Hundreds of faithful gathered in Mundakkayam as the local Syriac (Suriyani) Sabha led a joint Christmas and New Year celebration, bringing together clergy and lay leaders from the Nasrani community for an evening of worship and cultural programmes.
Syriac Church celebration in India highlights community unity and culture
The event took place at the parish hall of the Vyakulamata Foron Parish, with Fr Andrews Joseph Ikkaramattom inaugurating the proceedings. Fr Matthai Mannoor Vadakkethil presided and Fr Cyril Thayyil, secretary of the Syro-Malabar Ecumenical Commission, delivered the principal address.
Speakers included parish vicars and visiting clergy. Rev Dr James Muthanaat, Mor Ignatiyos Eliyas and Fr Tinu Skariaya offered reflections, while Fr Alex Mylachal and other priests joined in prayers. Community office-bearers Manoj Varghese Kunnil (President), Binu Puthanpurakkal (Secretary), Vice-President Benny Varghese and Sister Caroline addressed the gathering, thanking organisers and urging continued cooperation across denominations.
The programme combined religious observance with cultural performance. Traditional carol singing opened the evening, followed by devotional songs and congregational music that engaged families and children. Dancers performed margamkali, a traditional Christian folk dance of Kerala, and a series of cinematic-style dances provided modern cultural contrast.
Local art forms also featured prominently. Parichamuttukali and other native folk performances brought energy to the hall, while short skits and the popular ramban paattu entertained and reminded attendees of shared faith and history. The variety of acts underlined the community’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while welcoming contemporary expressions of faith.
Organisers said the joint celebration aimed to strengthen bonds among Syriac congregations and to present a unified public witness during the Christmas and New Year season. The involvement of ecumenical leaders signalled growing cooperation across rites and parishes, with participants noting the importance of shared worship and community service in sustaining local Christian life.
The gathering also provided space for informal fellowship. Attendees exchanged seasonal greetings and shared refreshments after the formal programme, allowing older members to reconnect and younger families to experience religious traditions. Several organisers highlighted youth participation as a positive sign for continuity of cultural practices.
While primarily a local religious event, the celebration illustrates the vitality of India’s Christian communities and their role in maintaining cultural traditions. The well-attended programme demonstrated careful planning and broad participation across parishes, with contributors ranging from clergy to lay performers and community volunteers.
As the evening closed, leaders offered blessings for the coming year and called for continued cooperation among Syrian Christian congregations in the region. The success of the Mundakkayam gathering was widely acknowledged by attendees, who described it as a joyful reaffirmation of faith and community.
Key Takeaways:
- The Syriac (Suriyani) Sabha in Mundakkayam, India, organised a combined Christmas and New Year celebration under local church leadership.
- Clergy including Fr Andrews Joseph Ikkaramattom and Fr Cyril Thayyil led prayers and addresses, with community leaders Manoj Varghese Kunnil and others speaking.
- Programmes featured carols, devotional songs, margamkali, cinematic dance, skits and traditional performances, showcasing local Christian culture.
- The event emphasised community unity and ecumenical cooperation within the Nasrani (Syrian Christian) community.
