Malayalam Carols Set to be Unveiled: Punya Jananam

On December 22nd, Santhome Church in Mylapore will transform into a sacred stage for a musical revelation that promises to resonate deeply with the St. Thomas Mount Orthodox Syrian Church community.  

The highly anticipated Christmas music album “Punya Jananam” (The Holy Birth), a heartfelt creation by Rev. Fr. Gigi Mathew Vakathanam and Sangeetha Ratna awardee Mr. Thomas Melwin, is set to be officially unveiled by His Grace Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos, Metropolitan of the Chennai Diocese. Featuring two soul-stirring Malayalam carols— “Manju Pozhinjoru Maamalayil” and “Shruthimeetam”— the album brings a fresh and uniquely Indian perspective to the timeless story of Christ’s birth.  

“Most Christmas carols are classical pieces written in the West, but we wanted to create something that reflects our Indian ethos, especially through the beauty of the Malayalam language,” shares Rev. Fr. Vakathanam. “Manju Pozhinjoru Maamalayil” evokes the serene beauty of that silent night in Bethlehem, while “Shruthimeetam” captures the jubilation of the angels and shepherds. “Malayalam’s poetic richness adds depth and emotion to these songs, making them deeply spiritual yet culturally resonant.”  

Mr. Melwin, the composer, explains, “Music has the power to transcend boundaries. With Punya Jananam, we’ve sought to bridge the universality of Christmas with the linguistic and musical heritage of Kerala. These Malayalam carols narrate the nativity story in a way that feels personal and rooted in our unique traditions.”  

Writing new Christmas carols in India, especially in regional languages like Malayalam, is more than a creative endeavor; it’s a celebration of the diversity and inclusivity of Christianity. “India is a land of vibrant traditions and music,” reflects Fr. Vakathanam. “By composing carols in local languages like Malayalam, we ensure that the story of Christ’s birth feels personal and relatable to our communities, blending faith with culture.”