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PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar yesterday joined Guyanese from all walks of life in celebration of the spring festival, Phagwah (Holi). The President made his first stop at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) at Bel Air, Georgetown, where he extended greetings to all Guyanese.
Addressing a large crowd at the ICC, he commended Guyanese for the spirit of celebration and the togetherness that exist, not only at Phagwah time. He stated that he is delighted to greet everyone, and in many ways “Phagwah reminds us of who we are in this country.”
He urged that citizens continue in the spirit of harmony as Guyana moves ahead. He noted also that in this festival of all colours, the mixture of colours reflects the diversity of the people.
He highlighted that the unity of all the colours at this festival is a beautiful thing, noting that this festival reflects on the make-up of the country and the question of Phagwah and how it is celebrated in Guyana makes us all one people in a way, showing that Guyanese all have common values, goals and aspirations, and there is indeed unity in the country.
Meanwhile, leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger stated that he is very happy to attend the celebrations of the festival.
He reminded those gathered at the ICC that the festival is not only a festival for persons from the Hindu religion, but also for everyone who wishes to be a part of it, adding that it has now become a Guyanese celebration, where citizens from all walks of life and from every religious persuasion come together for a time of celebration.
The event was marked by chowtal singing and dances from the Sangeet Ki Raat Tassa group, students from the ICC and other groups.
The President and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar mingled with the large crowd gathered at the ICC as colour upon colour was applied on them while they celebrated the spring festival.
Addressing a large crowd at the ICC, he commended Guyanese for the spirit of celebration and the togetherness that exist, not only at Phagwah time. He stated that he is delighted to greet everyone, and in many ways “Phagwah reminds us of who we are in this country.”
He urged that citizens continue in the spirit of harmony as Guyana moves ahead. He noted also that in this festival of all colours, the mixture of colours reflects the diversity of the people.
He highlighted that the unity of all the colours at this festival is a beautiful thing, noting that this festival reflects on the make-up of the country and the question of Phagwah and how it is celebrated in Guyana makes us all one people in a way, showing that Guyanese all have common values, goals and aspirations, and there is indeed unity in the country.
Meanwhile, leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger stated that he is very happy to attend the celebrations of the festival.
He reminded those gathered at the ICC that the festival is not only a festival for persons from the Hindu religion, but also for everyone who wishes to be a part of it, adding that it has now become a Guyanese celebration, where citizens from all walks of life and from every religious persuasion come together for a time of celebration.
The event was marked by chowtal singing and dances from the Sangeet Ki Raat Tassa group, students from the ICC and other groups.
The President and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar mingled with the large crowd gathered at the ICC as colour upon colour was applied on them while they celebrated the spring festival.
