Colour, culture, and Guyana’s multicultural spirit are showcased as the nation celebrates Phagwah

With clouds of crimson, blue, green, pink and yellow rising into the air, the atmosphere was filled with the sound of laughter, music and rhythmic beats at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s (GHDS) Holi Ustav, the High Commission of India event and the One Guyana Phagwah Festival on Tuesday, where Guyana’s rich and vibrant multicultural spirit was on display during the Phagwah celebrations. The events hosted at the Everest Cricket Ground and the Guyana National Stadium brought together political leaders, the diplomatic corps, cultural and religious organisations, and people from all walks of life for a day filled with colour, camaraderie and cultural pride. The Phagwah celebrations at the Indian High Commission featured traditional dancing, chowtal singing and musical tributes which transformed the atmosphere into a live canvas of Guyanese cultural and social harmony. As the persons of all ages enthusiastically played Phagwah together, the atmosphere was filled with the spirit of joy and happiness.

At all three of the main events on Tuesday, dancers dressed in beautiful and colourful attire twirled around the stage with energetic dance moves which symbolised renewal and joy. Applause rang out as spectators swayed to the rhythm, some rising to capture the performances while others clapped along. When singers mounted the stage, the atmosphere grew even more interactive.
The audience echoed the verses of familiar tunes, clapping in rhythm and dancing to the beat, as melodies filled the air. As music blended with laughter and vibrant splashes of abeer and powder, the atmosphere turned the entire gathering into one unified celebration of culture, colour and community. Delivering remarks at the Indian High Commission event, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall extended Holi greetings on behalf of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who sent his regrets for not being present. Nandlall praised the Indian High Commission for its consistent role in hosting the annual celebration and commended the performers for what he described as an “explosion of culture, talent and joy”.
“Phagwah is one of the most important events and celebrations in the Hindu calendar,” Nandlall said, noting that in Guyana, the festival has long transcended its religious boundaries.
“It is not only a Hindu festival; it is a national festival, and we celebrate it appropriately with a national holiday being declared, and that has been the position for many decades.” He highlighted the deeper meaning of the observance, referencing the triumph of good over evil, the victory of Prahlad and the celebration of spring and renewal. Echoing similar sentiments, acting High Commissioner of India, Manoj Kumar, described Phagwah as one of the most joyful and vibrant festivals in Indian tradition and praised Guyana for preserving its inclusive character.
“In Guyana, Phagwah holds a special and unique significance. It is not only a festival of the Indo-Guyanese community but also a celebration of multicultural harmony,” Kumar added. At the National Stadium, Providence, where thousands gathered, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson, Member of Parliament (MP); Steven Jacobs, MP, Minister within the Ministry; and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Kwame McCoy joined patrons in celebrating this significant cultural and religious occasion.
The President of the GHDS, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who is also the Human Services and Social Security Minister, led the GHDS Holi Ustav at Everest Cricket Ground.