Stylish Christmas celebrations observed in Salunke Vihar vicinity

PUNE: Carol Singing at Christmas time is an age old custom. Prior to 2014, carol singing groups in Salunke Vihar met in individual Christian homes to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. 

With the creation of Harolikar Udyan in Salunke Vihar, the event turned into a social event enjoyed collectively in the open air garden. 

Salunke Vihar is home to army men of all ranks from Naik to Lieutenant General and has persons hailing from almost every state in India. This year Salunke Vihar management committee inaugurated a new community auditorium with overhead cover, in what was previously a common car parking area. 

The children and residents of Salunke Vihar decided to celebrate Christmas at this new venue with some notable changes. It was entirely a function for Salunkians by Salunkians; and unlike previous years, no outside groups were invited to sing. 

Also for the very first time, the children enacted the nativity scene, depicting the story of the birth of baby Jesus. As the tale was narrated by the compere and the children acted out their roles, the tableau was interspersed with appropriate carols. A beautiful manger was specially fabricated for the purpose with cutouts of animals. Child artists included Shanaya Vaz on the keyboard, Shivani Shashidhar on the harmonium, Tanisha Viegas and Justine Vaz on the violin with Tarun Viegas on the drums.

After the tableau, all the participants and musical accompanists ranging from 4 to 12 years in age were given special gifts by the Fairy Queen who specially visited Salunke Vihar for the occasion. The professional musical accompaniment for the entire evening on the synthesizer was provided by Santosh David.