As evenings turn cooler, familiar sounds return to Pune’s streets and neighbourhoods as the rhythm of drums, soft guitar strums and voices rising together in Christmas carols. Through narrow lanes to housing societies, choir groups and church youth have once again stepped out, carrying a tradition that goes beyond music and celebration for Christmas.
For Noel Vinod, 20, choir head at Holy Trinity Church, Sangvi, carol singing is about spreading a message that remains relevant and is for everyone. “Singing Christmas carols means sharing the joy and message of the birth of Jesus. It brings happiness, peace and hope, and most importantly it brings people together,” he says.
Preparation for carol sessions begins weeks in advance. Noel explains that rehearsals, voice practice and discipline are key for carol. “We select a mix of traditional and joyful carols so that everyone can relate to it.
Team coordination is very important as we need to sync,” he adds. This year, his parish has focused on involving more youth and children and reaching out to more neighbourhoods and people in their area. “People are busier now, but when they stop and listen, you still see smiles and joy on their faces,” he says.
A similar spirit is echoed by Delissa Fernandes, 23, Youth President, who believes carol singing is more than a ritual. “Singing carols is a way of carrying the message of peace and hope directly into people’s homes as it reminds us that Christmas is about unity and we ensure that everyone is part of it, keeping aside all the boundaries,” says Fernandes.
Her group rehearses extensively, practising harmonies and selecting carols in English, Hindi and Marathi. “Not everyone is perfect, but we practise so that everyone feels included,” she explains. This year, her parish has added a special focus on visiting elderly and sick people. “Holidays can be lonely for them. We want them to know they are not forgotten and we are for them in this festive season, as we go and sing the carols at their home and spend some time.”
Delissa notices a change in how people react today. “Earlier, people waited eagerly for carols, but now life is fast-paced. Even children are more reserved, but when we sing, music still breaks barriers,” she says. She also adds that carols like ‘Long Time Ago in Bethlehem’, ‘Snow Is Falling’, and ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ always draw people out, with many joining us in dance.
At St. Xavier’s Church, Chinchwad, Ryan Fernandes, 29, says youth participation has grown a lot this year. He says “Carol singing for me is about proclaiming the coming of Christ. It is a joyful way of sharing fellowship.”
Ryan notes that this year’s carols are more vibrant, with more instruments and house-to-house visits as well. “We include multilingual songs so everyone can connect,” he says. His favourite carols range from the reflective ‘O Holy Night’ to the energetic ‘Feliz Navidad’. “There’s nothing like seeing children’s excitement when we sing these carols or other ones as well,” he adds.
In Dapodi, Leonel Vaz, 31, Youth President and ChoirMaster at Holy Cross Church, describes carol singing as a mission rather than just music, he says, “When we sing, we step out of our comfort zones and become messengers of joy.”
Leonel explains that preparations begin weeks ahead, with focus on prayer, discipline and teamwork. This year, the parish has consciously made carols more inclusive and reflective. “People may be distracted today, but genuine music still touches hearts,” he says. And according to him, carols like ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Joy to the World’ continue to resonate across many generations.
At Our Lady Consoler of the Afflicted Church (OLCA), Pimpri, Priscilla Bhalerao, 25, says that carols help build unity beyond language and religion, she says “We sing in multiple languages so everyone feels included and they can enjoy the carols keeping aside their cast and religion. We go and sing out for people to come and join us in singing and celebrating with us.”
. “Live carols bring back memories and create emotional connections,” Priscilla says. Songs like ‘Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer’, ‘Ala Ho Ala Natal Ala’ and ‘Charvahe Nache Jhumke’ are especially popular among children.
Across parishes, one belief remains strong that live carols still matter a lot in a digital age as well.“Nothing can replace the human touch. We don’t just sing, we interact, pray and connect for all,” says Ryan.
Leonel explains that preparations begin weeks ahead, with focus on prayer, discipline and teamwork. (Express Photo) 
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