— Dr Vindhya Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

Holi, or Phagwah, is a unique and colourful Hindu festival. It possesses an unparalleled social dimension which is conducive to reunion, exchanges, and togetherness in an atmosphere of absolute cordiality.

The social aspect of Holi does not, in any way, obscure its rich spiritual values and message of resistance to evil, which were demonstrated in the life of the devoted Prince Prahalad.

Prahalad’s victory over his arrogant and ruthless father King Hiranyakashyapu is an event which still inspires all those who strongly believe that tyranny, evil, injustice or Adharma in all its names and forms will ultimately be destroyed.

Prahalad’s determination not to accept any mortal as Supreme, and to resist any imposition which curtails Man’s inherent freedom to think and to enjoy free will and unhindered freedom of expression in a just and fair system is recalled on the eve of Holi — Holika Dahan. The pyre built on Phalgun Purnima is reminiscent of Prahalad remaining untouched by the fire through the dint of faith and devotion.

Holi is described in Sanskrit literature as Vasant Utsav, or Spring Festival. It commemorates the advent of spring and the regeneration of nature from her slumber. It is a time when nature smiles in all her grandeur, and the trees and plants blossom forth into vivid colours, combining the rich hues of the flowers with the pleasant odours of the fruits.

The word Holi comes from the Sanskrit word hola, meaning grains. The word Phagwah is derived from phalgun, the name of the last month on the Hindu calendar. Thus Holi, or Phagwah, heralds the Hindu New Year.

Phagwah is the loveliest of our festivals, and is celebrated in an atmosphere of absolute equality. Every barrier is removed, and celebrants are virtually lost in the pomp and gaiety which Holi brings. Our celebration must match this beautiful season, and all unhealthy practices which mar and pollute this unique and colourful festival must cease. Drenching each other with water, dumping each other in trenches, and dabbing noxious substances must be stamped out. Phagwah must be played only with persons who are desirous of doing so.

Celebrate, and do so happily; but do remember the significance of the festival, which sends a clear signal of respect for human rights, so bravely fought for and won by Prahalad. No event alien to Sanatan Dharma should be held, and if so held, it should not be supported. Though a happy season, Holi has its profound spiritual content. Like all our Hindu festivals, Holi must be celebrated without alcoholic beverages, and delicacies must be satwik, or vegetarian. We must ensure that all our festivals retain their pristine purity.

Let us recapture the ancient feeling which permeates at Holi time, and syringe it through our veins so that hate, greed, deceit and injustice which manifestly exist in today’s world can be consumed in the pyre which is kindled and reduced to ashes on the eve of this meaningful festival, which is a harbinger of love, unity, equality, justice and peace. May the significance of Holi influence and enrich your thoughts, and inspire all to contribute to a fair and just system in which there exists not only equality, but plenty and abundance for all.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha invites you to Holi Utsav on March 23rd at the Everest Ground. Admission is free. Enjoy Phagwah songs, chowtaal, dances, powder giveaways by Digicel, colour throws, Holi games, sweetmeats and more.

All are invited to join us at the Shri Krishna Mandir, C/ville on the eve of Phagwah at 19:00 hrs for Holika Dahan, or the burning of Holika.
Holi ka shubh kaamnayea -Happy holi!