TODAY, Guyanese, more particularly Hindus, will not take to the streets and temples to celebrate the ancient Spring Festival of Phagwah, also called Holi or the Festival of Colours, in the same manner they have grown accustomed to doing in the years prior to the advent of COVID-19.

While some celebrations would occur, it is advisable that these remain in compliance with the national COVID-19 guidelines. In a nutshell, this means that it would be better if the celebrations happen within home circles, masks are worn at all times, the six feet social distancing is maintained, and there must be regular hand washing and sanitisation.
Quite a lot to do and very uncharacteristic of a festive occasion, but safety must come first as these good actions will enable adherents to triumph against the evil pandemic that is called COVID-19.

The story of the holy, but merry festival, has been passed down from generation to generation and is a celebration of good over evil.
It has its genesis in the story of a tyrannical king, Hiranyakashyapu, who tried all he could to kill his son Prahalad, because the boy refused to worship him as God.
According to legend, the king, blinded by wealth, lust, deceitfulness and arrogance, became lost to his real purpose in life, and eventually thought of himself to be God, and the only one worthy of worship.

His son Prahalad, given in divine birth, while recognising the importance of obedience to parents, also recognised that no mortal should be treated as a Divine Being.
King Hiranyakashyapu’s action flourished as it happened at a time when his Kingdom was in moral decay, but even with this, his son remained a devotee of Lord Vishnu (the Sustainer of the Universe).

And the purpose of his birth was to help correct the unrighteousness that prevailed, allowing for the restoration of decency, piety and uprightness, which were lost to arrogance, greed and lust — the latter three of which constitute his father’s persona.
When adharma (unrighteousness) becomes norm, God advents Himself, as told eloquently in the holy scripture, the Bhagavat Gita (Songs of the Devine) Chapter: 4. Verses: 7 and 8, which state:

“Whenever there is decline of righteousness (Dharma) and rise of unrighteousness, O Arjuna, then I manifest Myself (7), for the protection of the virtuous, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of righteousness; I come into being from age to age (8).”

Prince Prahalad’s birth was not a case of happenstance but one geared at restoring God’s authority, and the advent of the Lord himself to vanquish the evils of the day.

The despotic king was granted a boon by Brahma (the Creator) that he would not be killed by any living or non-living creature created by him (Brahma); will not die within or outside his residence during the day or night, on the ground or in the sky, or by any weapon; and have no worthy rival in the battlefield.
These powers made the king changed from being a devotee of God to believing that he was no longer a mortal and has become God.

Never failing in His promise, and always a preserver of righteousness, the Lord visited King Hiranyakashyapu as a half-man, half lion at twilight (which is neither day nor night); on the verge of his courtyard (which is neither indoors nor out); and put the king on his thighs (which is neither earth nor space).  And using his nails (neither animate nor inanimate) as weapons, he slayed the evil king.

In doing so, the Lord established that unrighteousness, arrogance, haughtiness and all other evils have no permanent place in society or anywhere else on earth.
Regardless of power and stature, all bad things must come to an end; and it is within this context that Phagwah is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil.

It also implores upon all to be clean in thoughts and action since these are imperatives for a transparent, progressive and respectful society.
The celebration of good over evil is a celebration of unity and a celebration of courage to shun evil acts.

The country and the world as a whole will be a better place if all of us emulate Prahalad—remain humble and always eschew evil.
Happy Holi to all!