High energy, kaleidoscope of colours as Phagwah celebrated

This year’s Holi Celebrations could have not been possible if it had not been for the support of the government of Guyana.

Those were the words of, India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang during the Holi Ke Rang, Phagwa Khele Sang Celebrations whilst on the colorful lawns of the Georgetown Cricket Club on Monday.
According to Dr Telang, the Holi event within Guyana has always been one of high energy and a great experience to all, however according to him the celebrations on Monday brough a new dimension that has a caught the attention of patrons in a diverse way.
In the same sentiment, First Secretary of the High Commission of India, Manoj Kumar said that the colors thrown around in the Holi festivities hold a significant meaning that is dear to the tradition.
“Red signifies love and passion, yellow embodies optimism and new beginnings, green represents growth and harmony with nature blue notes calmness and peace,” he stated, while encouraging persons to remember the meaning of the colors while enjoying the event.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo were also part of the festivities on Monday morning.
President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), who is also the Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who delivered remarks at the even spoke of the celebration’s message of inclusivity and love.
“I want this feeling of joy, bliss and happiness to be pervasive every day, beyond Holi or Phagwah, bringing us together in unity, and in this feeling of togetherness, and not only as we celebrate Phagwah, but as we celebrate life and all of humanity,” she stated, adding that “this is a beautiful festival, and we are celebrating exactly the way that it should be celebrated, filled with colours, enthusiasm and joy. It is such an inclusive festival, one that shares love, fraternity, joy and every good thing,” she said.
Meanwhile, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal who was also engulfing himself in the festivities, mentioned that a diverse number of persons have come together in one space to celebrate the Holi festivities, according to him this that Guyana has once again witnessed sends a unique message for the world. “People from all walks of life have come together in Guyana to embrace each other’s traditions and that today’s celebration, this has sent a powerful message of acceptance and mutual respect.” Reemphasising the core values of the tradition, Croal made mention that the Holi celebrations within Guyana serve as a shining example of unity and cultural harmony, showcasing the beauty of diversity within the country’s population.
Croal underscored that amidst the ongoing transformations and developments that is seen in our society, preserving our rich cultural heritage remains paramount. “Let us continue to cherish and uphold our traditions, ensuring that they are passed down to future generations. This is the essence of what Guyana represents – a tapestry of cultures united in celebration and solidarity,” he stated.
There were numerous Holi celebrations across Guyana on Monday.

Transcends boundary
In is message for the Festival of Colours, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that Phagwah or Holi is one of the religious celebrations in Guyana that hold deep cultural significance, bringing together citizens from all backgrounds to revel in colourful merriment.
He was at the time speaking at the national Holi celebrations hosted at the State House in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday.
The Hindu festival of Phagwah is also called Holi or the Festival of Colours, and celebrates the arrival of Spring. It also signifies the triumph of good over evil. In Guyana, it is viewed as a unifying festival as it brings together people from all walks of life who participate in smearing abrack (coloured powder) and sprinkling abeer (coloured or stained water) on each other.
According to the Head of State, the Phagwah celebrations is a reflection of Guyanese embracing their shared humanity with the use of colours.
“Holi brings us together under the colourful banner of humanity, celebrating life, celebrating happiness and celebrating, importantly, goodness over evil,” he noted.
President Ali noted that colour is used as the foundational element in celebrating art, life, culture, and history.
“If colour is the foundational requirement through which history can be celebrated, culture can celebrated then colour cannot be the reason we’re divided. Colour can never be the reason we’re divided,” he posited.
The true reason for division, the Guyanese Leader noted, is one’s mindset and ability to be selfish. He noted that his government has one message in private and in public, that is, the message of love and unity, and of prosperity for all. This, he added, is not a political philosophy but a necessary philosophy of life for everyone to love, uplift and celebrate each other.
“Let the power of Holi, let the power of the oneness of colour, let the power of spirituality – during this beautiful moment in our country when we celebrate Holi, when we celebrate Ramadan, when we celebrate Lent – let this powerful spiritual period uplift our physical self, rebuild our conscience,” the president stated. (G2)