37th annual New York Phagwah Parade set for Sunday

…Terry Gajraj, KI to headline cultural extravaganza

Hundreds of Guyanese, who are residing in New York are expected to flock the Phil Rizzuto Park formerly known as ‘Smokey Park’, Richmond Hill on Sunday for the 37th annual Phagwah Parade and cultural extravaganza.
The parade, which is organized by the Phagwah Parade of New York Inc, kicks off at 133rd Street, Liberty Avenue at 12:00h and will make its way to the Phil Rizzuto Park for a grand cultural presentation featuring Guyana Baboo, Terry Gajraj and Kris Persad (KI) from Trinidad among others.

Leading the parade will be he NYPD Marching Band comprising some 100 members followed by the NYPD Desi Body and the Desi Correctional Organisation. The NYPD Mount Unit/Highway Patrol Unit will also be a part of the grand event which is expected to be attended by many political figures in and out of New York.
This year, the parade will see some 25 bands from mandirs, businesses and public offices taking part. This year’s, Grand Marshall, Romeo Hitlall told the Guyana Times that this will the be 37th installment of the event which was started by Pandit Ramlall with just a handful of Hindus.
The parade, he explained has evolved over the years and has become, according to the New York Times, “The Street Festival of Colours.”
While, he has been part of the event for 25 years, he recalled that Pandit Ramlall at that time wanted to create something to celebrate Hinduism and promote cultural diversity in and around the New York area.

“From what I was told, it all started with Pandit Ramlal and a few others walking down Liberty Avenue with their powder and abeer… they would adorn those who were willing to play with the most vibrant colours as they traverse the avenue… 37 years later, this event has become so grand that blocks and blocks are cordoned off to facilitate the parade…”
He also reflected that back then or even a few years ago, no one was allowed to smear powder on the law enforcement officers but today, the officers who would line the route of the parade are covered in colours.
“This shows how far we have come… everyone – the Hispanic, the African Guyanese community, the Caucasians, everyone comes out and have a grand time… and this is the diversity and unity, Pandit Ramlall had envision 37 years ago… a legacy that will continue for generations to come…”
What he is also impressed and pleased with is that the young college and university students would join in the festivities. “It shows the cultural tolerance and more so, the diversity of New Yorkers and we are pleased to carry on this tradition.”
However, on the day of the event, Hitlall related that Liberty Avenue will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours. As the parade heads into the park, the cultural show will commence at 14:00h. There, he stated in addition to Terry Gajraj and KI, there will be other performances including Chowtal singing, dances from various dance groups, tassa drumming and some special surprises from the young children.
He pointed out, that the performers are all volunteering their time to make the Phagwah Parade and Cultural Extravaganza a memorable one.
Further, he posited that sweetmeat and other delicacies along with water, tea and coffee will be distributed free of cost to those in attendance. The event is absolutely free.
“The only thing that we will not distribute is the powder… whoever comes normally bring their own… but we encourage you to come out and have a grand time.”
The 37 Annual Phagwah Parade is hosted in collaboration with the Federation of Hindu Mandirs and the Arya Spiritual Centre Inc. with support from the New York Police Department and other authorities.