PHAGWAH is a fun-filled festival brought from India to Guyana and other parts of the Caribbean from where it has been transplanted to parts of North America where it is also observed similar to Guyana. What I like most about Phagwah is satisfying the taste buds with a treat of ladoos, gulgula, bhara, phulourie, boiled channa, kachourie, sahena, ghoja, dhal puri and alou curry, all adding to the day’s cuisine. Thank you Guyana for the festival in New York (NY) where we also have a fun time.

Holi or Phagwah is an occasion for conviviality. It is a time for burying the hatchet so much so that even bitter enemies forget their enmity on this day. The social element in Holi is the uniting of different groups, of the powerful and the weak, the large and the small, of the rich and the poor, of foes and friends, etc.

I remember as a child the cross-cultural acceptance of Holi in Guyana. Regardless of your religion, Holi is also your festival in Guyana. It is one of a few religious-cultural festivals that has crossed ethnic boundaries. Also, the political leaders of all the parties partaking in the merriment. This is good for cross-cultural relations in a plural society like Guyana which has had a history of ethnic tensions.  Politicians from other ethnic groups also partake in the festival in NY.

Year after year, Guyanese are caught up in a mood of jubilation and excitement as Holi or Phagwah day approaches.  Incidentally, the same also holds true for the Holi celebration in NY where there is widespread expectancy and enthusiasm among West Indians of the coming festival.

Major preparation is under way in NY for Holi similar to the preparations being made in Guyana.  Stores are stocked with Phagwah related items such as abeer, pitchkaries, abrack and gulal. A variety of colors of abeer and gulal — pink, red, orange, blue, black, marigold yellow, satin white, grasshopper green, other shades and more — blind the eye. The splurge of colours breathe an atmosphere of social merriment just like in Guyana.

As in Guyana, NY Guyanese temples were engaged in folk singing and dancing over the last few weekends. A celebration was planned for New York City Hall on Feb 25 and the annual parade is scheduled for March 6 with a cultural variety street festival planned for Mar 5. Whenever Phagwah falls on a weekday, it is usually celebrated the following Sunday because Holi is not a public holiday in NY as it is in Guyana. In NY, Phagwah is a jamboree, a carnival type event of music and dance with smeared faces.
There are many stories behind the Phagwah celebration.  But behind the meaning of the various stories lie love, compassion, truth and forgiveness and it is hoped people will show goodwill towards each other. I urge fellow Guyanese to forget the outgoing year of ill-feeling and begin the New Year with love, sympathy, co-operation and equality with all. Try to feel this oneness. Usually people display warmth feelings towards each other saying “Holi-hai”.  People do hug and embrace and seek forgiveness for any ill-feelings towards each other.

Holi heralds the advent of Spring and symbolizes the spirit of youthful exuberance, vigor and vitality.  Indeed, both young and old participate in playful jollification.  This “playing” with each other represents the cleansing of the mind of the feeling of bitterness, enmity and jealousy. Phagwah Hai to all!
VISHNU BISRAM