PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds, who is performing the duties of President, yesterday joined Guyanese from all walks of life in celebration of the spring festival, Phagwah (Holi). The Acting President made his first stop at the Indian Cultural Centre(ICC) at Bel Air, Georgetown, where he extended greetings to all Guyanese on behalf of President Donald Ramotar, who is presently in Suriname for the 23rd Heads of Government Inter-sessional Meeting of CARICOM.
“The Hindu festival of colour symbolizes the triumph of good over evil”, Prime Minister Hinds reminded those gathered at the Centre. He made reference to the past when the festival was celebrated only by persons from the Hindu religion, adding that it has now become a Guyanese celebration, where citizens from all walks of life and from every religious persuasion come together to have a good time.
“It is our hope that, as we embrace each other in a friendly way, and as we sprinkle powder, that that spirit of fellowship and oneness would be with us throughout the year”, Prime Minister Hinds added.
He expressed the view that Guyanese have much to rejoice about, as the country is making progress and advancing.
He urged that citizens continue in the spirit of harmony as Guyana moves ahead.
The event was marked by chowtal singing and dances from the Sangeet Ki Raat Tassa group, Geetanjali Dance troupe, students from the   ICC and other groups.
The Acting President made his second stop at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, at the Colourfest event hosted by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), where he mingled with a large crowd gathered to celebrate the spring festival.
Addressing a large crowd at the stadium, he commended Guyanese for the spirit of celebration and the togetherness that exists, not only at Phagwah time.