Christmas Carols Echo In Many Indian Languages

HYDERABAD: The Christmas season in Hyderabad is distinct as it resonates with carols sung in a wide range of languages. Along with Latin, Spanish, and French hymns, Indian regional languages dominate the celebrations, allowing communities from different states to rejoice in their native tongues. Tamil Christmas carols are predominantly sung at St Thomas Tamil Cathedral in Secunderabad, by around 50 singers and musicians. The 174-year-old church’s choir is led by Rev Dr Moses Asirvadham, who has been directing it for over two decades. Henry Jaganathan said Hyderabad is home to thousands of Tamil families, of which about 650 families are members of the cathedral. “ ‘Kanmoodi Thoongu Paala’ (Close your eyes and sleep, baby) is a traditional Tamil carol. We sing only original Tamil carols and do not perform translated songs,” he said. A large Kannada-speaking population, settled in Hyderabad for decades, celebrates Christmas at the Methodist Kannada Church in Indiranagar. Baridabad Bhasker said many Kannada families are associated with the church. “My all-time favourite carol is ‘Yesu Kristu Jena Sera Namagagi Janasida’, which means Jesus Christ is born for us,” he said. He added that most families trace their roots to Bidar and Zaheerabad and are now spread across areas such as Asifnagar, BHEL, Kukatpally, and Madhapur. Bengali families in Hyderabad celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm at Masi Yesu Darbar, a cross-cultural church at Abids. Tumpa Mudi said Bengali carols such as ‘Ye Prithibi Dakshi Tomari Prankule’ deeply connect worshippers to their roots. Anna Thimbakayalain said her parents migrated from Kerala long ago, and Malayalam carols remain closest to her heart. “ ‘Daivam Pirakkunna Manushyanai Bethlehemin Manju Peyyunna Malamadiyil’, which means God is born as man in Bethlehem, is one of our most cherished songs,” she said. At the Centenary Marathi Church, where the Marathi congregation gathers every Sunday, Pastor Rev. Ashok Sawlikar said families belonging to the church range from those settled for over 50 years to newer members. “The services are conducted entirely in Marathi. All pre-Christmas events this year went well, and the congregation’s favourite carol remains ‘Yeta Yeta Ga Bethlehemla’,” he said.



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