Phagwah Supplement 03-25-2024

More than the Festival of Colours, Holi commemorates love, good over evil

HOLI or Phagwah is known as the Festival of Colours and is one of India’s and Guyana’s grandest and most popular celebrations.

This colourful festival is celebrated in many cities and rural areas throughout India, so there are plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement.

Over the years, Holi has become an important festival in many regions wherever Indian Diaspora were either taken as indentured labourers during colonial era, or, where they emigrated on their own and are now present in large numbers such as in South America, North America, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia such as Fiji and Mauritius.

Holi, also called Vasant Utsav, falls on the Pratipada during the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the Chaitra Month as per Hindu calendar. Holi 2024 will be celebrated

today following the Holika Dahan last evening.

The Holi festival traditionally celebrates the victory of good over evil.

It is associated with many legends, including the story of Holika. It cele-

eliminate Prahalad. This celebration also warns about the misuse of power, belief in the Lord, having faith and trust.

THE FESTIVAL OF LOVE

brates the destruction of Holika–the sister of Hiranyakashipu, both with gifted boons.

The bonfire signifies the fire in which Holika (Hiranyakashipu’s sister) was burnt while trying to

Rangwali Holi is also celebrated in memory of the immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Krishna had asked Yashoda why he was not as fair as Radha. Yashoda jokingly suggested Krishna to apply colour on Radha’s face as it would make her complexion dark too. Lord Krishna, then, played with Radha and the Gopis with different colours. Since then, the day is celebrated as the festival of colours, depicting the oneness regardless of colour.

Among other Hindu traditions, the legendary significance of Holi is linked to Lord Shiva in yoga and deep meditation, Goddess Parvati wanting to bring back Shiva into the world, seeks help from the Hindu God of love called Kamadeva on Vasant Panchami.

The love God shoots arrows at Shiva, the yogi opens his third eye and burns Kama to ashes. This upsets both Kama's wife Rati, and his own wife Parvati. Ratri performs her own meditative asceticism for 40 days, upon which Shiva understands, forgives out of compassion and restores the God of love. This return of the God of love is celebrated on

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Celebrate Phagwah in Unity and Respect

2024 Phagwah message from President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

As the world celebrates the festival of Spring and colours, Phagwah, I extend greetings to all of Guyana. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha reminds all of the powerful and unifying messages enshrined in this ancient and lovely festival on the Hindu calendar which resonate with all people; the triumph of good over evil and removal of all negativities and vices, the promotion equality and brotherhood, love and unity and a reminder to strengthen one’s connection with Bhagwan.

The word “Phagwah” is derived from the Hindu month, Phalgun. Its synonym Holi comes from the Sanskrit word “hola’ meaning grains, reminding us of the festival’s linkage to agriculture and a bountiful harvest. It also heralds the advent of Spring and the Hindu New Year.

Phagwah or Holi is the festival that reminds us emphatically of the love we should share with all. Smearing colours representing the blooms of Spring on each other effectively erases differences and epitomizes the message that the world is one family. The very act of smearing each other with these vibrant colours effectually removes barriers and differences and sends visible signs that hatred, animosity and discord must never win over love and unity.

Phagwah is embraced by Guyanese

and is a unifying and inclusive festival and over the years, in our beautiful land of Guyana, people of all walks of life, ethnicity and faith have engaged in playing Phagwah, and the world has admired our togetherness. Let that spirit always prevail in our country to forge national fraternity cutting across every divide to remind us that our destinies are intertwined and that our common goal is the good of our country.

Spiritually, Phagwah advocates implicit faith in God and urges the aspirant to embody divine and positive qualities which will bring them closer to God. The festival also espouses optimism and a strong sense of confidence in Bhagwan Krishna to alleviate all adversity in our lives.

I urge the Hindu community to attend their mandirs for satsangh and the burning of Holika, and to have deep and unflinching faith in Bhagwan as Prince Prahalad did. Holika Dahan epitomizes the triumph of good over evil within and without. It reminds us all to stand strong against adharma (unrighteousness) and embrace the power of prayers. As Prahalad did, let us always fight against injustice and unrighteousness so that all people can prosper in love, peace and unity. Every mandir must ensure that their Holika Dahan satsangh reverberates with prayers and chants and that upon the burning of Holika that

the melodies of spring reverberate in the air. Chowtaal, ulaara, jati and dhamar will remind us of the advent of spring.

On Phagwah Day, attend your various mandirs for special Phagwah or Holi Satsangh, pray, sing and colour each other affectionately with abrack and abeer spreading love and hope.

Join the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Phagwah morning at the Rama Krishna Dharmic Mandir, Barr Street, Kitty for special Holi Satsangh.

Conclude Holi celebrations with Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha across the country with our Praants in Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara and with us centrally for Holi Utsav at the Everest Ground from

4:00pm. Enjoy performances by artistes from India, Guyana and Surinam. Strictly no alcohol is allowed.

Shubh Holi from Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha President, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

More than the Festival...

the 40th day after Vasant Panchami festival, known as Holi.

The legend of the ogress (female monster) Dhundi says that she was chased away by the people of Prthu owing to a curse from Lord Shiva.

THE FESTIVAL OF SPRING

In addition to its religious aspects, Holi also celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The arrival of spring season is taking inspiration from the colours and for many, the start of the New Year, an occasion for people to enjoy the changing seasons, make new friends and celebrate the beginning of a good spring harvest season. This festival is also known as Dhulandi, a name popular in the state of Haryana, India.

CELEBRATORY ACTIVITIES

The festivities of Holi begin close to midnight on the night before Holi with bonfires being lit (Holika). Prior to the bonfires, it is traditionally the job of men and boys

to collect fallen wood and leaves to burn in the bonfires.

One of the most iconic activities of Holi is the throwing of coloured water and powder in the streets. This is an exciting activity that is used to show devotion and respect to deities, friends, and family members.

The colours of Holi are very special and add to the vibrancy of the day. This spring festival of colours signifies unity and love irrespective of caste, class or gender.

The Holi festival has a cultural significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It is the festive day to end and rid oneself of past errors, to end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive.

To many Hindus, Holi festivities mark the beginning of the New Year as well as an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past.

People pay or for -

give debts, as well as deal anew with those in their lives. After a day of play with colours, people clean up, wash and bathe, dress up in the evening and greet friends and relatives by visiting them and exchanging sweets.

Holi is also a festival of forgiveness and new starts, which ritually aims to generate harmony in society. There are a number of inherited customs and traditions still in practice, compliments of our foreparents from different parts of India, who came to the West Indies as indentured labourers.

Indians are scattered throughout Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo, and have adopted different ways of life, many remaining Hindus, practising and maintaining most of the traditions.

Sympathy is extended to all who have lost their dear ones due to the pandemic and, all are forewarned to abide by all the required protocols to observe this holiday with the constraints. Shubh Holi to all of Guyana!

A message from the PPP on the occasion of Phagwah 2024

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community.

Phagwah is a festival that has truly become national, having transcended religious boundaries through the participation of a wide cross-section of Guyanese throughout the country.

The kaleidoscope of colours that exemplify the celebrations, heralds the dawn of spring, reminding not only of nature’s beauty but the

vibrancy of our rich diversity.

The fun and frolic that have come to be associated with it remain a catalyst for forging harmony among all of our people.

As Guyanese celebrate the PPP urges that we be inspired by the significance of Phagwah, through its pertinent messages. The courage, determination, and sacrifice of young Prahalad and the triumph of Lord Vishnu, which speaks to the triumph of good over evil is even relevant on reflection

of how our country and people navigated and overcame various challenges.

Let us be motivated by what this colourful festival signifies and be inspired in hope that, through resoluteness in the face of adversity and despondency, the messages of Phagwah speaks to truth inevitably prevailing.

As Guyanese mark the occasion, our Party once again extends best wishes and urges caution, tolerance, and respect in the celebrations.

Shubh Holi to all!

Phagwah greetings from the Ethnic Relations Commission

THE Ethnic Relations Commission extends (ERC) warm greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters as the vibrant colours of Phagwah/Holi fill the air and joyous celebrations unfold across our nation.

Phagwah, also known as Holi, is an auspicious occasion that holds profound

significance which the Commission urges all to internalize. It is a time of renewal, joy, and the triumph of good over evil, as the story of young Prahlad illustrates in the Hindu scriptures. This festival of colours, which also marks the arrival of spring, is a fixture that exemplifies national celebration among all Guy-

anese. This has led to the commendable growth of tolerance and acceptance, with increased participation in our multi-ethnic society.

religious holidays, is sacred and the sanctity of it should be respected. The ERC reminds that Phagwah/Holi exhibits one element in the vibrant mix of our rich diversity which defines who we are as a people. It represents an achievement stemming from a combina-

tion of efforts as we endeavour to be One People, under One Nation, Celebrating One Destiny.

May this festival inspire us to deepen our bonds of understanding and respect, fostering a society where every individual and their beliefs are valued and accepted.

As we exchange sweets, colours, and greetings with our loved ones, let us also reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and harmonious nation for future generations. Shub Holi to all from the ERC.

As we come together to celebrate in the spirit of unity and harmony, let us also be mindful of our actions and how they affect these religious observances. Phagwah/Holi, as with other

The spirit, teachings, values associated with Phagwah, Hinduism must live on

Dear Editor, IN the colonial days in Guyana, it was customary for Hindus on the sugar estates to build a huge bonfire with debris accumulated from the canefield. On the day of Vasant Panchami, a bamboo and castor oil tree were planted in the ground in an open area.

From the ‘planting of Holika,’ singing of chowtal and Holi songs became a regular feature in the Mandirs and religious gatherings. Weekly radio programmes would feature live performance of chowtal groups from various districts.

There were no TV stations during that period and Guyana had only two radio stations -- Radio Demerara with Rafiq Khan, Rajkumarie Singh and Ishri Singh and the BGBS with Sir Ron Saunders. It was not until after the late 1960’s that schools were allowed to have a Hindu Youth Society established to cater for the Hindu boys and

girls. The Hindu Youth societies then began to organise cultural shows and concerts to celebrate Holi, Diwali and the other festivals. Throughout the different counties, fairs, charity shows and concerts were held. During the last week before Holi, travelling on the trains and boats used to be fun. School chil-

dren took immense pleasure to play with each other with powder, abrack and water.

BURNING OF HOLIKA

Before Phagwa, a lot of preparation took place, especially by the mother of each family. She ensured that everyone would have new, white clothes to wear. During the 50’s to the 70’s, the more extravagant outfits

were scarce because of limited resources and people were satisfied with more modest fashions.

Powder, (the Yardley’s brand was the sweetest followed by My Fair Lady), abrack, perfume and abeer were bought and stocked up, along with all the ingredients for the different foods. Special attention was

paid towards cleansing the house and the yard itself and children were involved. New curtains were bought, fences were whitewashed or painted. In the very old days, when yards were not concrete, the “bottom house” had to be “daubed” with cow-dung and freshly dug mud.

On the night of Holika Dahan, Ramayana goals,

chowtal groups, men and boys used to gather at the Mandir in each village from six o’clock in the afternoon until 23:30 hrs to engage in the singing of chowtal before proceeding to the site of the bonfire. Hot bara with chutney and coffee were served. These days, the burning of Holika takes place before 21:00 hrs.

After a Pooja ceremony, the fire was lit and the chowtal groups would continue singing. Meanwhile, boys would walk with dry coconut, cassava and plantain to roast, hooked on wire strings.

Most times, there was a trench in close proximity and, you bet, men and boys would be thrown in, including the pandit. The singing and chanting and dancing to the beat of the dholak continued until the fire was completely out before everyone went home. Females were not allowed to witness this event because of the nature and

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The spirit...

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significance of the occasion. Overseas, this event usually takes place in the yards of Mandirs.

PHAGWAH DAY

Early Phagwah morning, the craziness began. Neighbours woke each other to douse them with buckets of water and syringes (pichakaree); girls hid in the bedrooms; boys jumped through the windows; hoses were connected to pipes to soak anyone passing in the streets; the women folk were busy preparing the delicacies and the delicious meals for the day, namely bara, polourie, potato ball, bhaiganee, channa, dhall, rice, dhallpourie, gulgula, gujiya, all the different vegetables, kheer and Mohanbog.

In the olden days, women used to cook on an outside fireside and would have to often change clothes because of the constant drenching. Meanwhile, the males would visit the site of the Holika Dahan and collect the ashes from the bonfire and play with each other making it difficult to recognize each other.

The chowtal groups

people to congregate and communicate in a more relaxed atmosphere.

These days, celebrations are housed in parks and grounds to accommodate a large public gathering where fun and entertainment can be in galore with a programme jampacked with artistes, performers, singers, dancers and tassa music.

In the US, Canada and UK, Hindus have to take a day off from work if they want to participate in these activities or wait until they reach home in the evening to gather with friends and families to mark the occasion.

It is unfortunate that for some, it’s just another day and the sagacity and gaiety of this colorful festival is lost or diminished because of the cold, loneliness, constraint or just being out of touch with the cultural community.

DAY AFTER PHAGWAH – INVITING FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

In Guyana, Phagwah celebration can continue for a week or two because of families and friends wanting to celebrate together based on the convenience of time and the reciprocation of visits.

would then walk around the village singing and dancing as villagers would throw buckets of water on them. This fun and frolic would continue until midday. Then the men and boys would head home to shower and change in their white outfit and most of the family members would head to the Mandir for a religious service.

Devotees would enjoy themselves with the merriment, this time with the powder, abeer, abrack and perfume. At the end of the service, as devotees return to their respective homes, the chowtal groups would walk in the streets and visit each member’s home where they would be entertained. Neighbors, families and friends would visit each other and exchange goodies.

In Guyana, T&T and Suriname, it’s a public holiday and so this united spiritual and cultural intimacy prevail in a more dominating and domineering level, affording

Usually, the day after Holi, neighbours, friends and families are invited to extend the celebration, eating, imbibing, singing, and dancing.

GOING FORWARD

Going forward, what does the future hold? Will there be this continuity of exhilaration and cheerfulness and anxiety to look forward for this holiday? Will the children at home and the Diaspora apply this spirited approach and application to observe and absorb this excitement?

Will this religious and cultural heredity transgress with its significant permeation? Hopefully, from constant teaching, preaching and practising of Hinduism, our rich customs and traditions will influence and attract this embracement. Wishing you and your family Shubh Holi! Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

Reliving the great memories of Phagwah

By Rehana Ahamad

ONE day I left work around 22:30hrs. I was exhausted and all the way home I kept fantasising about curling up on the sofa, munching on a bowl of warm cornflakes, while I catch up on my missed episodes of Grey's Anatomy. My night was going to be perfectly calm and restful.

I lowered the music, drove into the yard, grabbed my stuff, and locked the car, then the gate. So far, so good; I couldn't wait to get inside, shower and then listen to Meredith Grey complain about her worries as a surgeon.

As soon as I turned away from the gate to approach the house I was startled by two men, a woman and a young boy; they were armed with guns. Before I could react, shots were fired! My

hands were instinctively positioned as a shield, but I was too late; the damage had been done. I could feel four separate forces

of water hit me about the body and face. I struggled to catch my breath as the water entered my eyes and forced its way into my nostrils.

I had suffered a “Phagwah attack” that lasted for almost two minutes. Once the guns were emp-

tied, I raised my head to assess the situation. The "attackers" were my two brothers, sister-in-law and boyfriend. Luckily, my

phone is waterproof, so there was no notable damage, but I was ready for revenge.

Reliving the great...

The "attackers" sought to run and I geared up to chase, but they had a back-up; my father began to bomb me with water balloons.

I started to get angry and I was ready to cry, but they started to laugh and I couldn't give them the satisfaction, so I angrily bolted to my room, slammed the door, and went to take a shower. It's not that I'm a spoil-sport, but I really was looking forward to a peaceful night. I might have also been a tad bit 'hangry,' considering that I hadn't had lunch, and I was tired.

Nonetheless, the shower calmed me down. I was ready to greet my loved ones with the usual love and kindness, but when I exited my room, nobody was there. The kitchen was empty, the bedrooms were vacant.

I even called a few times, but there were no answers. I came out of the house and made my way to the front yard; there they were, "liming" by the gate. I was making my way over to them when I sensed Ashraf, the older of my two brothers, run to me from behind, pouring a five-gallon bucket of water on my head.

I turned around hastily, on the verge of crying, when I noticed my 10-year-old brother Irshan creeping up behind him, and plastering a healthy handful of ketchup all across Ashraf’s face, blurting out the words, “Ketch yuh!” Mischief was written all over his face.

I had to laugh. Within seconds, all my anger subsided. I didn’t crave sitting in front of the television anymore. I was surrounded by the people I loved, and we were all safe, happy, healthy, and laughing heartily. That night, I went to bed and reflected on all of my most treasured Phagwah memories; I woke up the next day and decided to share some of these with you, our valued readers.

Phagwah (Holi) is undoubtedly one of Guyana’s most treasured holidays. Although a Hindu

religious occasion, the Festival of Colours is well loved and celebrated with much pomp and exuberance by Guyanese from all walks of life.

UNIFYING FORCE

It is a time when strangers become friends and enemies mend ties over colourful powders and gallons of water. As we all know, the advent of the coronavirus makes it difficult for us to celebrate the occasion in our usual Guyanese style, but it seems to be an ideal time for us to reflect on our most treasured Holi experiences.

Let me take you back to my childhood days at my grandmother’s home in Novar, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. The night before Phagwah entailed playing ‘dog and the bone’ in the yard, and just before bed, hide-and-seek during the blackout.

Bedtime meant all the uncles sleeping downstairs, while my grandmother, mother and aunts occupied the bedrooms; the children would spread out on three or four mattresses in the upstairs living room.

Phagwah morning, most of the cousins were awakened by loud screams; I was startled, and somewhat frightened, but then there was uncontrollable laughter. Most of us cousins gathered on the veranda to get glimpses of the action. I remember how happy I was to see most of my aunts, uncles and cousins running each other with buckets of water and water guns. It was all fun and laughter until someone grabbed me from behind and walked me downstairs where an ambush awaited.

My face was lathered with powder and for some unexplained reason, some of my younger cousins and I ran in the yard for hours trying to escape the blackened ‘abeer.’ At seven/eight years old, it was a beautiful day.

Fast forward to 2006ish, I was about 11 or 12 years old, and I had come to realise that Phagwah was my father’s favourite holiday. He would ensure

that he always has that day off, and his celebrations often start the night before. My parents had just moved from my paternal grandmother’s home in Mahaicony and had built their first, and very humble home in Grove, East Bank Demerara. We didn’t have many riches back then, but we had a beautiful life. One night before Phagwah, my brother Ashraf, my sister Fazana and I had just showered and gone to bed. It was not a regular occurrence for daddy to come home early. Both he and mommy always worked hard to give us a wonderful life.

Nonetheless, we had just gone to bed when we heard mommy and dad -

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Reliving the great...

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dy arguing outside. This was out of the ordinary, so we all bolted off our beds and rushed out to the ‘back-shed’ to see what the problem was. As soon as we dashed out the door, daddy grabbed the garden hose and sprayed us until we were soaked. Mommy was angry; she felt it was immature and irresponsible for daddy to play Phagwah with us at 9:00pm. To make matters worse, daddy rallied his troops and had us hit the streets to play with our neighbours. Initially, mommy wasn’t too pleased about that either, but her anger seemed to have disappeared after she saw how happy we were.

ECSTATIC

Eventually, she even joined us as we went door to door to play Phagwah that night. My siblings and my friends and I were ecstatic. In those days, holidays in Grove were

like a village party. All the neighbours would be out on the streets and the gate to every yard was sprawled open, as if inviting every passerby to join in the celebration; it always seemed as though every home was stocked with unlimited goodies for everyone else to part take in.

After a few hours of sleep, Phagwah Day came and it was even better than the night before. I distinctly remember my brother Ashraf coming home after hours to have lunch; he sat at the table under the ‘back-shed’ and asked, “Please fuh some food?” My mother placed the food and a glass of juice in front of him, and then asked, “You ah who pickney, son?”. I blurted out in laughter; mommy didn’t realise it was her favourite child; his voice was hoarse and his face was unrecognisable – seemingly a mixture of black-pot, powder

and abeer.

A few years later, we moved to a more comfortable home in Little Diamond, where all my neighbours were staunch Hindus. It was there that I got my first glimpse of clean, authentic Phagwah celebrations. The years of celebration in Little Diamond enabled me to truly appreciate the religious connotations of Phagwah, and even today, I hold those memories dear.

I have had many other notable Phagwah experiences, but as I attempt to type them, my editor is growing more and more impatient for the story, so I must conclude here. I encourage you to use this year’s Phagwah to reflect on the exciting celebrations you have been part of, and commit to ensu re the continuation and strengthening of our Phagwah traditions, so that your children can

‘Respect the auspicious occasion, celebrate in unity’ -

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 Dhar-

mic 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

upcoming celebrations

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.

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

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

Respect the auspicious...

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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

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

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 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.”