All about Christmas carol services at Madurai’s oldest institutions

Experience the festive spirit of Madurai through cherished carol services, a tradition celebrated globally with music and songs.

Christmas is almost upon us, and Madurai’s festive spirit is palpable. One of the most cherished traditions of the festival is carol services. These events, organised by various institutions and organisations, bring communities together through music.

The festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, first held on Christmas eve in 1880 at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, England, is the earliest and the most renowned carol service. Initiated by Bishop Edward White Benson, it has become an annual tradition across the globe.

“Carol service is a joyful occasion in our institution. It involves the entire college community, their family and friends,” says Jessie Ranjitha Jebaselvi C, associate pofessor of English and chaplain of Lady Doak College, Madurai. “Every year, we choose a theme for our carol service and this year, it is ‘Jesus, the Prince of Peace’ . After two months of practice, the institution’s student choir, teaching and nonteaching staff choir, and children’s choir will come together with a setlist including both traditional and contemporary singles.

The highlight of this year’s service is a performance by Manipuri students and the children’s choir comprising children of both the faculty members and non-teaching staff. “The first carol service at Lady Doak was held on December 24, 1958 in the newly-built chapel. As years passed, to accommodate all our well-wishers, we started hosting the service in the JX Miller Auditorium,” says the chaplain. “The setlist for this year’s service has been conscientiously prepared and we are excited to showcase the Manipuri song as a highlight on December 14,” adds Priyatharsini Rajendran, head and associate professor of zoology and the choir in-charge.

The YWCA of Madurai started in 1936 is known for conducting one of the most notable carol services in Madurai at The American College’s Jubilee Chapel. The YWCA of Madurai Choristers is an inclusive team with members from different professional backgrounds. They have been performing for more than two decades.

“I have always seen the YWCA as a place to meet and interact with people from different walks of life. From doctors, lawyers, school teachers to professors, we have a mixed crowd,” reflects Gladious Guna Ranjini, assistant professor of Fatima College and a member of YWCA. Founded by Grace Kennett, the organisation is committed to enabling and empowering women and girls, while promoting their development through the years.

“The carol service by YWCA Madurai Choristers will represent music from different eras namely the Reformation period of the 15th century, Romantic era of the 18th century and carols composed beyond the 20th century. The carols may differ in musical style but carry the message on the story of the birth of Jesus Christ into this world,” says the choir director.