The programme was attended by prominent citizens including tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, actors Lara Dutta, Randhir Kapoor, Dolly Thakore, Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah.
Mumbai ushered in the Yuletide spirit with a concert by the Shillong Chamber Choir at Bandra's St Peter's Church. The group performed for the first time with the Shillong Chamber Orchestra at a programme titled Spirit of Hope, belting out Christmas carols and popular western and Indian numbers. The choir also dedicated a song to the farmers of Maharashtra.
Set up by Neil Nongkynrih, the choir had won India's Got Talent, a popular TV show. The choir has acquired national fame for its unique renditions of popular Bollywood and western numbers and original compositions like a piece depicting an Indian train journey. Gary Lawyer, one of India's best known western music exponents, also performed at the event.
The programme was attended by prominent citizens including tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, actors Lara Dutta, Randhir Kapoor, Dolly Thakore, Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah. "Having been a part of Bandra, Christmas is a part of my calendar and I wish everyone happiness and prosperity for the New year," Ms Shah told NDTV. "I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, have fun everyone," said Mr Shah.
Advocate Ashish Shelar, Mumbai BJP President and local MLA told NDTV, "The main message of Christmas is forgiveness and programmes like these being the community and neighbourhood together."
Donna, a member of the choir said, "Having grown up with grandparents who were farmers themselves, I can understand the plight of farmers. Christmas is a time of helping those in need of help and we pray for the farmers of Maharashtra."
William, who is also part of the choir, said, "I could feel each and every word of the song that we dedicated to Maharashtra's farmers and understood why Uncle Neil chose to dedicate the song once I started singing it."
Speaking about why he dedicated a song to farmers , Mr Nongkynrih told NDTV, "Christmas is not only about shopping for gifts, it's also about being a gift yourself and that can happen only when you are at peace, which is what Christmas is all about."