In our time-honoured pluralistic tradition, any excuse for a celebration is a good one. Though Christianity is a relatively small minority of India, we Indians are happy to join in the good cheer of Christmas in any way we can. The wholly new and unique interpretation of Christmas carols is one of those ways in which we celebrate.
Sinkari Melam is an orchestra with five instruments and is a temple art form that is popular in Kerala. This rendition of Jingle Bells starts with wonderfully vigorous drumming in unison before a bunch of festive-looking kids start off with the singing and dancing. The traditional South Indian beats work beautifully with the carol we all know.
This version of the carol simply makes one want to break out doing the Bhangra! If there can be Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Bangla and even a Minions version of Jingle Bells why not this!
This one has a lot of electronic music in it and just a little of the actual carol. However this works as a danceable floor-filler as much as a Christmas carol. It is strangely likable, though purists may disagree.
This marvellous rendition of the popular festive song features a ghatam, sitar and some synthesized veena sounds. Plus the artistes are in festive Christmas hats – enjoy!
If this beautiful rendition doesn’t delight you, the expression of complete and utter joy on the face of this musician will!
Using little more than tablas tuned to various pitches to create a tune, the artiste starts with Jingle Bells and then goes on to another tune. Be sure to watch – this is really unique.
This proves that musical interpretations can be endlessly fascinating. This is so beautiful in the way that it encompasses Qawwali traditions along with the traditional instruments, the clapping, a lovely aalap in Raag Jayjaywanti --- and best of all a bunch of musicians who truly enjoy producing beautiful music. When they say music is the language that all cultures understand, they are right!
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