If you’ve ever celebrated Christmas in Bandra, you know it’s a holiday on steroids. Sure, things have changed since the “good old days,” but some things stay the same: the lights, the music, and the Aunties demanding you eat a third helping of that irresistible rich plum cake. Let’s take a light-spirited look at Christmas in Bandra—then and now!
Midnight Mass: The Soulful Service vs. The Selfie Service
Then: Midnight Mass in Bandra used to be a beautiful, solemn affair. People would gather at local churches—St. Peter’s, St. Andrew’s, and Mount Carmel, dressed in their festive best, ready to sing their hearts out and welcome Christmas with reverence. Families walked home in a candlelit glow, chatting with neighbours and sharing homemade sweets.
Now: Midnight Mass still holds its charm, but it’s got competition: the smartphone. As soon as the service ends, you’ll see a sea of selfies, group photos, and Instagram Lives. Midnight Mass has gone from a soulful service to a social media moment, with everyone ensuring their Christmas finery is well-documented. And don’t forget the hashtags: #Blessed, #ChristmasVibes, #BandraChristmas.
Christmas Decorations: Modest vs. Social Media Worthy Displays
Then: The Christmas decorations in Bandra were simple but heartfelt. The crib was lovingly handcrafted with each family member pitching in. Then out came the tiny clay figures of Mary, Joseph, and the whole gang, dusted off and repainted as if they’ had faded over the years. Each home had its charm, often with handmade decorations, warm yellow lights and maybe a star hung over the doorway.
Bandra’s streets were lit with basic but beautiful lanterns and the occasional paper star. Chapel Road, Pali market, Chimbai, Ranwar, and Boran Road were festive but simple, with homes adding a modest splash of colour and folks taking time to appreciate the little fairy lights on a cold dark night.
Now: Today, Christmas decorations in Bandra could rival Pinterest, Flickr and Instagram. Cribs have gone upscale! Now it’s all about collecting the “limited edition” figurines. Some cribs feature light-up stars, tiny potted plants, and even a miniature fog machine! You half expect the Wise Men to show up with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and earphones! Houses are decked out with twinkling lights, blow-up Santas, snowmen, and elaborate wreaths.
Today, Bandra’s streets could probably be seen from space. With LED lights blinking, music blasting, and inflatables waving, it’s become a mini–Las Vegas (without the casinos but with just as much colour). The elaborate decorations draw tourists who snap photos—while locals mutter, “Why are you blocking my door?” Yet the community spirit is still alive.
Christmas Sweets: Homemade Goodies vs. The Bakery Craze
Then: Bandra’s Christmas sweets were a labour of love. Grannies and Aunties would spend hours kneading, frying, and baking, refusing any help because “you won’t do it right!” Families gathered around a marble table top for days, rolling out traditional sweets like kulkuls, moulding marzipan, and milk cream, filling Vevris, or icing the plum cake. It was as much about bonding as it was about baking, and every neighbour received a lovingly decorated tray of sweets.
Now: With the rise of Bandra’s trendy bakeries, why make sweets when you can buy them? Christmas sweets are available everywhere, from Andora and Candies to Theobroma, where you can find everything from traditional sweets to Christmas-themed cupcakes. But there’s still something about those homemade treats that Bandra folks cherish, even if we sneak a few from the bakery when no one’s looking!
Christmas Carolling: Door-to-Door vs. Bluetooth Speakers
Then: Back in the day, caroling was all about community and classic songs. Groups of neighbours bundled up carrying a guitar, tambourine, and candles. They went door-to-door, singing simple renditions of “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” for a cup of tea and maybe a homemade snack bringing Christmas cheer to every home.
Now: Carolling has gone full concert mode. Local choirs bring out their vocal harmonies, with rehearsals starting in September. You’ll spot groups doing flash mobs at Bandstand or a cappella harmonies at Hill Road, complete with matching Christmas outfits and Instagram Lives. And with Mariah Carey playing everywhere, sometimes you don’t even know if it’s carollers singing or from a local café’s playlist. And while it’s not as personal, Bandra’s musical spirit still shines through, especially with the local musicians who take to the streets for impromptu Christmas jam sessions.
Christmas Shopping: Hill Road Frenzy vs. Amazon Prime
Then: Christmas shopping in Bandra was once a neighbourhood event. People would browse cozy local shops on Hill Road or pick up gifts from local artisans or hawkers, putting thought into each present. There was no rush. They’d bargain a bit, stop by at Balaji or Elco for some pani puri, and call it a day with a few plastic bags full of goodies. It was more like a social scene with a sense of excitement all around.
Now: Today, Hill Road and Linking Road turn into bustling hubs of Christmas shopping frenzy. Stores are packed with people looking for everything from the latest fashion to last-minute Secret Santa gifts. And if all else fails, Amazon Prime comes to the rescue with guaranteed Christmas Eve delivery.
Christmas Parties: Intimate Gatherings vs. All-Out Bashes
Then: Christmas parties in Bandra were simple but joyful. Friends and family would gather for a pleasant evening, with drinks, home-cooked food such as stuffed turkey, duck moile, sorpotel, vindaloo, fugias, and of course the flaming Christmas pudding! Gifts were exchanged and the air was filled with love and laughter. It was an opportunity to connect and relax with loved ones. The Bandra Gymkhana Christmas dance was a must for couples young and old where the popular local bands would perform all through the night.
Now: Bandra’s Christmas parties today are all-out bashes. You find young folks dressed up and going out to glitzy-themed parties at bars, restaurants, and clubs or a 5-star hotel like the Taj Lands End. The Bandra Gymkhana’s Christmas dance now permits teenagers above the age of 15 years so, from a couple’s night out it caters to families. Friends meet for brunches, and rooftop soirées, while some may gather at Bandstand or Carter Road later to take ‘candid’ group shots in their Santa hats. Traditional dinner? It’s more like a party that only ends when the last person’s phone dies.
The Christmas Spirit: Timeless, only a little Louder
Then: Christmas in Bandra was about tradition, family, and keeping things simple. A time when joy came from community and small but meaningful gestures.
Now: The spirit of Christmas is still alive and well in Bandra, just in a louder, brighter, more “shareable” form. Christmas is bigger, bolder, and more high-tech, but at its core, it’s still about celebrating together. Whether you’re posting it on Instagram or keeping it low-key with family, Bandra’s festive season keeps that Christmas magic going strong, one LED light and a shot of mulled wine at a time.
