It is late in the evening and people are circling a burning cone-shaped man-made structure referred to as ‘Holika’. Celebratory voices chant Rakshoghna Mantras to cast away the evil spirits, as percussion instruments are played in discord.

Men garbed in Kurtas and women in Shalwars absorb the evening dew as fire consumes the towering structure at Campton Ground in Campbellville. The day next day, Sunday, the ash will be used as powder as they celebrate Holi (Phagwah).

This traditional Hindu festival celebrates the beginning of Spring and signifies triumph of good over evil.

Holi derives its name from Holika – a demoness, who, according to Hindu Vedic scriptures, was burnt to death with the help of God Vishnu. The first day of the festivity is known as ‘Holika Dahan’ where a Holika bonfire is burned to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The second day is known as ‘Rangwali Holi’ where revelers use ash from the burnt Holika and coloured powders to paint each other as they celebrate togetherness and foster comradery.

Pandit Jagmohan Persaud of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is in the midst chanting praises. His face is illuminated by the blaze which children find fascinating.

“In a culturally complex world, we have managed to preserve our faith in Guyana. We are a tolerant people and it is because of this tolerance we can freely practice our religion,” he says.

Hinduism –brought to the shores of Guyana by East Indian immigrants 179 years ago – is one of three major religions practiced in this country: the other two being Christianity and Islam.

The United States-sponsored 2014 International Religious Freedom Report states that of Guyana’s 747,000 people, 39 per cent are East Indian and 28 per cent of them are Hindus.

“[Hindu] religious practices in Guyana have not changed and we are proud of that. We see now that even non-Hindus and people of all ethnic groups partake in these celebrations and that is what it means to be culturally inclusive,” he shares with a smile. Guyana comprises six different ethnic groups – East Indians, Portuguese, Chinese, Africans, Amerindians and Europeans.

By this time, the fire had ravaged the structure, leaving piles of ash which, along with coloured powder, would be smeared on the limbs of revelers the following morning (on the day of Holi) as Holi Prasad, as they are considered holy.

In fact, it is regarded as an act of purification.

The coloured powder (or gulal) comes from the legend of Lord Krishna, whose skin was dark blue. Worried he wouldn’t be accepted by his love Radha, Krishna mischievously coloured her face to make her look like himself.

And 179 years after this religious ‘Festival of colours’ was brought to Guyana, it has evolved into a national event, adding to the social cohesion process.

Age, race, gender and social strata would be ignored, even if it was temporarily, as people of all walks of life indulge in the festivities which are complemented with Indian delicacies.

But there is a different dimension in what it means to keep the faith alive.

Earlier in the evening, at a Holika Puja at the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbellville, Pandit Persaud reminded the attendees of the need to keep their faith alive, despite whatever situation they might be facing in life.

“… many Hindu books highlighted very admirably, that the man of faith will surmount any challenging situation. He who demonstrates faith will be imbued with the necessary strength, fortitude and resilience, not only to withstand the pressures of life, but to come out victorious,” the well-respected religious leader said.

The mandir (Hindu temple) – which is one of the most popular ones in the City – was filled to capacity by men, women and children who offered songs of praise and prayers after a puja was performed by Pandit Persaud.

For the puja, incense sticks and dhoop, flowers, raw cotton thread, turmeric pieces, unbroken lentil of moong, batasha, gulal powder (colour) and coconut were used.

When the puja ended, the people made their way to Campton Ground, a few corners away, to witness the highlight of the night – the burning of Holika.

Asked whether he believes Hinduism has empowered Hindus to keep their faith alive, when faced with challenging situations in life, Pandit Persaud responded in the affirmative.

“As a Hindu community, to some degree we have been very successful,” he says.

However, he was keen to point out that, “As a nation we need to work in a more cohesive way though. We need to look at the bigger picture and focus on what is ahead and what is to be achieved,” he offers.

But while Pandit Persaud recognises the need for cohesion and a common goal, the Hindu community has been divided over the last two years on when religious celebrations are to be observed.

Even this year’s Holi celebration stood testimony to that fact, as the Rangwali Holi was announced by the Government – advised by the Viraat Sabha – to be on Sunday, while the Dharmic Sabha announced their observance to be Monday, based on their interpretations of the religious scriptures.

Despite this, what is undeniable is that Holi has been a useful tool in uniting Guyanese. And no one knows this better than popular finger cymbal player, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

Hinds, who is a non-Hindu Afro-Guyanese, has been at the centre of these celebrations for more than two decades, actively participating in every aspect of the religious ceremonies.

Tired from singing Chowtal (classical Hindustani music) at the burning of Holika, the former Prime Minister still managed to offer a few words which he hopes reminisce with all Guyanese.

“What started as a religious celebration is now a national one and we ought to be proud of that. We have come a very far way as a people. We struggled for our freedom to practice these festivities and it is no longer about one group. It is about everyone participating and sharing in Guyana’s rich culture, and no individual feeling excluded.

If we think celebrations of this nature are limited to one group, then we would not be living true to our motto: One People, One Nation, One destiny,” he says as a middle-aged woman interrupts with a handful of powder she delicately applies to his wrinkled face.

Unexpected showers then greet the crowd which was forced to disperse. A good night’s rest was now the only thing standing in the way of revelers and an eventful day which awaited all.