Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha extends Phagwah greetings call for unity, renewal, and spiritual triumph

Press Statement from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha:

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) extends warm and fraternal Phagwah greetings to the Hindu community and all Guyanese. As the vibrant colors of Holi prepare to blanket our nation, the Sabha reflects on the profound spiritual and social significance of this ancient festival, which remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s cultural identity.

Phagwah, or Holi, marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, immortalized by the story of young Prahlad and his unwavering devotion to righteousness. It is a time when the barriers are dissolved in a sea of colour smeared on each other’s faces removing differences and ushering in fraternity and love.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, emphasized that Phagwah is more than just a celebration of color; it is a catalyst for national harmony.

“Phagwah serves as a powerful reminder that truth and light will always prevail over darkness,” Dr. Persaud stated. “As we smear each other with the vibrant hues of ‘abeer’ and abrack mirroring the colors of Spring, we are essentially washing away everything that divides us. In Guyana, Phagwah has evolved into a beautiful social tapestry where every citizen, regardless of background, can participate in the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family.”

The Sabha highlights that Phagwah is uniquely both a spiritual and social festival. Spiritually, it is a period of purification, starting with the burning of Holika, which signifies the destruction of inner vices like ego and hatred. Socially, it is a time of intense joy, music, and dance and smearing of vibrant colors, fostering a sense of community belonging that is vital for our national fabric. Dharmic Sabha reminds all to keep the festival devoid of alcohol and vulgarity.

The GHDS encourages Guyanese to observe the festival with dignity and respect. While the atmosphere is one of exuberance, the Sabha reminds all that the essence of the day is rooted in love and the celebration of nature’s bounty.

To celebrate this auspicious day in an atmosphere of melody and traditional fervor, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha cordially invites the general public to its Holi Utsav.

* Venue: Everest Cricket Club Ground, Georgetown
* Date: Phagwah Day
* Time: Starting at 4:00 PM. Admission is FREE! No alcohol allowed.
* Features: Vishale Samlall, Suraj Singh, Sookrane and others from Guyana and Neval Chaitlqll from Trinidad and Tobago, dance performances, and a clean, family-friendly environment for all to enjoy the “Festival of Colors.”

“I invite everyone to join us at Everest Ground,” Dr. Persaud added. “Let us celebrate goodness and our shared humanity, in love, happiness and fraternity. Let the colors of Phagwah saturate our hearts with peace and our nation with progress. Shubh Holi to all of Guyana!”