BOTH Hindus and non-Hindus joined in celebrating Phagwah on Sunday with much fun and frolic in demonstration of ‘good over evil’ as told in Hindu scriptures illustrating the story of young Prahalad and Demoness Holika, sister of King Hiranyakashipu.

Several Government officials also took the time to join in the celebrations including Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who travelled to Bath, Berbice (Region Five) where hundreds of residents gathered for a Phagwah Mela hosted by the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC).
While delivering remarks, Prime Minister Hinds said he was happy to be a part of the celebrations. He concluded that after visiting several sites, the gathering at Bath was the largest and happiest.
Phagwah has various meanings including the start of a new year, the end of one season and start of another, the PM noted.
In making reference to the story of Holika, Prime Minister Hinds indicated that there is evil in the world and persons are tempted to do evil acts but as citizens, we must fight against them whether it is within us or with others.
However, good acts always  overcome evil, he posited.
Residents were urged to perform good deeds and to offer assistance to those persons affected by the current sporadic but heavy rainfall.
Prior to visiting the Mela in Region Five, the Prime Minister joined President Bharrat Jagdeo at celebrations held at the Indian Cultural Centre in Bel Air, Georgetown where he emphasized that the celebration is for all Guyanese. (GINA)