Last Updated: June 25, 2019 Abhishek Gurung
I have always been driven to churches, although I’m not Christian I often appreciate its silence and calm ambience; especially the shining glow of the churches in Christmas is simply alluring. In a place like Delhi, where one can see a fine blend of different cultures, churches add up as yet another dimension. So, when it comes to where to visit this Christmas in Delhi or what to do during Christmas in Delhi the options in the list go on. Let me take you on a virtual tour of the city’s amazing traditional and modern churches for ‘ALL IS CALM ALL IS BRIGHT’ and allow you to experience winter’s biggest feast as the holy spirit knocks the door and of course because ‘Ho – Ho – Ho Santa Clause is coming to town.’ So, come and jingle in this Christmas season by visiting some amazing churches in Delhi.
1. St. Alphonsa’s Church
Photo: https://goo.gl/MlMJYK
Tucked in the midst of farm houses of Vasant Kunj opulent sector, St. Alphonsa’s Church holds its mark. As beautiful the location, this holy abode stands with pride. St. Alphonsa’s Church offers services in three languages English, Hindi and Korean and the timings may differ basing on the season and preferred language. The church is named after Saint Alphonsa who is now honoured as a saint. The Church is filled with rich detailed carvings and sculptures that denote stories from the bible. The wood detailing with white interiors give a light and airy feeling to space, it had me moving into a meditative zone for a while; with the statue of Christ placed on a wooden background and calm chirps of birds, St. Alphonsa’s Church is simply amicable.
Address: 9, Green Ave Rd, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
2. Cathedral Church of the Redemption
Photo: https://goo.gl/DMs1mI
Also known as the Viceroy Church, New Delhi treasures some alluring holy grounds. Cathedral Church of the Redemption is one such heavenly residence located east of Rashtrapati Bhavan; this church is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in New Delhi. The Church’s divine and ascetic exteriors lead to an imposing interior, the colours are soft and warm beige which makes the church authentic and magnificent. The glimpse of royalty can be seen in the Church and it was used by the British Viceroy during the pre – independence era. The place to be ‘even for me’ is a perfect venue to celebrate this season’s Christmas. Visit Cathedral Church of the Redemption and have a heavenly experience and blissfulness.
Address: 1, Church Road, North Avenue, New Delhi
3. St. James’ Church
Photo: https://goo.gl/lqRSeV
Sanctified in 1836, St James Church is one of the oldest Churches in New Delhi, located near Kashmiri Gate. St. James’ Church holds the fame of being the first church in Delhi. Shining in Golden Yellow, this humble abode still stands with pride. It is said that this church holds an imitation of the churches in Venice; I believe so for its dome architecture. St. James’ Church is also known as Skinner’s Church because it was built by the legendary Colonel James Skinner, an Anglo-Indian military adventurer in India.
Address: Church Rd, Mori Gate, New Delhi
4. Sacred Heart Cathedral Church
Photo: https://goo.gl/vNpN5F
Sacred Heart Cathedral Church is one of the most famous Roman Catholic Churches in New Delhi. Located near Connaught Place this Godly place was built in the year 1930. It is one of the oldest and largest Churches in New Delhi and it residence St. Columba’s School and the Convent of Jesus and Mary school. The Church inspiring architecture was based on Italian architecture. Sacred Heart Cathedral is beautifully designed with white pillars that support the canopy and circular arcade turrets. The interior has a towering curved roof with polished stone floors.
Address: 1, Gol Dak Khana Roundabout, New Delhi
5. St. Mary’s Church
Photo: https://goo.gl/b46Fgs
A small world of its own, another holy place that is said to be one of the oldest Churches in Delhi after St James Church. St Mary’s Church located in Old Delhi’s chaotic Chandni Chowk is another world altogether. Built in 1865, the church is an old charming righteous place and is beautifully maintained. Its soothing ambience is so much in contrast with the outside world as it cuts out the noise of the traffic and sets in a meditative zone to all the visitors. The calm and peaceful church is nicely dotted with beautiful pictorial descriptions, if you look closely, you’ll see the entire life of Christ and Mary on the walls of the Church.
Address: Shyama Prasad Mukherji Marg, Delhi
6. St. Thomas Church
Photo: https://goo.gl/Cjv1ol
Popular in the midst of South Delhi, St. Thomas Church is located in sector II, RK Puram. This church is also known as the Red Brick Church of Delhi because it is built completely of red bricks in Eastern European architecture style. St. Thomas Church is devoted to one of the 12 disciples of Jesus ‘Thomas Didymus.’ The church organises masses in English, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam languages and also provide a Sunday school for kids.
Address: Sector 2, RamaKrishna Puram, New Delhi
7. St. Stephen’s Church
One of the popular churches in Delhi, St. Stephen’s Church is bestowed with grace and refinement. This Church was built in the year 1862 and is located on the Church Mission Road. Placed opposite the Chandni Chowk and Old Railway Station, the church’s design is that of Italian Gothic style with bits of Romanesque style of architecture. The entrance of the Church has a big circular Rose window or Catherine window; these frames are mostly used for Gothic architecture designs. St. Stephen was one the first to receive the martyr’s crown.
Address: Church Mission Rd, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
8. St. Luke’s Church
Photo: https://goo.gl/zNLA0B
St. Luke’s Church is another prominent landmark for Christians. Located in New Delhi’s posh Defence Colony, St. Luke’s Church is named after the patron Saint Luke. It is said that St Luke was the only non-Jew who committed to the New Testament. This church, apart from the regular mass also runs a Sunday school to inculcate moral & Christian values in the children. St. Luke’s Church offers daily mass in three languages, English, Hindi & Malayalam. However, the timings may differ basing on the season.
Address: B-68, Defence Colony, New Delhi
9. Centenary Methodist Church
Centenary Methodist Church located in Lodhi road is yet another prominent holy structure found in Delhi. This church came into the presence in the year 1940 with Bishop J.W. Robinson’s firm decision to bring this church into reality; to come up with a new Methodist Church in Delhi. Initially, Centenary Methodist Church grew with small prayers meetings in a cottage; with a much-needed building for carrying worshipping activities, the Church was born.
Address: Dildar Nagar, CGO Complex, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi
10. St. Michael’s Church
Photo: https://goo.gl/FFZul0
New Delhi’s St. Michael’s Church is one of the most stunning churches to dwell in. Located in Karol Bagh this church lures your senses with its breathtaking architecture. St. Michael’s Catholic Church is one divine destination not to be missed this Christmas month.
Address: Guru Ravi Das Marg, Prasad Nagar, Karol Bagh, New Delhi Christmas brings joy and it is that one festival that brings a family together. A celebration to cherish blessings holds a very important festival for the Christians. So, this December, visit the mesmerising Churches mentioned above. If you agree with me, share this blog and comment if you know any other churches to visit this Christmas Season. Happy Happy Christmas…
Published: 15 Dec, 2016
Abhishek Gurung is a writer whose passion for food and travel is an unending affair. He likes going on treks and camping in the woods, loves exploring forts and architecture, he is a cycle enthusiast who likes to contribute something to the environment, travel photography and videography is another interest as he sees life in a cinematic point of view. He likes the idea of living in offbeat destination where the mode of communication is to interact with each other. Coming from Nagaland, he has visited some beautiful valleys and remote villages and appreciates nature as it is and as it should be.