Dear Editor,
I refer to an article appearing in sections of the media on March 2 under the caption “Dharmic Sabha’s Grand Phagwah Mela and Bazaar set for March 4”. In that article, it was erroneously stated that “Holika Dahan, or the Burning of Holika, will be observed by mandirs countrywide on Sunday, March 12th, on Purnima or full moon night…and Phagwah or Holi will be celebrated on Monday 13th.”
This is, first of all, very misleading. Mandirs countrywide will not be celebrating on the abovementioned dates. Only those affiliated to Dharmic Sabha might be doing so, and not all of them. Editor, I crave your indulgence to briefly explain the rules and methods employed in arriving at the correct dates. Holi, or Phagwah, is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra. It is usually the day after Holika Dahan (Burning of Holika). Establish the date for Holika Dahan and we have determined the date for Holi, or Phagwah.
All Texts declare that Holika Dahan is performed on the night of the full moon. The duration of the full moon in Guyana is from 10:53 a.m. on Saturday March 11 to 10:53 a.m. on Sunday March 12. This can be verified from all Panchangas (Astrological Charts) as well as NASA. The full moon is therefore present only during the evening of Saturday 11th March. It is not present on the evening of March 12. Holika Dahan, (Burning of Holika) will therefore be on the night of Saturday March 11. The night of Sunday March 12 is not full moon.
The first day of Chaitra will commence at 10:53 a.m. on Sunday March 12, and will end at 11:21 a.m. on Monday March 13. HOLI, or Phagwah, in Guyana will therefore be on Sunday March 12. The second lunar day of Chaitra begins at 11:21 a.m. on Monday March 13. Monday 13 cannot be Holi.
Yours truly,
Pt. R. Balbadar
President
Sanatan Vaidic
Dharma Pandits’
Sabha, Region 3
