Matters India reporter
Sonada: A youth group from Sonada parish became the first church group to start the Jigle Bells Season 2 in the hills to record original Christmas Carol composition in Nepali language entitled: Nazarethko Bethlehamma.
Both lyrcs and music are composed by Campus Coordinator and HoD Philosophy Dept at Salesian College Soanda Dr Terence Mulkhia.
The 10-member choir under the leadership of Mr Savio Giri recorded the carol at Radio Saleisan studio on 9 December, becoming the first team to enter the inter-church carol competition running into its second year.
“This year, besides certificates, we are also offering cash prizes through the generous sponsorship of St Theresa’s Parish Sonada,” says Radio Salesian Director Fr. C.M. Paul.
Program Coordinator at Radio Salesian RJ Samir Chhetri explains, “The carol competition consists of creating one original Nepali Christmas Carol by a team of ten or less members including muscians.”
RJ Samir reminds, “The last date for recording songs is Monday 18th December noon.”
Samir adds, “The mode of judging the winners this year is totally internet based.”
Carol Broadcast and voting starts on Radio Saleisan Facebook page on Wednesday 20 December and top three carols getting highest number of likes will be declared winners.
The Radio Salesian FB page voting ends on Saturday 30 December 2017 at 4.00 pm.
The winners will be declared over radio on Monday 1st January 2018.
Recalling the making of the original carol composition Dr Mukhia says, “ I was touched by the concept of the competition that I went home, sat at my desk, prayed and the lyrics and tune just came to me.”
Last Sunday, first Sunday of Advent, after Eucharist, parish youth group consisting of parish youth studying at colleges in Sonada, Darjeeling, Siliguri and Kurseong came together and practiced the carol which was recorded on 9 December 2017.
“It was a joyous experience to put togteher the carol with friends. It brought a me peace and joy,” says first year Economics student at St Joseph College Darjeeling Manisha Marina Bhitrikotti commenting on carol recording experience.
President of St Theresa Parish Sonada Youth Club 3rd year Political Science student at Saleisan College Miss Shikha Gurung was grateful to have had the experience of recording her first song in a studio