Preserve, respect Phagwah celebrations – Dr Vindhya Persaud

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and of Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud has urged all Guyanese to be respectful of Phagwah celebrations during the Guyana Hindu Dharmic celebrations on Saturday at the Dharmic Rama Krishna School Tarmac.
As scores of Hindus immersed themselves in performances by members of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, and the popular Shakti Strings Band, Persaud urged the public to preserve the upcoming celebrations. Stating that the pre-Phagwah mela has been organised and hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha for almost five decades, she explained that it has existed long and that it should be seen for much more years to come.

Additionally, she made mention that the festivities should not be tainted with any kind of behaviour or activity that is not in consonance with the spirit of Holi Festival.
“As we continue to preserve this festival, we should do so in its pristine form, ensuring it’s never tainted by any kind of behaviour or activity that is not in consonance with the spirit of Holi Festival. It has a spiritual element, it has a social context, and it also has the opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together with all the colours of nature and spring.” She stated, whilst then drawing linkage to the previous Rang Rasiya festivities. She highlighted that the Phagwah festivities should be preserved in the same way that the Rang Rasiya festivities have.”
Meanwhile Dr Persaud explained that, “Whenever we zoom into Holi or Phagwah, not only are we thinking of the beautiful vibrant colours which will make us indistinguishable when they’re smeared on our faces, but we’re also thinking of the melodies of spring.”