The Indian Christian community in South Carolina offers a unique perspective on how faith and culture can blend harmoniously. While we remain deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ, our traditions reflect the beauty of Indian culture—vibrant, diverse, and spiritual. Whether through our church services, festivals, or family gatherings, we’ve found ways to celebrate Christianity while honoring our Indian heritage. 

 In this blog, we explore how Christian traditions take on new colors and flavors when experienced through the lens of Indian culture in South Carolina.

Indian Christian celebrations are a joyful fusion of cultural and religious practices. Here’s how we uniquely celebrate major Christian traditions:

Blending Traditions for Unique Festivities

Christmas in the Indian Christian community is a vibrant affair, celebrated with the grandeur of both Indian and Christian customs. The celebration begins with decorating homes and churches, but with an Indian twist: we adorn our spaces alongside the Christmas tree. 

 Our Christmas feast features traditional Indian dishes. After the church service, families gather to share meals and stories, combining Christian worship with the warmth of Indian hospitality.

Christmas: A Festival of Lights and Togetherness

Easter is another significant celebration, marked by sunrise services and family gatherings. In South Carolina, we carry forward the Indian tradition of wearing new clothes on Easter, symbolizing renewal and a fresh start in Christ. After the church service, our community often hosts an Easter feast featuring both Indian and Western dishes, ensuring a cross-cultural experience that resonates with our dual heritage.

 Our Easter celebrations might also include an Indian cultural program, where children perform dances and skits that recount Biblical stories. This event not only strengthens our faith but also nurtures cultural pride.

Easter: A Time of Renewal and Indian Traditions

Introduction: Celebrating Faith and Culture Together

Every Sunday, our church services reflect the essence of Indian Christian worship. Here’s how:

Prayers are offered in English, Hindi, Tamil, or Malayalam, ensuring that everyone feels included, regardless of their language preference. We sing hymns in traditional Indian tunes alongside contemporary Christian songs, creating a worship atmosphere that is both familiar and spiritually uplifting.

Multilingual Prayers and Hymns:

Our worship is often accompanied by Indian musical instruments. This infusion of traditional Indian music enriches the spiritual experience, allowing us to praise God with sounds from our cultural roots.

Indian Instruments in Worship:

After the service, we gather for fellowship, where traditional Indian snacks like samosas, pakoras, and chai are served. This time is crucial for fostering a sense of community and connection, both spiritually and culturally.

Post-Service Fellowship:

Sunday Worship with Indian Influences

Living in South Carolina, we make a conscious effort to stay connected to our Indian roots. Here’s how:

Throughout the year, our church hosts cultural events such as Indian festivals, where we share our food, music, and traditions with the larger Christian community in South Carolina. These events serve as a bridge between our Indian heritage and our Christian faith.

Cultural Programs at Church:

Our church also provides a support network for Indian Christians who have recently moved to the U.S. From helping with housing to offering a sense of community, we welcome newcomers with the warmth and hospitality of our culture.

Supporting New Immigrants:

While Christmas and Easter are major events, we also celebrate Indian festivals like Diwali within our church community, using the occasion to reflect on the light of Christ and His message of hope.

Festivals Beyond Christian Holidays:

How We Keep Our Heritage Alive in South Carolina

Maintaining our cultural traditions while practicing Christianity helps us keep our faith deeply personal and relatable. It’s a reminder that we are not just Indian or Christian, but a beautiful blend of both, living out our faith in ways that are meaningful to our heritage.

Why Our Traditions Matter

Our church in South Carolina is open to all who want to experience this unique blend of Indian culture and Christian faith. Whether you’re from an Indian background or are simply curious about how we celebrate, you’re welcome to join us for Sunday worship or any of our community events. Together, we can grow in faith and unity, celebrating the richness of both worlds.

Join Us in Celebrating Faith and Culture

How We Celebrate in South Carolina

Christian Traditions in Indian Culture

The act of “connect” has become a verb that symbolizes bond. It’s in this space that our Pastor loves to often find himself share the Love of God experiences over steaming cups of Chai latte. In these shared moments, we would like to impart more than just insights into faith; we offer a window to what God is doing through the lives. Through stories of learning language and cultural immersion, acculturation and adaptation experiences challenge, encourage us that we are all on Diaspora mission in God’s Kingdom. So, pull up a chair, grab a mug, and hypothetically listen to the words we would offer you over the Chai tea latte…

There’s something profound about conversations shared over a warm cup of chai. It’s in these moments that we connect deeply, share stories, and find encouragement in faith. At Indian Christian Church South Carolina, we’ve found that conversations particularly special—offering glimpses into the heart of God's work across the nations.

Imagine sitting with Ben Johns, a community leader, as he shares his wisdom over a cup of chai. Here are 5 things a missionary might tell you during such a meaningful conversation.


"Even when we don’t see it, He’s moving."

Experience God’s movement in ways we might never imagine. God's presence is felt in every conversation, every act of love, and every prayer offered. 

In every chai conversation, you’d hear this constant theme: God never stops working, even in the most unexpected places.

God is Always at Work


"Missional, Gospel centered and relevant work, much like brewing the perfect cup of chai tea latte, takes time."

One thing missionary understand is the need for patience. Whether it’s building relationships or sharing the message of Jesus, real transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Just like steeping tea leaves for the perfect chai, the process of discipleship takes time and dedication. The seeds we plant today may take years to bear fruit. But God honors perseverance 

As Ben often says, "Think beyond the box—focus on the long-term plan of your faith."

Think Long-Term


"Your prayers are like chai for the soul—refreshing and life-giving."

One of the most meaningful things we offer you is to pray. Prayer bridges the gap between us and the people God has called. When you pray, it’s like you’re holding your hands, sustaining as we face challenges, doubts, and spiritual battles. 

It’s through prayer that we all stay connected to God’s greater plan for His Kingdom.

Pray for Us


"We’re just regular people drinking chai, relying on God’s strength."

We are not superheroes—they face the same struggles and doubts that we do. Financial worries, cultural challenges, and emotional lows are all part of the journey. The key is that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

When you sit down over a cup of Chai tea latte and talk with Ben Johns, you realize that, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide our lives through each day.

We Are Not Superheroes


"Every sip of chai, every conversation, every challenge—Jesus is worth it all."

At the end of the day, the message is clear: Jesus is worth it. Whether it’s walking through valleys or celebrating victories, know that every effort made to share His love is worth it. They’ve seen lives transformed, hearts healed, and entire communities changed because of Jesus.

In your conversation over chai with Pastor Ben, you’d hear him say this again and again: Jesus is worth it—and that’s why we go, we share, and we keep going.

Jesus Is Worth It

Engaging in a “chai tea-ing” session with us goes beyond just a casual conversation. It’s an invitation to take part in a rich blend of wisdom brewed from personal encounters with faith, challenges, and victories. Every story shared is an encouragement to us—to be missional wherever God has placed us.

So, the next time you sip your chai, remember: God is at work, and we are all part of His mission.

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