Juno-Christmas Night

Christmas came early to NUJS with the much-awaited first-of-its kind Juno-Christmas Night, billed as “an open-air acoustic sing-along concert under the stars,” featuring songs from the Juno OST and popular Christmas carols.

All afternoon, the campus was abuzz with activity and Christmas spirit as students from all years scurried about preparing for the event. Five o’ clock saw a large and enthusiastic crowd gathered in a semi-circle in the open space in front of the Boys’ Hostel: laughing, chattering, excited people in red and white, sporting Santa caps and clutching sing-along handouts with printed lyrics. The golden baubles from the campus lights added to the Christmassy air. The announcement of the Second Year results caused a minor delay, but the cloud of results had to drift away at the sight of so much merry-making.

Of the two emcees, Kavita was the epitome of the Christmas elf, spreading good cheer; Sroyon, the image of Father Christmas as a fifteen year old. The programme started off with them telling us why the programme had been organised that Friday evening: firstly, because many of us wouldn’t be there in college on Christmas Eve; secondly, to encourage people to donate their old clothes to charity; thirdly, to raise funds for buying iodized salt to be distributed to dwellers of nearby slums.

The first half of the programme comprised songs from Juno and some random songs chosen because they “fit in with the mood of the evening.” The all-acoustic ‘band’ was led by Appu and Joseph, with six or seven others joining in the chorus for some of the songs. The audience joined in with handclaps on the more peppy numbers such as Tree Hugger and Loose Lips. Joseph and Appu’s adorable duet on Anyone Else but You was especially well received, if the number of “aaawwww”s was any indication. Some of the songs carried dedications: Puff the Magic Dragon was dedicated by Appu to the Barbies and G.I. Joes lying forgotten in all our toy cupboards, and Ripzong dedicated Travelling Soldier to those who lost their lives in the line of duty in the Mumbai attacks last month. Just before we all broke for tea, Sroyon incurred Appu’s wrath by inciting the audience to request her to perform What’s Up by the Four Non-Blondes: “I’ve requested it like a hundred times but if you all beg her she might just oblige.” But oblige she did, and though she faltered slightly with the lyrics, she was as usual, note-perfect.

The tea tasted wonderful in the wintry evening, and was served for a change in kulhars instead of cups. Afterwards we all reassembled for the second half. We were greeted by a choir dressed in red and white that sang Christmas carols and was joined lustily by the all and sundry. Beginning with the sweet and calming Silent Night, they moved on to O Come All Ye Faithful. Voices reached a united crescendo on Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Joy to the World and Feliz Navidad officially ended the Juno-Christmas Night. But before the guitars and amps were packed up, another request came from everybody. How could one have a Christmas Night and not sing Jingle Bells?

It is true that Joy to the World started on the third take, Sroyon in his eagerness introduced Piazza, New York Catcher one song early and whistled off-key on Tire Swing, and the chorus was not always perfectly coordinated, but the enthusiasm of both performers and audience made up for the minor mishaps, and no one really minded. The evening ended with songs and smiles on everyone’s lips.