By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

SENIOR Minister with Responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr Ashni Singh, on Tuesday, proudly upheld a deeply rooted tradition, journeying across Region Six to celebrate Phagwah with residents and worshippers.

For years, Singh has made it a point to observe Phagwah in Region Six, demonstrating his enduring connection to the communities there and his commitment to sharing in the cultural and religious celebrations.

This year was no different. Moving from mandir to mandir across the region, he joined devotees in prayer, reflection, and festivity, reinforcing a tradition that has become synonymous with his observance of the holiday.

Addressing gatherings throughout the region, he encouraged persons to always choose good over evil, reminding them that the essence of Phagwah lies in the triumph of righteousness, love, and light over negativity. His message resonated strongly with attendees, as he underscored the importance of harmony, compassion, and moral courage in both personal lives and national development.

He stated, “Each and every one of us, whether we are a farmer, whether we are a carpenter, whether we are a homemaker or a housewife, whether we are a retired grandmother, whether we are a teacher or a nurse, whether we are a community leader, whether we are a religious leader, whether we are a student, everyday we encounter opportunities to choose between good and evil, opportunities between bad and good, opportunities between positive and negative.”

He added that as “good Hindus we have a duty” to celebrate the good in their daily lives.

At each stop, Minister Singh engaged warmly with families, religious leaders, and community members, participating in the vibrant celebrations that mark the occasion. He also emphasised that Phagwah is not only a time for joy and unity but also for introspection and recommitment to positive values.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Junior Basant, who for the first time is observing Phagwah at the helm of the region, pointed out that in Guyana, Phagwah is not just a religious observance but rather “it is a national celebration.”

He said: “On this day, our streets are transformed into canvases of colour, laughter echoes in our communities, and differences dissolve in the spirit of harmony. The vibrant abeer we share represents more than joy; it represents equality, togetherness, and the shared destiny of our people.”

According to Basant, “this is the very essence of the ‘One Guyana’ vision championed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government and His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.”

“As we reflect on the meaning of Phagwah, we must also reflect on our nation’s journey… Guyana has experienced significant transformation in recent years.
Under the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, there has been a renewed commitment to inclusive growth and equitable development across all ten administrative regions of our country.”

Basant urged that as Phagwah is celebrated “let us commit ourselves to the values that it teaches- forgiveness over resentment, unity over division, service over selfishness and hope over despair… Let us continue building a Guyana where development reaches every village, every hinterland community, every coastline settlement, and every urban centre. Let us ensure that progress is inclusive, sustainable, and guided by integrity. May the colours we share today wash away negativity and strengthen our bonds as one people, one nation, one destiny.”

Aross Region Six on Tuesday, Berbicians were beaming with excitement as they celebrated Phagwah, one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals on the calendar. From bustling villages along the Corentyne Coast to communities throughout New Amsterdam, East Canje and the East Bank of Berbice, there were truckloads of people with abeer stained shirts and powdered faces.

Omesh Ramnauth of Number Nauth Village, Corentyne, explained how they usually spend their day. “In the morning time people come out with a lot of trucks and water and go to different villages and in the afternoon, we come to the temple to reach out with our people and a larger crowd and they continue to play Phagwah.”

Ramnauth stressed that he enjoys especially going to his mandir on Phagwah. “When you come to the mandir you get to meet everybody and that is something we look forward to every year.”

For many in Berbice, Phagwah is more than just a festival of colours; it is a celebration of unity, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. Mandirs across the region have been organising special prayers, chowtaal singing, and cultural (Mela) programmes, drawing together young and old alike in a grand celebration.

Deomattie Dalallna, explained that “Phagwah is about celebrating the triumph over evil and we communicate and share our love to one another and we all play and enjoy ourselves and welcome our loved ones, so I enjoy a lot about it.”

She said every year she looks forward to “spending the day with our family and sharing the enjoyment in our beautiful country. We love what our President is doing; he doing a great job and I want to thank him very much for that; he really doing a great job and we couldn’t ask for a better one.”

The Corentyne resident continued, “He build all the streets, all the road done, he made UG free for the children, a lot of stuff was done. He always communicates with everybody and tries his best to do everything for us, and so today we happy to come out and celebrate Phagwah with how everything going good in our country.”