Piplod Village in Rajasthan Celebrates Christmas Together for 104 Years

Baran, Rajasthan: In a remarkable display of cultural unity and religious harmony, the village of Piplod in Baran district has been celebrating Christmas together for the past 104 years. Every year on December 25, the entire village comes together to observe the festival of the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebrations include a two-day fair and five days of religious, cultural, and sports events, attracting visitors from across India and even abroad.

The Only Church in Ataru Tehsil
According to Rev. Eric Masih of the Jungle Mangal Mandli CNI Church, Piplod village is located about 25 kilometers from Baran district headquarters in Ataru Tehsil. It is the only village in the tehsil with a church. Around 200 Christian families reside here.

Founded in 1904
Father Eric explains that the village was established in 1904 during British rule when Christian missionaries came to the area to spread their faith. Over time, several families settled here, giving rise to Piplod village. The village church, originally built in that period, was later renovated in 1931 and again between 1967–68.

Natives Return Home for Christmas
On December 25, Piplod natives, wherever they are in India or abroad, return to the village to celebrate Christmas with their families. The village sees a large gathering of people, who join in the festivities with great enthusiasm.

Five Days of Celebration, Two-Day Fair
The church administration organizes a series of programs spanning five days, including sports competitions. On December 25 and 26, a grand fair is held in the village, drawing people from nearby areas as well.

A Symbol of Communal Harmony
Village elders Mintu and Ghisi Bai emphasize that people of all religions in Piplod live together in harmony. Christmas is celebrated here with the same enthusiasm as Diwali, with homes cleaned, decorated, and illuminated. People from all faiths participate in the fair, and the village welcomes guests warmly, making Piplod a shining example of social and cultural cohesion.