Phagwah celebrations attract thousands on Essequibo Coast
Essequibians joined in the celebrations of the most colourful festival on the Hindu calendar – Phagwah. Residents turned out in large numbers to witness the burning of the Holika at each Mandir along the Essequibo Coast, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to usher in the spring festival.
Many families looked toward this special full moon night as a very sacred time to pray for peace and prosperity.
A section of the gathering at the Jaigobin Supermarket Tarmac, Anna Regina for the Phagwah mela
On Phagwah day (Friday last), Chowtal Goles sang chowtals in their villages and mandirs along the coast filling the air with the sounds of drums, jalls, chowtals and other musical instruments, while residents came out with their Abrak, Abeer, powder and water to add beauty to the occasion.
Hindus believe Phagwah is the ideal time to forgive and renew relationships and as such residents visited neighbours, family and friends to celebrate the Festival of Colours.
In the afternoon, residents were treated with a rich cultural Phagwah mela at the Jaigobin Supermarket Tarmac in the township of Anna Regina.
Essequibians turned out in their thousands to celebrate this special occasion. The crowd took to their heels when their own Davendra Pooran took the stage.
On Saturday, the celebration continued with the hosting of the Par Upkaric Sabha Annual Phagwah mela at the Walton Hall Sports Ground and to pull the curtains down, a Phagwah mela will be held today at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.
