By Jnanendra Das
The city streets, from Khyndailad to Laitumkhrah, to towns in Meghalaya including Jowai and Sohra, sparkle with festive lights, pop-up stores, and Christmas markets as December’s chill sets the perfect stage for the season’s celebrations.
The harmonious melodies of Christmas carols will soon echo in our ears, filling the air with their festive rhythm. On Sunday Shillong’s Christmas special, the internationally acclaimed heartthrob of the northeast, Shillong Chamber Choir (SCC), shares their insights into the tradition of carolling and its bearings in Meghalaya.
SCC needs no introduction, founded in 2001 by Padma Shri Neil Nongkynrih (1970-2022), the choir showcases a diverse repertoire, ranging from Bollywood hits to Western classical pieces. Their 2011 Christmas album became the top-seller in the non-cinematic music category in India.
The Roots of Carolling in Shillong
William Richmond Basaiawmoit, lead singer of the SCC, reflects on carolling’s origins in the city: “It’s undoubtedly a Western tradition that must have soon gained popularity here alongside the growth of Christianity. Carolling is a wonderful tradition of bringing in Christmas warmth and cheer which is either resounding from the many churches around town or is heard from the neighbouring houses, where the strumming of a guitar brings the whole family together. Also, the buskers and street performers bring a smile to the passersby shuffling along in their mufflers and woollen caps while Christmas shopping. Our city comes to life in the song and melody of carolling, a tradition shared and loved by all.”
A Tradition Beyond Churches
Donna Volanty Marthong, an alto of the choir, eloquently captures the evolution of carolling, “Carols symbolise love and goodwill. Carollers in little buses, trucks and cars spread the Christmas cheer without inhibition, wishing everyone along the way the best that the season can bring. All that we need to do is gracefully receive their wishes, greet them back and pay it forward.”
Unmissable Christmas Classics
For SCC, certain songs are indispensable. Choir’s tenor Sandon Melam Lyndem highlights, “Some of the timeless Christmas classics that are a must for our concert include Jingle Bells, Mary’s Boy Child, Silent Night and O Holy Night. These songs capture the spirit of the season and are loved by audiences of all ages. They bring warmth, nostalgia, joy and a sense of tradition.
Personal Memories and Influences
The choir’s members fondly recall their early carolling experiences. Bass singer Banlam Hame Lyndem cherishes, “Growing up, we were always captivated by carolling for the joy and sense of community it created. For those raised in church culture, it became a cherished tradition anticipated every year. Gathering with friends to travel through neighbourhoods, we spread the warm message of Christmas through songs. The laughter and excitement we shared is held dear to our hearts.”
Reflecting on early influences, Lyndem shares, “We drew inspiration from the smooth melodies of legends like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Sinatra’s classics, such as ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ evoke a sense of reflection and togetherness, making each note a cherished memory during our carolling nights. Nat King Cole’s iconic ‘The Christmas Song’ brings cosy warmth to the chilly December air.”
For Ibarisha Lyngdoh, SCC’s lead singer and soprano, Christmas is the time when friends and family come together to gather around the fire and sing until dawn. “We’d hear Boney M’s evergreen music in every household as the winter season set in”, she also adds.
Shillong’s Christmas Hotspots
Patricia Lyngdoh (soprano) highlights several must-visit spots for those seeking to experience the cultural essence of Christmas in Shillong, where the entire city transforms into a festive hub. She shares, “First on the list is Khyndailad (Police Bazar), where the Christmas shopping is simply enthralling. You’ll find everything—from decorations to clothes and exquisite food. Plus, the glowing street decorations are heartwarming. Second is Ward’s Lake, which hosts numerous festivities inside the park, like concerts and fairs. Third, Laitumkhrah is where all the hip and happening restaurants, cafés, shops, churches, schools, and colleges, are and is the place to be.”
Preserving Tradition
Dorea Rangad emphasises the importance of passing on the joy of carolling to younger generations. She explains, “The feeling of warmth and cheer has always been the essence of preserving this beautiful tradition. The act of carolling itself is the driving force that keeps it alive.”
She believes in the potential of today’s youth, saying, “They are smart and quick, and undoubtedly capable of much. It’s important to remember that what you give is what you get—spreading joy through carolling will always bring joy back.”
Carols in Khasi
William Basaiawmoit highlights the choir’s unique linguistic contribution to Christmas music. “We all grew up singing ‘Silent Night,’ and it’s the one carol we translated into Khasi as ‘Miet Kynjai, Miet Bakhuid.’ We also performed it in Modern Aramaic for our latest Christmas album, ‘Come Home Christmas’. The carol is beautifully medleyed with ‘I Know That My Redeemer Liveth,’” he shares.
SCC’s Christmas Plans
This Christmas, SCC has exciting plans. Rishila Merang Jamir expresses their enthusiasm for upcoming performances, saying, “We have a show in Goa a few days after Christmas and have been asked to prepare several Christmas songs. We’re practising SCC-style carols for a lively Goa audience expected to be in the thousands.”
Kynsaibor Lyngdoh, the choir’s singer turned manager, says, “Christmas is one festival that we make sure we celebrate with family and those closest to us. Our Late Director and Mentor, Uncle Neil (Mr. Neil Nongkynrih) used to gather us all and make it a big event, with a carefully curated food menu, prayer time, singing carols, a guest dressed up as Santa to distribute gifts and all that fun. That tradition still carries on in our midst”.
SCC plans to stay in Shillong this Christmas for a change, celebrating with loved ones. Kynsai further shares, “We have been more excited about hosting a three-day Christmas Carnival, (starting today) at our Pohkseh residence. From carolling and fun games to sumptuous food counters and heartwarming music, it’s about creating memories. On Christmas Eve, we’ll gather for prayer, a gift exchange, and some much-loved traditions from our late mentor, Uncle Neil.”
A Message of Hope
Jessica Lyngdoh emphasises the power of hope, “Choosing hope allows life to be guided by a power far greater than ours. It’s the wisest and most sound decision we can make to always choose hope amid uncertain and challenging times.”
A Career of Memorable Performances
William Basaiawmoit reflects on the choir’s most memorable moments. “From performing for the US President Barack Obama to collaborating with legends like (L) Ustad Zakir Hussain, Boney M, and Alan Walker, our journey has been extraordinary. One unique experience was performing for a single person in northern Scotland who flew us in for a private performance. However, the most magical and significant moment was winning India’s Got Talent, Season 2. The joy, memories, and sense of unity it brought to communities across borders will forever be etched in our hearts,” he recalls.
As Shillong’s streets come alive with melodies, the Choir’s reflections remind us of the universal power of music to unite, inspire, and spread joy. Merry Christmas from Shillong—where the spirit of the season truly sings.