Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Descendants of Portuguese Soldiers Celebrate Christmas in Tripura
A long time ago, Portuguese soldiers came to a place called Tripura in India.
They settled there and started families.
Now, their descendants live in a place called Mariamnagar.
They celebrate Christmas and have a church called Shantir Rani Catholic Church.
Over time, they have mixed with the local culture and now speak Bengali instead of Portuguese.
They also celebrate Hindu festivals like Diwali and Durga Puja.
People from different religions live together peacefully in Mariamnagar.
The descendants are proud of their heritage and try to learn more about their ancestors.
During Christmas, many people visit the church and enjoy the festivities.
Descendants of Portuguese soldiers settled in Tripura in the 16th century celebrate Christmas in Mariamnagar.
Five primary families (Marchers, Lagardos, D’mellos, D’Silvas, D’Souzas) are believed to have settled in Tripura.
The community has assimilated into Bengalee culture, adopting Bengali language and traditions.
The Shantir Rani Catholic Church in Mariamnagar is the oldest church in Tripura, established in the 1930s.
The descendants participate in both Christian and Hindu festivals, reflecting a diverse and inclusive cultural heritage.
- Who
- Descendants of Portuguese soldiers who settled in Tripura in the 16th century
- What
- Celebration of Christmas and the cultural assimilation of Portuguese descendants in Tripura
- When
- Christmas Eve and ongoing cultural events
- Where
- Mariamnagar, Tripura, India
- Why
- To honor their heritage and celebrate Christmas, while also participating in local cultural and religious practices
- Location
- Mariamnagar, Tripura, India
- Population
- Thousands of descendants of Portuguese settlers
- Primary Families
- Marchers, Lagardos, D’mellos, D’Silvas, D’Souzas
- Settlement Period
- 16th century
- Current Church
- Shantir Rani Catholic Church (Queen of Peace Catholic Church)
- Cultural Influence
- Assimilated into Bengalee culture
- Religious Practices
- Christian rituals with participation in Hindu festivals
- Language Shift
- From Portuguese to Bengali