MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton,said Guyanese must surrender old grievances and march steadily with a united front. He made this call in his message in observance of the Festival of Holi, commonly called Phagwah.“We must let this good-natured celebration set the tone for the surrendering of old grievances, as we continue to march steadily with a united front. Let it allow us to have a greater appreciation of our relationships with family, friends, workmates and other persons in our lives,” Minister Norton said.

The celebration of Phagwah, which was brought to Guyana by the Indian indentured immigrants, more particularly the Hindus in early 1838, comes at a time when the country is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Abolition of Indian Indentureship.

“There is, no doubt, heightened appreciation among members of the Indian community for their culture and the contributions of their foreparents. It is without a doubt that this group has made significant contributions to our dear land both in the form of culture and the shaping of our economy,” the Social Cohesion Minister said.

On Sunday, Guyanese throughout the length and breadth of Guyana celebrated the Hindu religious Festival of ‘Holi’ – a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. It is ushered in with the burning of Holika.

This Spring Festival is a joyful celebration that provides the opportunity for persons to rid themselves of past errors and to mend broken relationships. The observance of this festival is not only important to the Hindu community, but has grown into an important celebration for all Guyanese.

In celebration, Hindus and non-Hindus alike unite as one to indulge in the traditional colouring of each other with dry powder and coloured water. This forms a part of the unique fabric of the Guyanese society.

“Phagwah can be considered as an occasion which sees the manifestation of the unity of our people and this is certainly worth celebrating. It is important that we as a people preserve every aspect of our culture and use it to bring us closer together,” Minister Norton posited.

Last Friday, the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture,Youth and Sport hosted its annual observance of Phagwah. Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, during the event, which was held at the Ministry’s Main Street office, said Guyana is one of few countries blessed with many cultures.

“May it bring joy, peace, health and wealth to you; may the festivities brighten your lives and those near and dear to you,” Minister Henry said, while extending Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese.

She expressed the hope that Guyanese can appreciate and enjoy each other’s culture, in keeping with the country’s motto, “One People, One Nation, and One Destiny”.

President David Granger and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo,also extended Phagwah greetings to Guyanese.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo had also pointed out that this year’s celebration coincides with the observance of the 100th anniversary of the Abolition of Indian Indentureship.

“The ending of that system of exploitation of cheap labour, is indeed a triumph of good over evil. We are forever indebted to our Indian ancestors for preserving, against great odds, their religion, their rituals and their festivities, such as Phagwah, and Diwali, Mother Kali Puja and Yesu Kathas, Eid-ul-Adha, Youman Nabi, as well as Christian ceremonies,” the prime minister said.

He noted that although Guyanese are faced with multiple challenges, they must work together to overcome them, and to realise the common hope of the good life for all.