Our Story
The year was 1994, the city – Chennai. There was an exhilaration of youth and an excitement of music in the air, and aiming for something that integrated the two in perfect harmony for the glory of God, the MGOCSM and OCYM of Padi, St. George Orthodox Syrian Church, under the support of then Metropolitan of Madras Diocese late H.G. Zachariah Mar Dionysius with Vicar Rev. Fr. Varghese John, came up with the proposal of having a choir competition that unifies everyone with melody and worship. And thus, Sangeetha Dhara was born. 31 years have passed, and Sangeetha Dhara turned out to be an instant success. As an ecumenical event, it started attracting churches, independent choirs, and schools from all over the State. Over the years, the event continued to stand tall among the other events in the region.
The legacy of leadership continued with H.G. Dr. Yakoob Mar Irenaios, H.G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros to the current Metropolitan of Madras Diocese H.G. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos.
The vicars who guided us included Rev. Fr. Mani Chemmanam, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Thekekkara Cor-episcopa, Rev. Fr. Joseph Thaliapparambil Cor-episcopa, Rev. Fr. Thomson Roby, Rev. Fr. Varghese Valayil, Rev. Fr. Abraham Jacob, Rev. Fr. Thomas Issac, Rev. Fr. Stalin T Francis, Rev. Fr. Anish Mathew, Rev. Fr. M.P. Jacob, to the current vicar Rev. Fr. Abey M. Chacko.
The quality of music and the calibre of the event have been such that it has attracted illustrious and distinguished personalities like M.S. Viswanathan, Samuel Joseph (Shyam Sir), Ousepachan, Johnson, Sharath, Deepak Dev, Satish Chakravarthy, Srikanth Deva, K.G. Markose, Augustine Paul, Vijay Yesudas, Sujatha, Vineeth Srinivasan, Anthony Daasan, Chellappa, Unni Menon and many more to judge and be guests at the event. Sangeetha Dhara had exceeded all expectations.
A New Chapter
On its 32nd year, Sangeetha Dhara enters a new chapter: Sangeetha Dhara 2.0 – organised by St. Dionysius Orthodox Fellowship (SDOF) Senior Youth members of St. George Orthodox Syrian Church, Padi. Sangeetha Dhara returned in a new festive avatar! Once a singing competition, it has now evolved into a grand Christmas celebration. Instead of competing, choirs from various churches and choral groups will unite to spread festive cheer through soulful carol singing. With an expected audience of 1,000+ people, this program will mark the beginning of the Christmas season with joy, unity, and celebration.
From its very beginning, Sangeetha Dhara has gone beyond music to touch lives. Guided by Hebrews 13:16, “Don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God,” a portion of the proceeds has always been dedicated to orphanages, old age homes, and underprivileged communities. What started as a choir competition has thus become a mission of faith in action — inspiring, uplifting, and living out its motto: “Sing with the Joy of Giving.”
Est. 1994
The individuals who first brought Sangeetha Dhara to life