Sonada, Darjeeling — A youth group from Kurseong became the winners of the recently concluded Radio Salesian Christmas Carol composition competition in Nepali language Jingle Bells Season 2 – the inter-church carol competition running into its second year.

The competition consisted of recording an original Christmas Carol in Neplai langauge and placing it in Radio Salesian FB page for voting which ended on Saturday 30 December 2017 at 4.00 pm.

The 10 member team that got the maximum likes is St Paul’s Parish Kurseong youth group which performed “Manavko Avtar Lyai” carol lyrics and music composed by Mr Peter Lepcha. They got 273 likes, 127 shares and 4k views.

Ten member St Theresa’s Parish Sonada youth group became the second winners bagging 223 likes, 102 shares and 4.8k views. Dr Terence Mukhia composed both music and lyrics of “Nazarethko Bethlehemma” carol.

Third prize went to Church of Jesus Christ for their carol entitled “Nishkalank Avatar Balak” composed by Pastor Peter Lepcha. It had 201 likes, 36 shares and 1.2k views

“This year, besides certificates, we are also offering cash prizes through the generous sponsorship of St Theresa’s Parish Sonada and Wang’s Restaurant Soanda” says Radio Salesian Director Fr. C.M. Paul.

Program Coordinator at Radio Salesian RJ Samir Chhetri explains, “The carol competition consisted of creating one original Nepali Christmas Carol by a team of ten or less members including muscians.”

Among the five groups which won are Nepali Brothers of Salesian College and Nitya Sayeka Mata Church Mamring who secured fourth and fiifth positions respectively.