Geet Gawai

Why in News?

The welcoming ceremony for the Indian PM's recent visit to Mauritius included Geet Gawai, showcasing the vibrant heritage of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.

• Geet Gawai – It is a unique singing style of Bhojpuri-speaking communities of Indian descent in Mauritius.
• It is mostly performed by women.
• Historical Relevance - The origins of Geet Gawai in Mauritius can be traced to the arrival of Indian indentured laborers in early 1700s.
• Lakhs of Indians, largely from Bhojpuri-speaking regions, were brought to Mauritius. Their cultural practices, including Geet Gawai, have been preserved through generations.
• Pre-wedding ceremony – Traditionally, it is a pre-wedding ceremony that combines rituals, prayer, songs, music and dance.
• It takes place at the home of the bride or groom and involve female family members sorting items like turmeric, rice, grass and money in a piece of cloth.
• Meanwhile, other members continue to sing songs honouring Hindu gods and goddesses.
• After the site is sanctified, the mother of the bride or the groom honours musical instruments to be played at the ceremony.
• Uplifting songs are then performed with everyone joining in to sing and dance.
• UNESCO Recognition – It has been recognized as an UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2016.

References

1.  The Times of India | Geet Gawai
2.  Maruitius Times | Geet Gawai