Orange alert as rain leaves Gurugram waterlogged; disrupts traffic The Sector 52A market was among the most affected areas, with visuals showing commuters wading through knee-deep water Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:14:38 IST By Sampurna Panigrahi, Mihika Shah
‘Buy buy buy!’: Foreign tourist reacts to duty-free shopping after Delhi immigration A foreign tourist has posted a video of his Delhi airport experience, questioning the shopping pitches he encountered just after immigration. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
India security chief visits China for border talks India security chief visits China for border talks Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:06:38 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link India's top security official arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks on the countries' disputed Himalayan border
‘Jo bhi hai, tera ghar hai’: American compares Indian and US hospitality An American Hindi speaker’s take on Indian hospitality has viewers discussing the differences between socialising in India and the US. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:31:09 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share
Manipur: 1 CRPF personnel injured, 2 houses burnt by unknown armed individuals The gunfight broke out after two houses belonging to separate communities were set ablaze by an unidentified group of people Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:49:38 IST By Thomas Ngangom
Christmas 2025: Churches to visit in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru today

Christmas 2025: Joy of Jesus! Your festive checklist—Top churches to visit today in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata & Bengaluru
Merry Christmas! People are celebrating today by lighting candles in churches, singing carols, offering prayers, and honouring the birth of Jesus Christ. If you're planning to visit churches with friends, here are some top ones to explore in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Across the country, cities sparkle with lights, bells, and wreaths, filling the air with festive cheer. Shop windows are adorned with Santa Claus's sleighs, bells, decorative wreaths, sparkling stars, and Christmas trees. The nation is alive with holiday spirit and shared joy as preparations for the celebrations continue.
Check churches in Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi today:
Churches in Kolkata
Kolkata, known for its rich colonial history and cultural diversity, is home to several stunning churches that blend architectural beauty with historical significance.St. Paul's Cathedral: One of the most iconic landmarks in Kolkata, this Gothic Revival cathedral was completed in 1847 and is the largest in the city. It's famous for its towering spire, stained glass windows, and beautiful gardens. Located near the Victoria Memorial, it's a peaceful spot, especially during Christmas.
St. John's Church: Built in 1787, this is one of Kolkata's oldest churches and a key colonial-era site. It features neoclassical architecture, Johann Zoffany's famous "Last Supper" painting, Job Charnock's mausoleum (considered the founder of Kolkata), and the Black Hole of Calcutta memorial.
Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth: Dating back to 1724 (originally built in 1688), this is among the oldest churches in Kolkata, reflecting the Armenian community's long presence. Its serene courtyard, ancient tombstones, and elegant clock tower make it a hidden gem in Burrabazar.
Churches to visit in New Delhi
Sacred Heart Cathedral: One of the largest and most prominent Catholic churches in Delhi, built in the 1930s with Italian-inspired architecture, marble altars, and beautiful stained glass. Located near Connaught Place, it's a bustling hub for Christmas celebrations.St. James' Church (Skinner's Church): Delhi's oldest church, consecrated in 1836 by Colonel James Skinner. This Anglican gem features a Renaissance-style dome, ornate interiors, and historical plaques— a true colonial masterpiece near Kashmiri Gate.
Cathedral Church of the Redemption: Known as the "Viceroy's Church," built in 1931 near Rashtrapati Bhavan. Its elegant curved design keeps it cool naturally, with stunning stained glass and a peaceful lawn—perfect for quiet reflection.
St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral (Hauz Khas): A beautiful Syrian Orthodox church established in the mid-20th century, serving Delhi's Malayali Christian community. Its modern yet traditional design offers a tranquil escape in South Delhi.
Churches in Bangalore
Bengaluru has a vibrant Christian heritage with beautiful historic and modern churches. Check list here:St. Mary's Basilica: The oldest church in Bengaluru, elevated to basilica status in 1973. This Gothic-style marvel in Shivajinagar is renowned for its grand St. Mary's Feast in September and its beautiful interiors—a must-visit for its historical significance and serene ambience.
Infant Jesus Church: One of the most popular shrines in the city, located in Viveknagar. Devotees flock here every Thursday for miracles attributed to the Infant Jesus—known for its modern design, peaceful grounds, and vibrant prayer services.
St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral: The main Catholic cathedral in Bengaluru, on St. John's Church Road, with elegant colonial architecture, tall spires, and stained glass windows. It's the seat of the Archbishop and a central spot for major religious events.
St. Mark's Cathedral: An Anglican cathedral on MG Road, founded in 1808 and completed in 1812. With its classic dome, stained glass, and pipe organ, it's one of Bengaluru's oldest Protestant churches and a peaceful oasis in the bustling area.
Churches in Mumbai
Mumbai has a fascinating array of historic churches influenced by Portuguese, British, and local Catholic traditions.Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount (Mount Mary Church): This iconic basilica in Bandra is one of Mumbai's most famous, perched on a hillock with stunning sea views. Devotees visit year-round, but it's especially vibrant during the Bandra Fair in September. The interiors are serene and ornate.
Afghan Church (Church of St. John the Evangelist): A striking Gothic Revival memorial in Colaba, built in the 19th century to honour British soldiers from the Afghan wars. Its tall spire, stained glass, and peaceful gardens make it a hidden architectural treasure in South Mumbai.
St. Michael's Church: One of the oldest Catholic churches in Mumbai, dating back to the 16th century Portuguese era in Mahim. It's a simple yet historic site, known for its novena devotions and role in the city's early Christian history.
Christmas, observed on December 25th each year, is a time of happiness, compassion, and togetherness. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and spreads a message of peace, love, and harmony.
During this festival, families gather to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, sing carols, and share warmth during the winter season. Churches hold special services, creating an atmosphere of faith and hope. Celebrated worldwide, Christmas is cherished for its joy and its special significance to Christians.
Source: LiveMint
Related Posts: St. John's Church, Kolkata, oldest churches, colonial-era site, Christmas celebrations, Christmas, churches, celebration, Jesus Christ, churches near me, delhi churches
No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:51:09 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Bengaluru, Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader on Monday assured the public that there was no
8 hours ago
‘You endorse misogyny, cut the crap’: Shehzad Poonawalla joins BJP attack on Rahul Gandhi's ‘smash patriarchy’ call Shehzad Poonawalla and BJP were responding to Rahul Gandhi's call to "smash the patriarchy" during his party's 'Chhatro ki Goonj' programme in Pune. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
For Delhi-NCR residents, Guleria struck a reassuring note while explaining why this year’s wave has felt worse, but citizens need not panic The H1N1 virus driving Delhi-NCR’s current flu surge appears to be changing its structure — a process that is making it spread faster and slip past the
11 hours ago
A job applicant’s unusual rejection from a software engineering internship has left the internet divided after the candidate was reportedly turned down over the name of their resume file. The incident was highlighted in a now-viral post on X by user @adnaannasir_
11 hours ago
Elderly woman killed, husband injured in SUV hit-and-run at Delhi's posh GK-1 The woman, identified as Shashi, was declared brought dead at the hospital, while her husband Kulbhushan (65), was left injured. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 11:00:26 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
11 hours ago
Woman reflects on high-rise living in big cities: ‘Even the slice of the sky is fixed for us’ A woman shared her thoughts on high-rise life, saying big-city living can feel confined despite better work opportunities. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
Governor Abdullah Sarhadi gives money to treat a boy's broken arm and hands out funds for a local mosque - then, in his office in northern Afghanistan, an astonishing exchange unfolds. A young woman tells the grey-bearded former Taliban commander that she wants to divorce her husband
11 hours ago
Andy Burnham is marking his first foreign visit as prime minister with a trip to Kyiv - and will hand over blueprints so Ukraine can build its own long-range missiles. The prime minister will chair his first meeting of the "coalition of the willing"
11 hours ago
Apple’s next iPhone launch is getting closer, and the company’s usual September schedule is beginning to take shape. According to a recent Forbes report, Apple could hold its special event on Wednesday, September 9, where it is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
11 hours ago
Fugitive gangster Goldy Brar has, in an audio clip, purportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, The Indian Express reported. The newspaper said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip
11 hours ago
Dad crashes daughter’s late-night work meeting over parcels: ‘Ek paise ki saving nahi karti’ A father’s surprise appearance during his daughter’s work call turns into a lecture on spending and saving. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 10:56:44 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via
11 hours ago
A Zimbabwean content creator’s tongue-in-cheek take on life in India has caught the attention of social media users after he shared 10 everyday conveniences that have completely changed his standard of living. From paying for almost everything with just a phone to having food
11 hours ago
Starting September 1, passengers traveling internationally will be required to use an e-boarding pass on their smartphones for immigration clearance, as announced by immigration authorities. This significant change comes as the Bureau of Immigration (BOI)
15 hours ago
The September 2026 US Visa Bulletin brings a mixed picture for Indian green card applicants. While some family-sponsored categories have moved forward, several employment-based categories remain severely constrained, with two India-specific categories listed as unavailable and the State Department
15 hours ago
The Maharashtra Transport Department has issued notices to 777 drivers for lacking practical knowledge of Marathi, The Hindu quoted unidentified officials as saying on Saturday. A total of 5,211 drivers were tested during a statewide inspection campaign that began on August 20, including 3
15 hours ago
19-year-old killed, friend injured after truck hits motorcycle on Delhi's Indraprastha flyover A police team reached the spot and found a motorcycle lying in a damaged condition and two people seriously injured. One of them died in the hospital. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
15 hours ago
Indian woman reveals why her family returned to India after 13 years in US: ‘You don’t really belong here’ A woman shared five reasons her family decided to leave the US and return to India after 13 years. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:43:56 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google
15 hours ago
New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:28 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Kyiv on Monday on his first international
15 hours ago
Bengaluru vs Gurgaon? Man who lived in both cities explains why the comparison is ‘completely pointless’ A man said the Bengaluru versus Gurgaon debate was pointless and urged people to live in both cities before deciding. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
15 hours ago
Circle Wealth CIO and Managing Partner Chadha said the market was rewarding companies with strong earnings and improving outlooks, even as large-cap stocks remained under pressure. Diwali season is expected to bring a fresh boost for Indian equities following strong corporate earnings
15 hours ago
The restriction was imposed under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which governs the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics. The central government on Saturday restricted the manufacturing, sale and distribution of all fixed-dose combinations (FDCs)
15 hours ago
Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:29 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ukraine on Monday hosts a meeting of its key European backers to press for critical
15 hours ago
'Trouble proving citizenship after representing India in 3 countries': Ex-envoy to ECI over Punjab SIR Suri served as India’s ambassador to the UAE and Egypt and high commissioner to Australia. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:34:33 IST By HT Correspondent Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
15 hours ago
2 killed after illegal building in Hyderabad's Gachibowli caves in Officials alleged that the building was built over or adjacent to a drain without the required permissions. Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:41:02 IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link At least two
1 days ago
J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:43:04 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ramgarh
1 days ago
Jaiñtia Hills to the G7: Can Meghalaya turn ‘Lakadong’ into a global brand? The high-curcumin turmeric has gone from an obscure hill crop to a GI-tagged premium product showcased before world leaders. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:48:20 IST By David Laitphlang
1 days ago
Ex-NRI shares why she takes auto for 1 km ride to gym after moving to India: 'Life here is a compromise' The woman shared that she has to walk through an area where "everybody stares", while the pathway is "ubad-khabad", dirty and encroached. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago