Christmas magic is ablaze in Hyderabad! The air hums with carols, streets sparkle with lights, and churches brim with nativity scenes. As the city prepares for Jesus’ birth, a vibrant tapestry of traditions unfolds.
Churches Lead the Way:
Since Advent began, choirs have filled churches with melodious carols, and candlelit services have ushered in a spirit of reflection. Four candles lit, one for each Sunday, now await their companion on Christmas Day.
St. John the Baptist church, boasting the city’s only functioning pipe organ, hosted a grand “Festival of Nine Lessons” with a 106-member choir, its historic walls echoing with timeless hymns.
From the city’s oldest Tamil church, Christ Church, to the 160-year-old St. George’s Church, every edifice resonates with festive cheer. Carol singing, nativity plays, and even a Christmas procession at CSI Wesley Church paint the city with joyous anticipation.
A City Dressed in Merriment:
Homes don their finest decorations, and markets overflow with festive delights, enticing residents to join the celebration. The aroma of culinary treats mingles with the joyous bustle, adding to the city’s charm.
The Pipe Organ’s Song:
St. John’s pride, the 1908 pipe organ, once silenced in 1994, found its voice again through retired naval officer Commodore TMJ Champion and English engineer Dr. Timothy Velacott. Their dedication restored the instrument, and Dr. Velacott’s meticulous care ensures its melodious presence at every mass.
Chief organist Virender Joshua, inheriting the mantle from Commodore Champion, emphasizes the organ’s vital role in enhancing hymns and adhering to the church’s Anglican roots. Its soulful notes weave through the festivities, adding a touch of timeless elegance.
Hyderabad’s Christmas is a symphony of traditions, music, and community, where the spirit of the season shines bright in every corner.
