What are Gols?  An inter-generational arts circle where families and community members of all ages learn through practice and storytelling, the traditional Indian-Caribbean vocal and instrumental music.  Gols improve our skills and knowledge through mentoring by Elder Custodians and Masters Artists, and the Scholars who collaborated with them to formalize the first systematic research and documentation for the genres performed in gols that helps reclaim and preserve traditions belonging to exclusive male and female repertories, so grandfathers, fathers and sons,  can join together in hands-on participation.  These inter-generational arts circles give families and individuals a chance to learn and practice Chowtal (Phagwa, Spring, Planting), Ramayana (Diwali, Fall, Harvest).  Most importantly, these workshops provide a space for family sharing and reconnecting to community. 

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Women Singing Vivaha  - Wedding Song

SINGER: Aunty Bhago; MUSIC: Rudy Ramnarine (Dholak), Benjie Shankar (Harmonium). Performed by the Natya Tilakam Dance Company.  Choreography: Dana Marajh.  Kitchrie Drama "Becoming Her" by Playwright Sharda Shakti Singh. Directed by Pritha Singh  Video: Kitchrie Festival; August 29-30, 2009. Jamaica Performing Arts Center, Queens, New York. 

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SAMPLES OF THE WOMEN'S REPERTORY OF SONGS
Women Singing Sohar - Birthing Song

Women/Girls Gol to save the Women's Songs for new generations.Sohar was brought to Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and Jamaica by East Indian Indentured Laborers since 1838, and now in the U.S., it is preserved and practiced by Custodian “Aunty Bhago”  who is passing these precious songs onto the next generation of artists, teachers, scholars, cultural recipients and the community of women and girls. 

Video: Kitchrie Festival; August 29-30, 2009. Jamaica Performing Arts Center, Queens, NY: Folk Artists Shrimati Ragbiri (Custodian) and Romanee Kalicharran (Curator) revive the women’s repertory of songs for the Kitchrie Festival Lila (dance-drama) "Becoming Her"; Playwright Sharda Shakti Singh;, Artistic Director/Producer Pritha Singh. Singers: Shrimati Ester John Ramdeen (Custodian), Romanee Kalicharran, Ramona Singh, Mohini Kavita Tajeshwar, Priyanka Appadu. 

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