christmas service and the holy mass.
CSI Wesley Cathedral, Mysore:
Built by members of the Wesleyan Missionaries Society, the CSI Wesley Cathedral in Doora, Mysore, is 148 years old. Rev John Hachian, who arrived in India in 1821 with the aim of spreading Christianity, took the initiative to have it constructed.
The Church is spellbinding with a towering bell-crowned steeple, yawning arches, and thatched roofs. It’s set in a picturesque landscape surrounded by rolling hills and alluring meadows, making it a beautiful place to visit. The Church hosts midnight mass during Christmas, which is worth attending, and its melodious carol service is simply soul-soothing.
Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Mangalore:
Dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles, the Milagres Church, or the Church of Our Lady of Miracles, is a historic Roman Catholic Church. Situated in the Hampankatta locality of Mangalore, the Church of Our Lady of Miracles is said to be one of the oldest churches in Dakshina Kannada. It was built in 1680 by Bishop Thomas De Castro, a Theatine priest of Salcette in Goa.
The altar of the Church is adorned with a beautiful French painting of St. Monica and St. Augustine. The Church celebrates Christmas in a grand manner, and hundreds and thousands of devotees flock to this church on Christmas Eve to attend the midnight mass. With lights and star lanterns, the Church is spectacularly decked up during Christmas.
Come, explore the beautiful Churches in Karnataka during Christmas & New Year, and may this Christmas season be memorable for you in every way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which are the best churches to visit in Karnataka during Christmas?
Some of the best churches to visit in Karnataka during Christmas include St. Philomena’s Church in Mysore, St. Mary’s Basilica in Bangalore, Infant Jesus Church in Bangalore, Sacred Heart Church on Richmond Road, and Milagres Church in Mangalore. These churches are known for their grand architecture, beautiful Christmas decorations, midnight mass services, and vibrant carol celebrations, attracting devotees and tourists alike.
2. Why is Christmas in Karnataka special compared to other states in India?
Christmas in Karnataka is special because it beautifully blends traditional Christian customs with local culture. Churches are adorned with stars, lights, cribs, and floral decorations, while midnight masses, melodious carols, and community celebrations create a warm, festive atmosphere. Cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore showcase a unique charm during Christmas, making the celebrations spiritually enriching and visually delightful.
3. Is it necessary to be Christian to attend Christmas mass in Karnataka churches?
No, it is not necessary to be Christian to attend Christmas mass in Karnataka churches. People of all religions are welcome to visit churches, attend midnight mass, and witness Christmas celebrations. Many of these churches attract visitors from diverse backgrounds who come to experience the festive spirit, admire the decorations, and seek blessings during the Christmas season.
4. Which cities in Karnataka are best for Christmas church visits?
Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore are among the best cities in Karnataka for Christmas church visits. Bangalore is home to historic churches like St. Mary’s Basilica and Infant Jesus Church, Mysore boasts iconic landmarks such as St. Philomena’s Church, and Mangalore is known for its coastal Christian heritage and grand celebrations at Milagres Church and other historic churches.
5. What is the best time to visit churches in Karnataka during Christmas?
The best time to visit churches in Karnataka during Christmas is on Christmas Eve, especially in the evening and late at night when midnight masses are held. Most churches are beautifully illuminated, host special prayers, and conduct carol services during this time. Visiting between December 24th and 25th allows travelers to experience the most vibrant and spiritually uplifting Christmas celebrations.
