Councilor Allan Taxi Seepersad’s home was the venue for an evening of chowtaal singing sponsored by the St Andrew Street Youth, Sports and Cultural Group last Thursday March 28, 2024.
Councilors including Vanessa Kussie and Ravi Pooran Maharaj of the Couva Tabaquite Regional Corporation along with Members of Parliament Barry Padarath, Rudranath Indarsingh and Ravi Ratiram were part of the audience.
Also present were Parbatie Babwah, the Education Officer of the St Andrew Youth, Sports and Cultural Group, Siewnarine Babwah who provided the public address system, Ganesh Bidhesi and Wayne Lalchan, President of the Bamboo No 1 Mandir of Valsayn.
Chowtaal singing was provided by the Sri Krishen Chowtaal Group of Felicity, Chaguanas. Led by Harris Pancham and managed by Ganesh Ragoonanan, the singing was accompanied by the beat of the dholak and majeeras or cymbals. Part of the group were three children who were also playing their majeera and singing in unison with the others. It was a clear demonstration that Phagwa is alive with a bright future!
Taxi is today an advisor to the group but has on his shoulder a big responsibility to revive Phagwa and chowtaal singing to its glorious days of the 1970s when Balraj Deosaran, a former member of Parliament and a businessman was in the forefront of the celebration of this aspect of our rich heritage in Couva.
Not alone, Taxi works with the St Andrew Street group which has a vibrant executive that is committed to celebrating the rich diverse culture of the community of Carli Bay, Couva. A major upcoming event is a five (5) nights Panchouti Ramayan Yagya commencing on Tuesday May 7, and terminating on Saturday May11, 2024.
The St Andrew Street Youth, Sports and Cultural Group also celebrates Christmas, Eid, Emancipation Day and other festivals.
To the naysayers who sound the alarm that the Phagwa Culture is dying, they should take time to reach out to the many venues where people gather to celebrate. Last Sunday the Bamboo No 1 Mandir sponsored a Chowtaal Sammelan with several chowtaal groups and dance troupes taking part. Also, part of the program was the burning of Holika which attracted a large audience.
On Good Friday morning Praimsingh Pooja Bhavan will be hosting a chowtaal singing at 10 am and refreshments would be served to all guests. On Sunday the Williamsville Festivals Committee will be hosting its 23rd annual Phagwa at the Brothers Ground, Garth Road, Williamsville starting 3 p.m. and continuing to 7 p.m. Gulal and refreshment will be swerved to all children.
