As the December chill descends upon Madurai, the city's streets come alive not just with winter but with the warm, melodic sounds of Christmas carols. For years, a beautiful tradition has woven itself into the social fabric of this historic city, demonstrating that festive joy knows no religious boundaries.
A Melody of Unity: Carols Crossing Thresholds
Every evening from 5 PM to 8 PM, members of the St. Xavier's Choultry trust embark on their carol rounds. Dressed in festive attire, with some volunteers donning the iconic red and white of Santa Claus, they move through neighbourhoods, their bells jingling and voices raised in song. Their mission is simple: to spread Christmas cheer among their trust members. However, the reception they receive tells a far more profound story.
The carollers are welcomed warmly not just by Christian families but enthusiastically by people of other faiths. They offer cakes and chocolates to residents, dance joyfully with children, and create moments of pure, shared happiness. A Bonyface, a functionary of the trust, revealed to TOI the scale of this heartening outreach. "We have visited more than 200 families during our carol service," he said, highlighting the inclusive nature of the visits.
Generations of Shared Joy and Festive Feasts
The tradition is not a new one. For many Madurai residents, the annual carol visit is a cherished part of their family history. A Mohammed Jalaludeen, a retired revenue inspector living in Old Kuyavarpalayam, shared that the carollers have been visiting his home for the past four generations. "They share cake and biryani on the day of Christmas; similarly, we too offer them biryani during Ramzan and Bakrid," Jalaludeen explained, outlining a beautiful reciprocal exchange of goodwill.
His personal connection runs deep. "When I was a child, I used to go on carol rounds and play musical instruments. I did my schooling in St. Mary's School, and my children are studying in St. Joseph's Convent," he added, showcasing an interwoven community life. This sentiment is echoed by S Karuppasamy, a resident of Sellur, whose children eagerly await the carollers each year. "Life is all about being happy and considering everyone as our brothers and sisters," he poignantly stated.
Communal Harmony in Action: Beyond Festivities
The stories from Madurai go beyond seasonal greetings. They reflect a lived reality of trust and mutual respect. Karuppasamy provided a powerful example from his own life. He once worked as a welder for a Muslim shop owner. When the owner travelled abroad, he entrusted Karuppasamy with the entire shop. Upon returning, the owner handed over the business to him. "Currently, I am running the shop," said Karuppasamy, calling this transaction "communal harmony in its real sense."
During the carol rounds, this harmony is visibly palpable. Children from all faiths join the procession, walking and singing alongside the trust members. Smiles are wide as they take selfies with the dancing Santa Claus. Invitations for dinner are extended, and moments of merrymaking are shared freely. The carol service, thus, transforms from a religious activity into a powerful community ritual that strengthens the bonds of brotherhood in Madurai, proving that the city's true strength lies in its heartwarming unity.
