Political instability mars Phagwah celebrations

Phagwah celebrations across the country were marred by political instability, with many persons choosing very small, and in some cases, no celebration at all. On Sunday many of the major Hindu organisations announced cancellations of celebrations
In Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), which is known for its massive Phagwah celebrations, residents decided to stay at home with family and friends to celebrate quietly. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Jaigobin and Son held their annual Phagwah Melas in the township of Anna Regina but the attendance was poor when compared to previous years.
The usual morning singing of Chowtals and playing with the beautiful colours of powder, abrack and abeer along the road with families, neighbours, friends and those in the various communities did not happen this year. The once peaceful region that roars with Phagwah celebrations is now in deep trauma and most residents decided to go to their various mandirs and join their congregation in prayers for peace.
In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), former President of the East Berbice Prant, Boopaul Jakroo said that Phagwah is not the same this year.
According to him, many Hindus are scared to celebrate as customary. However, there was the lighting of the Holika on Sunday evening, which was witnessed and enjoyed by Guyanese of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Lakhram Singh of Number 63 Village Corentyne explained that traditionally, he would leave home on Phagwah morning, but he could not do that this year.
“This has carried an impact for residents of this country because Phagwah celebrations is a big event and one cannot use water, abeer and powder with someone who does not share the same political views at this time,” he told this newspaper.
A majority of the Hindu organisations throughout the country called off their annual Holi celebrations in light of the present political atmosphere which preceded the March 2 General and Regional Elections.
The largest organisations representing Hindus in Guyana; Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha did so on Sunday with a notice on its Facebook page.
In addition, Pujya Swami Aksharanandaji of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan on the West Coast of Demerara noted that more than 100 mandirs across the country were not going to be celebrating the festival this year.
When contacted, President of the Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud further elaborated that her organisation decided to cancel the event due to the tension in the country post-elections.
Similar views were expressed by the founder of Inspired Inc and member of the Arya Samaj, Jog Mahadeo when he spoke to Guyana Times on Sunday.
Mahadeo pointed out that these cancellations are in the best interest of everyone’s safety, especially for those who travel from across Guyana to celebrate the religious holiday.