3 Review(s)

Geet Gawai is a powerful testimony to the enduring spirit of the Indian indentured community in Mauritius, told through the poetic lens of Bhojpuri folk songs. With passion and scholarly precision, Dr. Sarita Boodhoo traces the vibrant legacy of the Geetharines—women who preserved and passed on sacred oral traditions across generations. This book is a rare documentation of the Sanskar Geet, ceremonial and everyday songs sung at weddings, religious rituals, and community gatherings, carried from Bihar and Eastern UP to Mauritian soil nearly 200 years ago.This work, born from decades of immersive research and love for the Bhojpuri language, captures the soul of a culture shaped by migration, suffering, and hope. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Geet Gawai explores songs that honor deities, reflect on caste and family, describe rituals like Tilak and Haldi, and serve as resistance to cultural erasure. Dr. Boodhoo’s contribution is both lyrical and academic—an offering to history, memory, and the voice of women.This edition is a vital resource for researchers, ethnomusicologists, Indologists, and lovers of traditional oral heritage. It is a living archive, a musical memory, and above all, an ode to the Geetharines.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Cultural Gem and Emotional Journey This book gave me goosebumps! Dr. Boodhoo’s writing is filled with heart and depth. The Bhojpuri songs and stories of the women who sang them are mesmerizing. A must-read for anyone interested in diaspora studies or oral traditions!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Deeply Researched, Emotionally Rich Geet Gawai is more than a book—it’s a cultural resurrection. The way Dr. Boodhoo connects history, song, and identity is beautiful. This is one of the most moving and academically valuable books I’ve ever read on Bhojpuri culture.Key PointsHighlights over 50 rare Bhojpuri folk songs with translations.Documents voices of Geetharines—women preserving oral traditions.Explores intersection of caste, ritual, and diaspora identity.Includes detailed glossary and song contexts.UNESCO-supported cultural preservation with academic depth.