Pandit encourages Guyanese to hold on to its significance

PHAGWAH, the festival of colours, is one of the most enjoyable Hindu festivals in Guyana, however due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus, Hindus will not be able to commemorate the day with the usual festivities, vigour, and enthusiasm.

Coping with the disappointment caused by the pandemic, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Praant, Pandit Kaydar Persaud, is calling on his fellow Hindus to celebrate the festival by remembering the true significance.

During an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Pandit Persaud said since the beginning of the pandemic many of the Hindu festivals have been affected due to the Ministry of Health’s strict COVID-19 guidelines that were enforced. He said that the Phagwah festival is being celebrated with a renewed hope, prosperity, colours, and optimism, and it is important that Hindus hold onto the meaning of the celebration, although persons cannot celebrate the festival as they did in the past.

“Many persons may feel overwhelmed with a range of emotions that they may not get to crowd up in vehicles and go around as usual, and it is completely understandable; the time has changed and our health is important,” Persaud said.

He, therefore, urged persons to accept the reality of the current pandemic and to hold on to hope that maybe things will return to “normal” in time.

Persaud, who is in charge of the Affiance Hindu Temple, said that this year a virtual Phagwah Mela will be held. The mela will be aired on the local RCA channel and will feature outstanding local dance troupes and singers in the region. He said that instead, persons will be able to view the mela within the comfort of their homes.

“We know every year the hub of activities usually [are] at Anna Regina; however, due to a limitation in the crowd, we are doing everything virtually, and we encourage persons to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines,” Persaud said.

Chowtaal Singing
Chowtaal singing which complements Phagwah (singing circles) were also reduced this year due to the pandemic. In Region Two, several mini chowtaal samelans were held at Queenstown, Cotton Field, Adventure, and Aurora. Chowtaal has fostered togetherness and unity over the years and is usually sung in a circle with at least 20 persons. However, this year the circle was reduced and sound systems will be used. Many individual Mandirs have continued the traditions by moving around their villages in small groups, singing and fostering the spirit. However, stops will not be made to smear each other as the tradition usually goes.

Phagwah Day
On the day of Phagwah, mandirs will be having short services with less than 40 percent of its usual population. A simple service will be conducted and instead of smearing the powder, water guns will be used. Perfumes will also be used as the festival signals the beginning of spring and the unison of various scents from flowers.

During the evening, a limited number of persons will gather around the bonfire to witness the burning of “Holika.” This signifies Good over evil. For many traditions in Hinduism Holi celebrates the killing of “Holika” the sister of King Hiranyakaspu, who wanted to kill his son Prahalad. Prahalad was a true devotee of God Vishnu and as such, his father was not appreciative; instead, his father wanted him to worship him. Prahlad refused to let his father’s influence affect his devotion to Lord Vishnu hence the the King got angry and arranged to burn his son on the lap of his sister Holika, who had a saree that was immune to fire. But instead, the sister was burnt to ashes and Prahalad was saved by God.

“In years to come, we will remember how we celebrated Phagwah 2021, because we are asked to sit back and focus on the meaning than to be in crowds celebrating. It will end up being one of the more cherished memories,” Pandit said.

The Ministry of Health has advised that during the festival, only 40 percent crowd capacity is allowed. Socially distanced gatherings for the burning of Holika is allowed. They have advised that large Phagwah events involving hundreds or thousands of persons are not allowed. Phagwah gatherings on trucks, canters, or other vehicles carrying alcohol are not allowed. Masks should be worn at all times and frequent hand-washing and sanitising should take place.