Why the celebration?

 

Satiricus was all fired up with excitement over the just-completed Phagwah festivities. As was their custom and practice – as Bungi would say – they’d retired to the Back Street Bar to relive their experiences. And look ahead to the next year. Phagwah was one of their favourite festivals since it gave them one more excuse to “live it up”!

“I gotta tell you fellas,” started off Satiricus enthusiastically, as he signalled for another round, “Guyana has to be the best country in the world.”

“I’m not going to fight you over that one, Sato,” said Hari. “But could you be a little more specific as to why you give us that honour?”

“Budday, we just finish Mash last month,” Satiricus smiled widely. “Which makes us the only country in the world to throw a big sport for Republic Day!”

“Yuh right, yuh know, Sato,” said Bungi, nodding his head vigorously. “All dem adda country a show aff dem weapon and t’ing!”

“That’s right, Bungi!” said Satiricus, slapping the table. “Make love not war is our motto!!”

“I’m not so sure about that,” said Hari doubtfully.

“But that’s the point I’m making, Hari,” said Satiricus. “We love sport so much, we’re the only country to have two Phagwahs!”

“That’s not true, Sato,” replied Hari. “India has two Phagwahs, also.”

“Yes…but that is for different parts of the country!” said Satiricus knowledgeably. “In Guyana, the whole country gets to sport two Phagwahs!”

Bungi, who’d been listening closely to the exchange, decided to butt in. “Suh wha’ mek abee a celebrate Phagwah?”

His two friends looked at him in confusion. “You know we’re celebrating the destruction of evil,” explained Satiricus patiently. “Just like at Diwali!”

“But befo’ abee celebrate, abee na gat fuh destrai evil fuss?” Bungi asked innocently.

His friends looked at him with surprise as he continued. “An’ if abee wan’ fuh celebrate two time, da mean abee gat fuh destrai all two evil – Pee-an-See and KFC, na?!”