The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has a number of activities planned in the lead up to Phagwah or Holi, which will be celebrated on Monday, March 13.
Commencing this evening, the Rama Krishna Dharmic Sabha Mandir in Barr Street Kitty, Georgetown, will be hosting its annual evening of Holi melodies – Holi Sangam. This will start at 19:00h.
On Saturday, March 4, the annual Phagwah Mela and Bazaar will be held at the Dharmic Kendra in Prashad Nagar, Georgetown from 16:00h.
The highlight of this event will be a spectacular stage programme which will feature finalists and top performers of the recently held Emerging Voices competition, and outstanding Guyanese singers Rekha Singh, Sookrane Bookdhoo, Mona Gowkarran and Ganindra backed by the Dax New Generation Band. The Dharmic Nritya Sangh of Naya Zamana fame will be presenting several new and exciting dances choreographed by Dr Vindhya Persaud. There will also be a special dramatic presentation written and directed by Travez Piaralall.
In addition to fabulous entertainment, there will be delicious local, traditional and authentic Indian foods, mehendi, games and great shopping deals. Tickets cost $800 with children under 10 being given free admission. The event is supported by Digicel, ICEE, NTN, Rent-a-tent, E-Networks and GBTI.
Chowtaal Samelan, an initiative of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, is also being held in the Sabha’s Praants countrywide. Chowtaal gols or groups from Mandirs in each region will converge at the various venues to share in spirited singing reflective of the festival. There will also be beautiful Phagwah melodies and pulsating tassa drumming.
On Sunday, March 5, Chowtaal Samelan will be held at the Number 3 Vishnu Mandir, Berbice, at 10:00h; Enmore Hope West Mandir, East Coast Demerara at 10:00h; Lesbeholden Dharmic Mandir, Black Bush Polder, Berbice at 11:00h; Bushlot Vishnu Mandir, Central Corentyne at 11:00h; and at the residence of Mrs Dookie’s – opposite the Soesdyke Mandir, on the East Bank of Demerara at 18:00h.
In addition, the West Coast Demerara Praant’s Dharmic Naujawaan will present Naujawaan Utsav 2, their Hindu youth concert, at the Ocean View Mandir Compound, West Coast Demerara on Sunday, March 5.
The programme will feature songs, dances and dramatic performances from youths across Guyana. Admission is free.
On March 9, the East Berbice Praant’s will host their Chowtaal Samelan at the Reliance Abandon Mandir beginning at 18:00h.
On Saturday, March 11, the East Berbice Praant’s Golden Om Dharmic Youths will present its Phagwah Mela and Katahar Curry Competition at the Rose Hall Estate Welfare Ground in Canje, beginning at 15:00h. There will be an exciting stage programme which includes an enactment of the story of Bhakta Prahalad, songs and dances along with a number of Holi related activities. Admission to this event will be $200. Holika Dahan – the Burning of Holika – will be observed by mandirs countrywide on Sunday, March 12. Phagwah or Holi will be celebrated on Monday, March 13 and will be commemorated with the annual Holi Utsav at the Everest Cricket Club Ground at 16:00h.
In addition to scintillating performances by top Guyanese singers, the Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Dax New Generation Band and a cultural group from Trinidad, there will also be powder giveaways, countdowns, colour throws, dance instructions for the crowd, food stalls and other exciting activities at this family event.
Holi Utsav will also be held at the Bath Community Centre Ground on March 13, beginning at 16:00h. In addition, the Essequibo Praant will host its Phagwah Mela at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground at 14:30h on Phagwah Day.
