VISHRUTA NANDAKUMAR
Music, dance and cheerful laughter transformed St Luke’s Hall at Parish of Christ Church on Dorset Road into a riot of colour and energy as the Punjabi Christian community came together for the fifth year of their annual Christmas celebration.
Unlike a formal church service, the gathering buzzed with cultural performances, laughter and community bonding.
Traditional Punjabi folk dances, such as Bhangra and Giddha, skits based on the Holy Scripture, and lively singing sessions filled the programme, drawing families, youth and foreign workers into a shared space of joy and belonging.
Children took to the stage in festive outfits, dancing to Christmas songs as parents and grandparents watched proudly, phones raised to capture every moment. Skits added meaning to the celebration, earning warm applause and peals of joy from the audience.
“This celebration closely mirrors how Christmas is observed in Punjab,” said Ms Dalreena Poonam Gill, 31, a long-time member of the Parish’s Punjabi congregation.
“About 80 per cent of the people in our Punjabi service are foreign workers. Many of our brothers and sisters from India work here long-term, and celebrations like these help them feel more at home.”
She added that the bonds begin forming months before the actual event, with performers practising together for two to three months, deepening friendships and support networks. “When they grow closer, they want to serve God together,” she noted.
For Mr Joshua Ragvir Lal, 30, the church holds deep personal significance spanning three generations. “Before this building existed, I remember playing football here with friends and cousins,” he said. “Seeing our foreign brothers and sisters from India gives a sense of belonging. This year was very special,”
Mrs Serena Ajay, 35, couldn’t help but smile as she watched the festivities unfold. She has been part of the Parish of Christ Church for six years, since she got married. Over that time, she has watched the celebrations grow, welcoming not just Punjabi Christians, but also Sikh and Hindu friends who join the festivities.
This year, the experience became even more personal. Her child was among the young performers in the finale dance.
“Dance is such a big part of Punjabi culture,” she said. “Seeing my son express himself on stage filled me with joy. As parents, it’s wonderful to know our children have an outlet to express themselves and be part of this lively community.”
For Ms Ruth, 27, who is from India and has been part of the church for about four years, hosting the Punjabi Celebrations for the first time made this Christmas especially memorable. “It’s my first time hosting a programme, and it made this year’s Christmas extra special,” she said. “The costumes and the language foster a homely atmosphere.”
As music played and performers filled the stage with movement and colour, the Punjabi Christmas celebration reflected more than faith. It honoured tradition, strengthened bonds, and created a true sense of home for families far from their native land.
vishruta@sph.com.sg
