APART from being very colourful, Phagwah brings a sense of fulfilment, religious identity, the enrichment of family values and the quest for spiritual advancement for the right understanding of our communities and our responsibilities to each other. In this regard it can be said that the festival of Phagwah is symbolic, philosophical and mystical.

Phagwah or Holi as it is commonly referred to, has its origin in the ancient Indian civilisations spring festivals. As the evolution process took place many traditionally religious and spiritual activities became part of the celebrations. One such event is the triumph of righteousness over evil as is told in the story of Prahalaad.

The King Heranya-kashyapu, who had designated himself supreme lord of the universe worthy of adoration of all his subjects, decided that his son Prahalaad whose religious practices were different must be killed for being disobedient and disrespectful. In this regard the king engaged the assistance of his brother Heranya-kashya and sister Holika for the destruction of the pious child Prahalaad. Holika was consumed by fire and both the King and his brother were killed by Narsingh Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Hence the child Prahalaad was protected.

This story gives a colourful mysticism of the personality of every individual as well as the ethical and moral short- comings of society. Each personality in the story is a representation of the subtle emotions that abide within and are obstacle to social progress and spiritual growth. Heranya-kashya is a representation of the ego principle (ahamkara) operation within human beings. Heranya-kashya is the principle of attachment (Raga) the brother of the ego. Hoilka the sister of the ego is the representation of ignorance and Prahalaad the power of right knowledge.
When ignorance comes into contact with knowledge, there is the desire to enter the fire of discrimination (Vivaaka). Ignorance (avidya) is then reduced to ashes. Attachment then gives way for detachment (Viragya). Ultimately the ego principle is devoured by the Lord (Narsingh). It is only with the destruction of these emotions in the forms of demons that the aspirant will embark on the journey of self-realisation.

For the self-realised individual there is no hate (dwaasha) or attachment (raga), no desire (kaama) for the things of this world. Such a person sees every being as a part of himself. He therefore wishes for total harmony. The Hindu scriptures teach that there is no greater duty than benevolence and no greater evil than causing difficulties for others.
Phagwah brings the message of tolerance and appreciation regarding religious practices. The father of Prahalaad desired his death just because of the difference in deity and worship. This very situation is very much prevalent in many societies. Thousands of lives and billions of dollars in properties are lost through religious intolerance.
The protection of child Prahalaad was and is a clear demonstration that the child and his rights along with any just cause will always be protected by Lord Vishnu. Even today when we speak of child protection (shishu-paala), very often instead of being loved the children are being abused in their very homes.
In this age of enlightenment there is a lot that parents can learn from their children. Instead of condemning our youth today, parents should try to understand the difficult world and all the challenges our children face every day. Prahalaad tried to teach his father the right principles. His refusal had a disastrous effect.
This year, 2013 as we observe the festival of Phagwah/Holi let us spare a thought and a prayer for the thousands of children who have not had a meal for days. We must become resolute in our effort to triumph over domestic violence, child molestation, and abuse of the aged, bigotry, hypocriscy, and intolerance. We have work to do. We have a duty to each other.
The festival of Phagwah is about colour and beauty and perfection of character. That duty begins with me.
Happy Phagwah!

PT. CHRISHNA PERSAUD FILS, SAC.
(Dharm Rathna, Dharm Rakshak)
Secretary
Guyana Harijan Sansad