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Photo: R. Ashok

StrikING a chord Joyous occasion

The number of choir groups that are out in the city every evening right from ‘Advent Sunday’ (four Sundays before Christmas) have been increasing over the years, observes Fr. James, assistant parish priest at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Traditional carol groups might count up to 50, including the 35 Parish choirs from all Christian denominations, and there are an equal number of individual groups from schools and colleges.

The songs serenaded by few musical instruments are, on most occasions, groups’ own compositions.

“The compositions are mostly in Tamil to strike a chord with the people. Lyrics play a vital role in stimulating the spiritual fervour in people and we compose it with care,” Fr. Joseph says.

The group singing has a significance that transcends spiritual enhancement. “It develops brotherhood and unity among the people. That makes carol a regular service in our school,” says Bro. Soosairaj, Principal of Campion Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School.

For the students of the school, there is more to carol than mere merrymaking. While the rest of the groups visit houses to herald the birth of the Christ, the carol group of Campion sing in unison for the children with muscular dystrophy and mental retardation.

“These occasions bring in them a sense of social responsibility. They learn about world’s most popular carol compositions and the singing creates a feeling of Christmas,” Bro. Soosairaj says.

No occasion could be better than this month for the kids to play pranks while exchanging gifts. The thought of Santa Claus knocking their door in the middle of night to shower gifts on them kicks up the kids.

“Santas stand out to be the best friends of kids. The arrival of Santas to their home would mean so much to them. We sneak in the gifts to Santas, asking him to present it to the kids during carols,” says Sneha Cherian, mother of two.

Carol groups enjoy a great amount of autonomy. There is no restriction on the number of singers, age, musical accompaniments or the composition.

“That makes the carol much more customised. Though we select from the usually sung ones like Silent Night, we encourage students’ contributions too,” says Relton M. James, Principal of St. John’s Vestry Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School.

His school has about 10 groups, with over 400 students involved in it right from kindergarten.

He looks at carols as an occasion to pull in the kids, who keep low-profile during cultural fests. “All the kids get to participate in the singing. It gives them a sense of satisfaction in playing their part,” Mr. James says.

The secretary of Parish council, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Joseph Cells, says the custom was to spread cheer among the people who stick to indoors during harsh winters.

Even as you prepare for exchanging gifts and tucking in Christmas feast, celebrate the spirit of Christmas tunefully with the carols.

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