In Albouystown, Campbellville, New Haven –Bel Air, and around Georgetown, the air was one of cheer as the red, blue, purple, pink and green powders, as well as abeer and water flew every which way. The nation’s multi-ethnic make-up was very evident among the celebrants.    

At the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in New Haven, President Jagdeo joined  the celebrations and reminded the gathering that Phagwah has much significance for Guyana; and the message of the day’s observance, the values that are advanced expressly on this day, should be used to improve lives.

Jagdeo noted that it is not just a cultural activity but one that ushers in the Hindu New Year and signifies renewal in individual lives.

According to the Head of State, the occasion has intrinsically become part of Guyanese culture.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, also there, echoed these sentiments and noted that the New Year is one of many that Guyanese observe because of our diverse culture.

Hinds said the tolerance for the different cultures shows that Guyanese have been able to maintain these over the years and enjoy them together.

In addition, the Prime Minister said even as the day’s observance is being marked,  there is a need for persons to take heed of the spiritual aspect, not only the material, and recognise that regardless of how difficult the time might be, good eventually triumphs over evil.

Dances and songs were also part of the programme at ICC celebrations.

The togetherness in the Albouystown community was electric, with water and abeer being pelted everywhere. No one was spared in James Street, teeming with a jostling crowd of varied ethnicities and religious persuasions.

Passing through there you heard phrases like, “Come and take your wet one time.” Surrendering passersby gave into their pursuers and let the buckets of water pour over their bodies.

The little ones particularly had a fun time. Some clad only in their underwear were seen running about with smiles on their faces.

In Albouystown too other people were seen setting up miniature inflatable pools where some children sat and splashed.

At almost every corner there was a group having fun as they targeted their friends, family and generally just  passersby.

In other parts of the capital city common sights were canters loaded with ‘coloured people’ –they were all green or a mix of purples, reds, yellows and greens.

Red, blue and, well multicoloured faces were seen everywhere.

At the day’s end many patrons of the holiday ended up at the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar, as the hectic Holi came to an end.

The scenes across the country were no different as Guyanese banded together to celebrate Holi, the spring festival and Hindu New Year.

There is some criticism that holidays over the years have lost something, not particularly tangible, but something. However, the scenes from yesterday depict clearly that there is something left and it is up to the individuals to enjoy what is there.