Home Top Stories Phagwah 2025: “Let us paint our hearts with humility, colour our minds...
President Dr Irfaan Ali has called on Guyanese to display kindness to each other, and show gratitude as they come together to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Colours – Phagwah, or Holi.
He made these remarks in his Phagwah 2025 message, in which he extended joyous greetings to all Guyanese, especially Hindus here in Guyana and in the diaspora, on this sacred and celebratory festival.
The Hindu festival of Phagwah, also called Holi or the Festival of Colours, celebrates the arrival of spring and 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 to participate in smearing abrack (coloured powder) and sprinkling abeer (coloured or stained water) on each other.
“This Phagwah, let us paint our hearts with humility, colour our minds with gratitude, and drench our souls in generosity. Let us build a nation where prosperity is not a privilege, but a promise to all,” the Head of State has noted.
According to the President, Phagwah – known as the Festival of Colours and celebrated with vigorous revelry and exuberance – has become a symphony of joy, a kaleidoscope of colours, and a celebration of life itself especially among all Guyanese.
“It is a time when barriers dissolve, laughter echoes, and hearts connect. As the various hues of powder fill the air, so too does the spirit of love, equality and renewal,” Ali has said.
He went on to note that, at its core, Phagwah is an affirmation of the victory of good over evil, noting that the burning of Holika is not just a ritual, but a powerful reminder that righteousness always triumphs and arrogance will always crumble at the feet of humility.
He said that just as Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu prevailed, so too must we stand firm in our convictions.
“This year, as we celebrate Phagwah, our nation stands tall, reaping the fruits of growth and progress. But let us remember: true prosperity is not measured in wealth, but in the upliftment of all. Success is sweeter when shared; joy is brighter when inclusive. When we drench each other in colours, we are making a bold statement: In this moment, there is no rich or poor, no powerful or weak – only brothers and sisters, equal in celebration and in dignity. This is why wealth and prosperity should never breed arrogance; it should inspire humility, gratitude, and collective joy,” he stated.
Moreover, President Ali said Phagwah’s festive spirit reminds that life is best savoured in love and laughter. He noted that true joy is to be found not in obsession with ostentation, but in the simple moments of kindness and love. To this end, the Head of State is urging Guyanese to let this Phagwah be a reminder that happiness is not about what we have, but is rather about what we are.
“The burning of Holika calls us to action: to burn away greed, extinguish envy, vanquish selfishness, and reduce egotism. Let us all aspire to be ambassadors of kindness, warriors of compassion, and champions of generosity. When we rise together, we shine brighter… Happy Phagwah to all! Let the colours of unity, love, and shared prosperity shine forever,” the Guyanese President has stated.
