Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Mar 07, 2015 News
Thousands welcomed the “festival of colours” yesterday at the National Stadium Providence, East Bank Demerara, with a riot of colours to celebrate the annual Phagwah festival.
The ancient Hindu Festival of Holi, which heralds the end of winter and the victory of good over evil, is marked with a national holiday and sees revelers pouring onto the streets ending up at the National Stadium for an event hosted under Inspire Inc in collaboration with Hindus United for Guyana (HUG).
At the event there were sweetmeats, ‘seven-curry’ and other delightful delicacies on sale. Children had the opportunity to partake in water slides and play on the trampoline. The crowd was entertained by Ishara Dance Troupe, Shakti Strings Orchestra, Terry Gajraj and some of Guyana’s top voices.
The festival of colours was celebrated with songs, music and dances. A variety of water colours and various mixtures permeated the crowd, as a rainbow of colours transformed the stadium causing some to even lose their children. Many had their entire bodies smeared.
Families and friends turned out in their numbers sporting their white outfits that morphed into totally new patterns and styles by the coloured powder and water by the time the event reached a crescendo.
Yesterday, canter trucks, horse carts and other vehicles were seen on many streets, transporting groups of people who sprinkled coloured water and powder on passersby.
Temples countrywide also observed the occasion with bhajan singing and sharing of sweet meats. Countrywide, Phagwah is a time when Guyanese of all colours and creed participate, frolic, mingle, embrace and play as part of the festive activities.
In spite of being such a colourful celebration, there are various aspects of Holi which makes it so significant for our lives. Though they might not be so apparent, a closer look and a little thought will reveal the significance of Holi in more ways than meets the eye. Ranging from socio-cultural, religious to biological, there is every reason why we must heartily enjoy the festival and cherish the reasons for its celebrations.
Celebration of the various legends associated with Holi reassures people of the power of the truth as the moral of all these legends is the ultimate victory of good over evil. The legend of Hiranyakashyap and Prahlad also points to the fact that extreme devotion to god pays off, as god always takes his true devotee in his shelter. All these legends help persons to follow a good conduct in their lives and believe in the virtue of being truthful. This is extremely important in modern day society when so many people resort to evil practices for small gains and torture those who are honest.
The event was sponsored by Fly Jamaica, Insight Magazine, Guytrac, Iradio, Buddy’s, Star Party Rentals, Toolsie Persaud Ltd., ND&S amongst others.
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
Apr 18, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has been named Wisden’s leading Twenty20 Cricketer for 2023, as she topped all and sundry, including her male counterparts. Alan Gardner looks...Kaieteur News – Compliments of the Ministry of Education, our secondary school children are being treated to a stage... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]