Boro Din facts for kids

Boro Din (which means "Big Day") is the name for Christmas in Bangladesh. It's also celebrated this way in the nearby state of West Bengal, India. It's a special time when people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

What is Boro Din?

Boro Din is the most important Christian holiday in Bangladesh. It is a national holiday, meaning most people get the day off from work and school. This allows families and friends to celebrate together.

How Christianity Came to Bangladesh

Christianity arrived in Bangladesh during the 16th century. It was brought by Portuguese traders and missionaries. Today, Christians make up a small part of the population in Bangladesh, about 0.03 percent.

Celebrating Boro Din

Boro Din is a joyful time filled with many traditions. People visit each other's homes and exchange gifts. Children often receive money or toy gifts from adults.

Greetings and Decorations

On Boro Din, people greet each other by saying "Shubho Boro Din." This means "Greetings of the Great Day." Decorations are an important part of the celebration.

Decorations in Different Areas

In rural areas, people often use natural materials to decorate. They might use banana trees and leaves to make their homes festive. In cities, you'll see more traditional Christmas decorations. These include Christmas trees, colorful banners, and balloons.

Special Events and Food

Many special events take place during Boro Din. Hotels often host festive gatherings. Television channels show special Christmas programs for everyone to enjoy.

Traditional Boro Din Foods

Food is a big part of any celebration, and Boro Din is no different. Traditional foods include delicious Christmas cake, local sweet treats called pitha, and various cookies. Many Christian families also bake Christmas cakes at home.

Church Celebrations

Churches are at the heart of Boro Din celebrations. They are beautifully decorated with lights and Christmas trees. Church choirs perform special Bengali Christmas songs.

Christmas Eve Traditions

On Christmas Eve, churches hold special feasts called Preeti Bhoj. They also sing hymns, which are religious songs, known as Kirtan. These gatherings bring the community together in celebration.

Boro Din for Everyone

While Boro Din is a Christian holiday, it's becoming more popular with people of other religions in Bangladesh. This is especially true in cities. Many people enjoy visiting theme parks, zoos, and museums on this day. Small Christmas parties are also held in restaurants and homes. Gift-giving is a common activity for everyone.

See also

• Christmas
• Christianity in Bangladesh
• Christmas worldwide