-as scores unite to celebrate Phagwah

THERE was excitement at the Everest Cricket Club Ground on Tuesday when scores of Guyanese gathered to celebrate Holi with coloured powder and water.

In a breathtaking and inspiring show of unity, many persons could be seen rubbing powder on the faces and bodies of those around them or using spray guns and buckets of water.

Local cuisine and sweet treats were also on sale. Suitable religious music was played, and persons were dressed in their festive outfits and comfortable attire.

Holi, this year, was indeed a celebration of peace, love, harmony, unity and good over evil.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) hosted the event on Tuesday, emphasising the festival’s spiritual significance and its role in fostering national unity.

Some of the locals who celebrated Phagwah spoke with this publication.

Mika Singh, who was among a group of friends from Kitty, Georgetown said it is an annual outing for her. According to her, it is a good place to socialise and enjoy Phagwah for what it really is.

She added that every year, she looks forward to spending Phagwah at Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Meanwhile, Miakail De Nobrega, who seemed upbeat about Phagwah told the Guyana Chronicle that he was at the location last year and had to come back this year for the good vibes and celebration.

He too was among a group of young people, who had water guns at the ready and a variety of powders. They were clearly enjoying themselves.

Groups of families, relatives and friends of all races and backgrounds showed up at Everest Cricket Club Ground to celebrate. The event ended following a cultural programme.

Phagwah also known as ‘Holi,’ is a Hindu festival celebrated around the world to welcome the arrival of spring and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

It celebrates the divine love of Radha and Krishna, as well as the legend of Prahlad and Holika.

The night before the main celebration, bonfires (Holika Dahan) are lit to symbolise burning evil spirits.

Participants often wearing white, playfully smear coloured powder on friends and family. Each colour symbolises different emotions or elements, such as red is for love/fertility, green is for new beginnings/spring, and blue is for the deity Krishna.

Traditional festive sweets like guja, barfi, parsad, mettai, bara, vermicelli, sweet rice, among others are enjoyed.

In Guyana, locals, even non-religious people would come out to celebrate with family, friends, neighbours and others.