GUYANA Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Guyana Pandits Council, Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, Guyana Maha Kali Organisation, Hare Krishna Iskon Movement and Guyana Sevashram Sangha have issued a strong appeal to entertainment promoters to desist from associating their religious observances with events that venerate and sell alcohol.

In a statement, they said the celebration of Phagwah, the Hindu Festival of Spring, began some 40 days before when Saraswati Puja was done in an auspicious manner.

The statement continued: “It heralds the advent of Spring and carries a message of triumph of good over evil. While it is a joyous festival and encourages celebrations, camaraderie and the removal of all barriers, at no time should we forget its religious and spiritual significance. As such, the Hindu religious organisations of Guyana feel very strongly when Phagwah will be associated with alcohol, melodies glorifying alcohol and unHindu indulgence and behaviour.

“We also urge persons to abstain form encouraging others to drench people with noxious substances against their will. Let us, instead, celebrate the festival in its purest form and refrain from abusing it. Our festivals must be respected.

“The Hindu religious bodies unanimously oppose and vehemently protest any attempt to desecrate any of our festivals. We call on the Hindu community and those who share our sentiments not to participate in these events,” the statement concluded.