Mela hosted to commence Phagwah celebrations

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Saturday hosted its annual Phagwah mela and bazaar, titled ‘Rang Rasiya’, to kick start the Phagwah celebrations for 2018.
The event, held at the Dharmic Kendra in Prashad Nagar, saw hundreds of

persons partaking in the different activities. Attendees were, in the afternoon, treated to spectacular stage performances with rich cultural overtones from the popular Dharmic Nritya Sangh. Many talented Guyanese artistes, including Mona Gowkaran, Ganindra, Shivanand Singh, Vidya Ram, Varun Samlall, Celia Samaroo and Avinash Roopchand, took the stage to entertain the audience with their musical renditions.
Additionally, there were dramatic pieces directed under the baton of Travez Piaralall.
Prior to commencement of the programme, patrons participated in a feast of sweet and savory delicacies that were on sale, and this transitioned them into the Phagwah spirit.
The younger children were fascinated with the face painting, games and henna designing; while the adults took the opportunity to purchase their vibrant coloured powders infused with various scents.
President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud, related that this annual activity has been around for over three decades, and has evolved through these years because of the increase in patrons who grace the event.
The national holiday of Phagwah will be celebrated on Friday.