Christmas is considered to be an auspicious day due to the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of Christianity. However, Christmas is not limited to Christians only. People across the world celebrate the holiday by spending quality time with their friends and family, exchanging gifts and enjoying a meal prepared by family members. Traditionally, a meal of turkey and other festive foods like eggnog are consumed, however, in modern times, even a chicken pot pie suffices.
As per the report, Christmas is not going to feel the same this year in Europe. The governments across Europe have been holding meetings in recent days to work out how they can allow families to get together at Christmas without risking a dreaded third spike in coronavirus cases. The growing number of cases in countries like the UK and Germany has forced them to go in a lockdown mode.
Coming to our city, celebrations are expected to subdued even here just like in case of other festivals. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on November 16 allowed the devotees to visit religious places across the state with all the safety measures and COVID-19 protocols.
There are also many churches in Mumbai, that people go to every year to attend the midnight mass. These churches are not just great in terms of architecture but some even have a historical significance.
Below mentions are some of the famous churches in Mumbai.
The Basilica of the Mount is more than 100 years old, the church has a wooden statue of Mother Mary believed to have been brought by the Portuguese Jesuits during the 16th century. The church also has historic importance that contains the blood of St. Pope John Paul II. While Christmas is a good time to visit the church but most people think that the best time to visit it is during the annual Bandra Fair that takes place during the week after September 11, which is the feast day of Mary, mother of Jesus.
St. Michael’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Mumbai, built-in 1534, it is famous for its Wednesday novenas as thousands of devotees across faiths walk to the church throughout the day.
St.Peter’s church is in the bustling suburb of Bandra is one of the most stunning in the city. With its impressive structure and wide-open spaces. Reminding of a Roman cathedral, architecture and history of include gravestones back from the 18th century and a large marble statue of Christ the Redeemer in the middle of the courtyard.
The real name of this church is Church of St.John the Evangelist. However, it is popularly called the Afghan Church in memory of those who died in the First Afghan War of 1838. The Afghan Church is known to have one of the most expensive architecture.
St. Andrew’s Church in Bandra which is over 400 years old and stands calm and tall at the busy junction of Bandstand and Hill Road. The church survived in an earthquake and even an invasion. The church is well known for its messages on the signboards outside the church. During Christmas season, they have many performances and fairs at the church courtyard which is open to all. However, this year the celebrations are expected to be subdued.
The Glory Church is located in Byculla. It was first constructed by the D'Souza family of Mazgaon. However, its design was later changed and the church was reconstructed using traditional English Gothic architecture. The tower of the church is so high that it can be seen from a few kilometres away even. A scene from the iconic Bollywood film Amar, Akbar, Anthony was shot inside Glory Church.
Portuguese Church, Dadar 
The Church of Our Lady of Salvation is popularly known as the Portuguese Church, it is one of the oldest churches in Mumbai. The church was originally built by the Portuguese Franciscans who called it Nossa Senhora da Salvacao. The present structure is designed by famous Indian architect Charles Correa. The church was constructed between 1974 and 1977. The church has historical significance as it is the city’s oldest church as early as 1512. Many devotees around Dadar visit this church during Christmas when the entire church is beautifully lit up.
St Anne's Chruch, Mazgaon
This church is located in Mazgaon. It was formerly a chapel built by an Armenian woman but was later converted into a church. The best time to visit the church is during the Christmas week when the entire church is beautifully lit up.
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