Chicago: The Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) Knanaya Regional Committee, USA, successfully organized the Knanaya Song Contest 2026 for children across the Knanaya Region in the United States, celebrating the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Knanaya community.

St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, New York won the First Prize, while Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, Tampa and St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Orlando secured the Second and Third Prizes, respectively.

The Popular Video Awards were presented to Christ the King Knanaya Catholic Church, Dallas, and St. John Paul II Knanaya Mission, Sacramento, in recognition of their outstanding audience appreciation. Winners will receive cash prizes, trophies, and certificates.

As part of the competition, participants were invited to sing and submit a video recording of the traditional Knanaya song, “Marthoman Nanmayal Onnu Thudangunnu.” The song is one of the most cherished traditional songs of the Knanaya community and has been sung for generations during Knanaya marriage celebrations. It also serves as a prayer hymn at various Knanaya religious and cultural gatherings, reflecting the community’s deep-rooted faith and heritage.

The contest aimed to encourage the younger generation to learn, preserve, and celebrate the unique musical traditions of the Knanaya community while fostering greater appreciation for its rich cultural legacy.

Cijoy Parappallil