Choir groups in Raipur give X-Mas tunes a desi twist

From English favourites like O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy To The World and The First Noel to Chhattisgarhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi carols, Raipur is ushering this festive season in on a variety of musical notes.
With several Christmas carol competitions and performances currently taking place in the city, Raipur’s choristers are working hard to spread that cheer.“Choir singers often get feedback that all the songs sound similar, and there’s a lack of voice clarity or difficulty understanding the language. Hence, this year, we have decided to translate some favourites like Silent Night and The First Noel into regional languages like Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and even our local Chhattisgarhi. We have roped in members for other communities to help us out,” says carol singer John Jacob. Bethlehmi Gavala Majhya Khristala Pahayaas remain the favourite of choir groups catering to the regional crowd.
This year, a choir group of a city-based church is also planning to present songs with a Carnatic touch. “These are compositions based on ragas like Mayamalavagaula and Kalyani. Alongside the keyboard and bass guitar, we will also use the Carnatic violin and mridangam in the background.”
Several choir groups in the city are also adding their original compositions to the festive line-up.
Choirmaster Vinay Jones explains, “Many choirs have been performing their original numbers for years, and these have gained a cult status. Besides that, I have heard many age-old compositions presented with such catchy makeovers in recent times, like in the case of the song O Little Town of Bethlehem. The old-timers don’t like it much, but youngsters love it.”