THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has organised its traditional Chowtaal Samelans across the country heralding the Hindu Festival of Holi (Phagwah).
a release from the Sabha said the Samelans have been attracting large gatherings including youthful Hindus garbed in varying costumes
Chowtaal is indispensable in Phagwah celebration and the Sabha, the organisation which initiated Chowtaal Samelan has claimed success in the effort of sustaining the traditional form of singing.
President of the Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud addressed a huge gathering at one of the Samelans held at Enmore, Hope West Mandir and urged Hindus to celebrate the festival in a dignified manner and to only support functions which conform to Hindu norms.  He drew attention to the fact that commercial entertainers have been advertising Phagwah Mela which has items unbecoming of Hinduism including indulgence in alcoholic beverages. Pandit Persaud said he finds this appalling and disgusting if not provocative and calls on all Hindus not to attend these shows and events where there is complete disregard for Hindu feelings and objections.  He said, the significance of Holi is all embracing with a strong spiritual content which must not be observed in the breach.  The large gathering was fully supportive of the statement by Pandit Persaud and applauded his remarks.
The Sabha has enshrined in its constitution that alcoholic beverage is strictly prohibited at all Hindu functions.  He urged’ “Holi has to be celebrated with restraint and since the festival doesn’t license anyone to drench all and sundry, Abeer must be squirted only on those who are involved in the celebration and welcome the indulgence.  He concluded, the Sabha has a record of continuity and anything it starts is sustained.”  The Sabha’s achievements are printed in several publications.