– ‘clean fun’ promised as public urged to come out and enjoy
THE Central Body of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, is inviting the general public to its annual Phagwah Mela and Bazaar on the lawns of the Sanskritik Kendra in Ganges Street, Prashad Nagar on Sunday, March 13, at  16:00 hrs (4:00 p.m.) The Sabha, in a statement, said it has designed this year’s celebration with several changes, thus the Phagwah Mela and Bazaar will feature many innovative items.

The Dharmic Nritya Sangh will dominate the stage with a variety of dance forms featuring young people bedecked in exquisite costumes and the country’s top singers both male and female; Krishna Mandata, Sookrani Boodhoo, Rekha Singh, and young singers from ‘Emerging Voices’ including Suchitra Rampersaud and Devi Rama will participate in the Mela.

A variety of superb delicacies will be available. The Sabha said there will be games and no alcoholic beverages will be allowed.

Chowtal Samelans over the years have grown substantially and produced new talent
country-wide.

The Sabha has organised country-wide celebrations for Holi. The West Demerara Chowtal Samelan is slated for today (Thursday, March 10) at the Anna Catherina Mandir from 18:30 hrs.

The Parika Mandir’s Phagwah Mela and Bazaar is scheduled for Sunday, March 13, 2011 at Parika Turn beginning at 5:00 p.m. Holi Utsav is on Phagwah day and starts at 5:00 p.m. on the lawns of Bhai Krishna, Vice Chairman of the West Demerara Praant.

The East Coast Demerara Praant will hold a Chowtal Samelan on Sunday, March 13 at Cane Grove Mandir at 9:30 hrs. Central Corentyne Praant’s Chowtal Samelan is also on Sunday at the New Shiva Letter Kenny Mandir beginning at 9:30 hrs.  Chowtal Samelan on the Essequibo Coast is also scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 hrs  at the Spring Garden Mandir, Supenaam and their Holi Utsav is on Monday, March 21 at 12:30 p.m. at Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.

The West Berbice Praant will have their Phagwah Mela and Bazaar on Sunday, March 13 starting at 16:00 hrs at the Blairmont Community Centre Ground, West Berbice.

The Sabha said it’s annual Holi Utsav will have substantial changes with the  sole idea and objective of bringing the celebration within the realm of dignity and in consonants with the Hindu culture.

“We expect those attending to dress decently. Persons who turn up improperly dressed will not be allowed into any of the functions hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha,” the Sabha stated.
Phagwah will be celebrated on Sunday, March 20, 2011.  Monday, March 21 will be a National Holiday.