PUTNEY — Marygold Village, a locally-run initiative working with women and families internationally, is hosting what they call “a cultural feast for the senses.”
This event, called Ekata, will be held Saturday, July 27, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at the Putney Community Center. Ekata means “Unity” in the Telugu language of Southern India, and Marygold Village says it is celebrating both unity and culture diversity.
Featured will be a “graceful and complex” classical Indian dance performance from Boston artists, traditional Indian refreshments from local Indian eateries, take-home Indian art - including up-cycled bags made from waste material that would otherwise be burned - and dancing, Bollywood style.
Marygold Village is an inclusive nonprofit initiative honoring the rich and diverse cultures of southern India. The organization takes action in partnership with the local community of Carmelite monastics in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in Southern India.
Since 1995, this collaboration has focused on the needs of families in the region, supporting physical health and well-being through organic and biodynamic food production, clean water, play-based education for young children, educational sponsorship for school-aged children, family support services, vocational training, and care of the elderly through multigenerational community life.
MGV's long term goal is sustainability, with each of its projects aiming for self-sufficiency.
Marygold Village is located in the small village of Hemachandrapurem, home to families who, three generations prior, were affected with leprosy, and who now are interacting into the wider community, despite continued social sigma.
Local residents Elia Gilbert and Teresa Savel continue the work of Marygold Village in Vermont when not in India supporting Marygold's work on the ground.
This partnership began in 1995 when Teresa lived in India and worked with the monastics teaching Kindergarten and training teachers. A cultural friendship continues to grow and to inspire local communities to be part of this global village.