Every Tuesday morning, women from across the community gather at the Ashiana Community Project for Geet Kahani – a free women-only session full of music, laughter, and stories facilitated by Raqs Art.
The sessions are all about bringing people together, celebrating South Asian traditions, and creating a space where women can relax, connect, and express themselves. The room is set up to feel like a rooftop in Pakistan, and as soon as you step in, you’re transported back to a time of shared songs and stories.
Project lead Maymoona says:
“I’m a very strong advocate for our heritage. In the villages, women used to get together for days ahead of celebration to sing, dance and tell stories and these traditions are getting lost. We’re trying to capture that heritage and practice as much as we can and bring it to life here for these women.”
Each week, women sing much-loved Geets like Chitta Kukar and Zara Dholki Bajoa Goriyo. There’s drumming, movement, and plenty of opportunities to join in. The atmosphere is full of energy – you can really feel the joy as voices rise together, and confidence builds through music and storytelling.
Alongside the singing, there’s time to sit, chat, and enjoy complimentary refreshments – making it as much about friendship as it is about culture.
For many women, the sessions are a highlight of their week. Participant Polly shared:
“When I started attending, I didn’t know what to expect because I hadn’t ever engaged in a cultural project. Having engaged in it – I love it and I’ve made exceptional friends who live local. It’s a lovely way to get to know locals and bond over cultural similarities.
“I believe that story telling is a key medium. Societal messaging can only be delivered through storytelling and It’s so fundamental to our community cohesion.
“I hope this project continues as it’s a wonderful way to get women out of the house where its safe for them to engage, sing, laugh and make friends!”
We had the pleasure of visiting this project earlier this summer in August at the #SpiritofPakistan event. We were delighted to watch Raqs Art present their enchanting Geet Kahani group — and seeing first-hand the impact it has in the community.
The performance was a rich tapestry of traditional South Asian songs, storytelling, and visually striking performances, each piece woven together to celebrate heritage and create an atmosphere that was immersive and moving.
The afternoon was a powerful reminder of how the arts can support wellbeing, strengthen connections, and celebrate culture in ways that leave a lasting imprint on the heart.
Geet Kahani runs every Tuesday, 10am – 12pm at The Bethak, Ashiana Community Project, Grantham Road, Birmingham.
Slingshot