Dear Editor,
THE large Guyanese-American community in New York City observed Phagwah last Sunday afternoon in Richmond Hill, just below the sign of “Little Guyana” on Liberty Avenue with a cultural variety concert. The area became a kaleidoscope of colour as revellers “played Phagwah” or Holi with one another with powder. The celebration was sponsored by the Hindu Federation of America and the Arya Spiritual Center. The programme was organised by Romeo Hitlall, Herman Singh, Vedo Basdeo and Dhanpaul Narine.

Phagwah was officially observed on March 18, a weekday. Mandirs observed the festival that day and the previous evening with the burning of Holika. A permit for a public celebration was granted for an event only on March 27.

Holi was brought to New York and made prominent by Indo-Guyanese and Indo-Trinis going back to the 1960s. It was spread to neighbouring states and Florida by Indo-Caribbeans. Holi was originally brought to Guyana and the Caribbean by Indian indentured labourers going back to 1839. In the early years in Guyana and in America, the festival was observed very modestly because of the many constraints that the Hindus had to deal with. But, today it is widely recognised in New York and other parts of America by local and state governments and by participation of politicians. Since the late 1980s, it has been celebrated in a grand style the Sunday after the official day of observance with a parade and a concert. Just as in Guyana, it is usually celebrated with colourful powder, abeer and talc in addition to songs, music, dance and special foods.

Usually, New Yorkers celebrate Holi with parades and a cultural concert. But the parades in the Bronx and Queens and concerts were suspended in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19. The parades this year was also suspended but the city allowed a concert, though not in the usual location of the public park in Richmond Hill. A concert permit was granted for Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Blvd. A Diwali concert was also held on the same spot last October. Last Sunday’s Holi was celebrated with pomp and gaiety.

On Liberty Avenue on Sunday afternoon, the celebration included classical dances from Natraj Cultural Center, the Swarsattie Dance Group, tassa drumming, and Chowtaal singing by a group led by Pandit Baya of Yakusari. Terry Gajraj, Rikki Jai, Rakesh Yankarran, Randy Ramdhin and other artistes entertained the large crowd of hundreds with their chutney-type Phagwah songs.

Among the mandirs that made Holi-related presentations were Trimurti, Sundar Gopal, Arya Samaj USA, USA Pandits Parishad, Sanatan Dharma, Arya Spiritual Center, United Madrassi Federation, Tulsi Mandir and others. Many celebrants were unrecognisable with their faces daubed with a variety of colours.  People rejoiced with the chowtaal and Phagwah-related renditions.
Dr Vindya Persaud was the keynote speaker, bringing greetings from the government of Guyana. She explained the significance of Phagwah and how it is celebrated with peace and playful jollification.

The event was also graced by politicians, including the Mayor Eric Adams, Jennifer Rajkumar, Joann Ariola and Roxanne Persaud. James Sanders, Linda Lee and several elected judges.
Three outstanding senior citizen women were honoured for their contributions to the community –Bahen Bhagmati Balli, Bahen Champa Singh, Bahen Chandrawati Persaud.

Yours sincerely,
Vishnu Bisram