Holi, or Phagwah as it is commonly called, is an annual Hindu Festival of Colours celebrating the arrival of spring. This festival was brought to Guyana by our East Indian fore-parents who first came to Guyana some 183 years ago.
Since these immigrants were the main labour force in the sugar industry which was the largest employer in the colony, the sugar estates gave Phagwah as a holiday to their employees 
The banks and most Government offices remained open but there was little activity and they usually closed early. After national independence, Phagwah was formally declared a public holiday.
Phagwah in Guyana is associated with the story of Prahlad’s faith against his evil aunt, Holika. The burning of Holika and the use of it for the playing of Holi is merely one account of the origin of Phagwah. However, there are other interpretations of Phagwah – the legend of Lord Krishna playfully applying colour to Radha is another account, there is also a celebration, with the beginning of spring being an instigating factor of the festival of Holi. The arrival of spring has been traditionally honoured in farming villages of India by using the brightly coloured blossoms to create powders used to celebrate the arrival of a new season.
Traditionally, Phagwah celebrations in Guyana consisted of dance, music, songs and colours. Families participated in the throwing of water in the morning, while the smearing of powder followed later in the day. Special foods are prepared, which often included the traditional “seven curry” and sweetmeats as Hindus observed their religious prayers and fasting.
However, contemporary Phagwah takes on the atmosphere of carnival. A variety of coloured powders is added to water to prepare the mixture that is applied to the others in such a way that they become unrecognisable
Like many other holidays in Guyana, Phagwah has evolved, leaving behind some of the core aspects traditionally attached to the celebrations.
Phagwah is one of the many holidays in Guyana that are not limited to the religious festivities from which they initially emerged. The diversity of Guyanese society has a way of erasing religious and cultural barriers, allowing persons of various religious backgrounds – a cross-section of ethnicities and different creeds – to integrate and participate in the celebration of traditions such as the Hindu festival of Holi. However, it is evolutions like these that often tamper with the rich, deep-rooted origin of cultural practices, often resulting in the deterioration or misinterpretation of the true significance and symbolism of these cultural practices.
The world is facing a difficult time dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic, for this year’s Phagwah holiday, set to be celebrated on Sunday, March 28, the Government of Guyana has imposed tight COVID-19 restrictions to prevent the further spread of the virus. All Phagwah events at the mandirs, chowtaal samelan and satsangh/services are permitted at a 40 per cent capacity. The Government is also encouraging mandirs to utilise their outdoor spaces if and where available.
Socially distanced gatherings for the burning of Holika are allowed, however, large Phagwah events involving hundreds or thousands of persons are strictly prohibited.
Gatherings on trucks, canters or other vehicles carrying alcohol are also not allowed.
The Ministry is encouraging persons to celebrate within their home circles and where social gatherings occur, persons are encouraged to wear masks at all times. Six feet social distancing is important in all activities according to the Health Ministry and frequent hand washing and sanitising should also be practised. This is the first time Guyana and other countries around the world will be celebrating Phagwah under COVID-19 restrictions.
The Guyanese of Indian Ancestry Association wish the Guyanese population especially our Hindu brothers a blessed and peaceful Holi.
