PHAGWAH joined Guyana’s beautiful tapestry of cultural observances in 1838, when Indian indentured immigrants brought this festival with them from India.  Traced to the golden age of Satyug, this festival commemorates the New Year for Hindus. Origin of the festival
The story of Prahalad is well known as the story behind Phagwah; but did you know that there is another story which goes along with this one? Phagwah started at a time when India was facing a serious drought, affecting crops. The rains eventually came, to the immense delight of farmers, who went out to the fields frolicking in the water and throwing it on each other in jubilation. Soon after, they started reaping their bountiful harvest.

According to Indiaexpress.com, the festival has now evolved. “Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi is now a symbolic commemoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology”.
As the old Indian legend goes, an arrogant ruler, King Hiranyakashipu, resented the fact that his son Prahalad worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempted to kill his son, but failed each time. Finally, Hiranyakashipu’s sister, Holika, who was said to be immune to fire, sat with Prahalad in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahalad emerged unscathed, whilst his aunt was burnt to death.

Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi in symbolic representation of the event. The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. Commencing in Basant Panchmi in the Hindu month of Phalgun, when a castor tree is planted symbolizing Holika, Holi is celebrated forty days from the planting of the tree. The burning of Holika takes place on the eve of Phagwah.

This exuberant festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha; and hence Holi is spread over 16 days in Vrindavan, as well as Mathura – the two cities with which Lord Krishna shared a deep affiliation.

Holi, the festival of justice and goodwill, caters for reunion, social exchanges, greetings and visits, and also provides for spiritual communion of the celebrants.