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Geet Gawai

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March 15, 2025

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 GawaiIt 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.

Quick Facts

  • Mauritius – Also Referred as "Mini India" due to its substantial population of Indian origin.
  • The influence of Indian traditions is apparent in daily life, with many Mauritians wearing traditional Indian attire and participating in cultural festivities.
  • Bhojpuri - Holds a significant position as one of Mauritius's dominant languages, as the 2011 Census shows approximately 5.3% of the population speaks Bhojpuri.
  • Language utilized - In political campaigns and cultural expressions, and its promotion has been institutionalized through educational policies.
  • Government Promotion of Bhojpuri - The Bhojpuri-Speaking Union Act supports the language's use and cultural activities. The Bhojpuri Mahotsav was also launched to celebrate Bhojpuri culture.
  • Continued Importance - The act of performing & speaking Bhojpuri, and the acceptance of Indian cultural norms in Mauritius proves the strength of the ties between India and Mauritius.
  • Cultural Identity - Geet Gawai, therefore, stands as a testament to the successful transmission of culture. It is an act of cultural identity and cultural preservation.

References

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