–Dr Persaud urges Guyanese ahead of Phagwah
THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha recently hosted its annual pre-Phagwah Mela and Folk Festival, Rang Rasiya, at the Dharmic Rama Krishna School tarmac, Pattensen, East Coast Demerara, where the public was urged to respect the upcoming celebrations.

Scores of Hindu Guyanese gathered to celebrate the pre-Holi event, and were treated to performances by members of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, and the popular Shakti Strings band.

Present at the event to give her remarks was President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sahba and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha recently hosted its annual pre-Phagwah Mela and Folk Festival, Rang Rasiya, at the Dharmic Rama Krishna School tarmac, Pattensen, East Coast Demerara, where the public was urged to respect the upcoming celebrations

Dr. Persaud said that the pre-Phagwah mela has been organised and hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sahba for almost five decades, which is as long as it has been in existence.
She said: “We have kept not only Rang Rasiya alive, but we’ve kept the essence of Holi alive in Guyana.”

Dr Persaud explained that, “Whenever we zoom into Holi or Phagwah, not only are we thinking of the beautiful vibrant colours which will make us indistinguishable when they’re smeared on our faces, but we’re also thinking of the melodies of spring.”

Persons not only attended Rang Rasiya, but also Chowtaal Samelans, which were hosted by their Praants.
Dr. Persaud took the time to invite everyone to celebrate Phagwah with them on March 25, 2024 at the Everest Ground, and reminded everyone who intends to join the celebration to be respectful of the holiday.

She said: “It’s wonderful to celebrate in this kind of atmosphere where we keep it family-oriented, and where we are able to not only keep families in this kind of entertaining environment, but we are able to keep this environment free from any food that should not be associated with Holi or Phagwah.”

She continued, “As we continue to preserve this festival, we should do so in its pristine form, ensuring it’s never tainted by any kind of behaviour or activity that is not in consonance with the spirit of Holi Festival. It has a spiritual element, it has a social context, and it also has the opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together with all the colours of nature and spring.”