SINCE the indentured labourers brought the festival to these shores, it has been celebrated with much pomp and flair. Throughout the years, as the celebrations grew in size as well as popularity with the Guyanese public, all ethnicities have joined in.

It’s not uncommon to see Afro-Guyanese throwing buckets of water on each other. In recent years, communities like Albouystown, Charlestown and Sophia — considered Afro-Guyanese areas — have been “playing Phagwah”.

“As a child growing up, you looked forward to Phagwah Day,” recounts Elizabeth, a senior citizen who grew up on the Essequibo Coast.
“We use to lurk in alleyways and throw water on our school friends.”

She went on to talk about how Africans and Indians in her younger days did not enjoy close relations, but Phagwah used to be a unifier, as all would indulge in the frolic.

It is not uncommon to see Guyanese of all ages coming together in a spirit of unity that gives life to this holiday. From the streets of urban communities to the open fields of the country areas, to the National Stadium, each community does it differently.

In the communities of Albouystown and Charlestown, residents, as early as 06:00 hrs, awake and arm themselves with buckets as well as water guns in preparation for the water battle that will ensue.

Who is their enemy, you may ask? And the answer is a simple one. None; but anyone who is walking on the road or driving is set upon by the multitude, and gets a good soaking.

On the other hand, there are the other communities and villages, whose celebrations are quite as “wild”. Their celebrations come in the form of powder, abeer, and water. The schools do it best, using water balloons and baby powder. These children, in a sense of camaraderie, break the rules to enjoy the fun even that occurs once every year.

Phagwah is, no doubt, the festival of colour. It gives us an opportunity to reunite with family, friends and dear ones. This festivity brings colours into the lives of people when they can take a break from life and share the joy with loved ones.

On this joyous day, Hindus also go to temples in the morning, and share sweetmeats in the afternoon. This afternoon, the National Stadium is the place to be, as Inspire Inc will be hosting their annual Phagwah Festival. The programme is expected to commence at 15:00 hours.

If you are not going to the National Stadium, you can drop in at the Everest Cricket Ground, where admission is free. There you will enjoy Phagwah songs, chowtaal, dances, powder giveaways by Digicel, colour throws, holi games, sweetmeats and more.