Guyana_Chronicle_Phagwah_Supplement_2022 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022

Holi – As Old as the World By Dr. Dowlat R. Budhram

ON March 17 and 18, Indians, particularly Hindus, will celebrate Holi all over the world. There are several aspects to Holi that are

explained below. Depending where it is celebrated, one or more of these aspects are given greater emphasis. While it is an important event in Indian religious history, it is one of the Hindu festivals that is as old as the world itself, linked to nature and the cosmic cycle itself. From a historical standpoint, festivals have an important place in the religious, cultural and social life of every nation. They are celebrated with festivities, pomp and splendor and adds some spice to the daily life of the ordinary citizen. They keep a nation inspired, unified and alive, and promote the national pride. The actual day (or days) of celebration is preceded with a range of activities that include cleanliness of the home and surroundings, burning of trash, decorations of colour, preparation of special clothing and a change of dress, preparation of special foods, and even special prayers. Basically, there are three kinds of festivals in the Hindu calendar: religious festivals such as Deepavali or Diwali, Shivaratri, and Shravani in which special prayers are offered, the recitation of scriptures and fasting, etc. are done; national festivals that revolve around great personalities of the nation such as Ramnaumi, Krishna Jayanti, Gandhi Jayanti, etc.; and seasonal festivals that are a result of changes in nature that affect man, such as a change in season due to planetary movements. Festivals such as Holi, Deepavali and Vasant Panchami fall also in this last category. COSMIC SIGNIFICANCE Man is a product of nature. His physical, mental, psychological and spiritual being is conditioned by and subjected to the cycles of planetary movements, in which the orbiting of the earth and the moon gives rise to the Hindu calendar, that covers the seasons,

the months and the days and nights. These cycles of nature have tremendous effects on weather patterns and the human mind and his well-being, animal and plant species, and the foods that are produced and eaten by them. For these reasons, the Panchang (the Hindu calendar that involves elaborate mathematical calculations and deep understanding of astronomical phenomena) gives us information on how we should live in harmony with our environment, by optimally utilising this calendar to plan important events in our life. There are many prayers and mantras of the Vedas that exhort us to live our daily life in a manner that is harmonious with nature and the cosmic principles. Historically, the Gregorian calendar that is normally used today is given second place to the traditional solar and lunar calendars, which link our community with the earth, the seasons and rainfall, day/night cycle and cosmic changes. The Hindu New Year starts on the new moon before the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries. This happens on or around the day of the March equinox and marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Holi heralds the arrival of spring after winter and is celebrated in the spring season because it is the welcoming of spring. Holi begins about 10 days before the full moon of the month Phalgun (February-March), but is usually observed for the last two or three days, terminating with the full moon. This is the spring festival of the Hindus. The new year in India therefore begins not in the middle of winter, but at the spring equinox. After this the days tend to grow longer and the cosmic energy reaching the earth increases accordingly. Holi spans the junction of the old and new year, beginning at the previous new moon TURN TO PAGE 7a

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022

Holi – As Old...

FROM PAGE 6a and climaxing at the full moon closest to the spring equinox. This is the most favorable conjunction of solar and lunar energies. It is important to note also that in many cultures festivals are celebrated at the equinoxes. SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE Holi is an ancient Hindu festival, which later became popular among nonHindu communities as well. This great Indian festival lasts for a day and a night, which starts in the evening of Purnima or the Full Moon Day in the month of Phalgun, the beginning of Chaitra. It’s a two-day holiday in some places that is celebrated with much enthusiasm. The festival always falls on Purnima, or the day of the full moon; the day of the March full moon is Holika Dahan. It signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated as a day of spreading happiness and love. The festival is also celebrated as thanksgiving for a good harvest. Holi is the festival of colours; bright colours that are a reflection of the spring season when flowers bloom and plants and trees take on a new life. The different colours are symbolic of the colours and essence of nature. Green represents a new year, the new beginnings in life; yellow is the colour of turmeric, a powder that is native to India that is used as a natural remedy; red symbolises love and fertility; blue represents the Hindu God Krishna, a colour played by the gopis. It is said that Holi got its name as the “Festival of Colours” from the childhood antics of Lord Krishna in which he played games on village girls by drenching them in water and colours. Today’s celebration is marked also by people pouring coloured water on each other, and many types of sweets and other food are prepared and shared with family and friends. In the scriptures, it is said that the name Holi is derived from the destruction of a demoness named Holika that was made possible with the help of the Hindu god, Lord Vishnu. The de-

struction of Holika is mentioned in the Narada Purana. Holika’s brother, the demon King Hiranyakashyapu, apparently wanted to kill his son, Prahlad, because he (Prahlad) followed Lord Vishnu rather than worship his father. It was believed that Holika couldn’t be harmed by fire, so the King asked his sister to sit in the fire with Prahlad in her arms. However, she was burnt to death and Prahlad was saved due to his devotion to Lord Vishnu, who protected him. On the eve of Holi, large bonfires are lit to mark the occasion known as Holika Dahan. Before the bonfire is lit, a special puja is performed to keep children healthy and safe from evil influences. As well as conducting a special puja, people sing and dance around the fire, and walk around it three times. UNIVERSAL TRADITION Holi is a truly popular festival in all senses of the word, being celebrated with much enjoyment by people around the world. It is a universal spectacle and very ancient, having its counterpart in some of the oldest human cultures. In countries where Indians have settled (the U.S., Canada, Europe, Malaysia, Fiji, Mauritius, the Caribbean, etc.), Holi is celebrated more or less the same way that it is done in India. In North America, the ‘festival of dreams’ is celebrated in a similar way among the Iraqois Indians in March to mark the new year. The ceremonies extend for a couple of weeks and it is a time of general freedom for people to vent their anger and old scores and smear others with ashes. The Slavs of eastern Europe also begin their new year in March, as do many other European peoples. As in India, this was linked with the sun, the moon and the crops. In northern and central Europe, the Easter fire ceremonies still commemorate this tradition with huge bonfires like those that blaze during Holi. On the evening of Easter Saturday trees that are cut down for the event are ignited and children use the ashes to blacken themselves and the

clothes of the adults. There are variations also of this festival in all parts of Germany and Holland, while in Sweden bonfires are lit on hills and high places. In some parts of Europe, especially in Catholic countries, a wooden figure is burned on a consecrated bonfire. The figure is called Judas, after the traitor who sold Christ to his enemies,

and it personifies sin and betrayal exactly as does Holika. Just as the fire is called Holika in India, the bonfire is called Judas in some parts of Europe. Chinese throughout Asia celebrate the new year in March with their own ‘Festival of Colour’. People wear masks and dance in procession behind an elaborate dragon; bonfires are lit and fireworks are in abun-

dance. One finds a similar festival in Indonesia where there are Indian and Chinese influences. Holi is truly a global festival reflecting man’s deepest urge towards becoming a “holy” and a wholly human being. The various myths and legends associated with this festival season have a common theme - a confirmation of faith in the divine

potential of mankind and a verification of the power of faith over faithlessness. The story of Prahlad is a confirmation of faith. Through communion with the spark of God within us, we will be untouched by the flames of worldly attachment and delusion, and we will emerge untouched by evil and in joyful awareness of the divine within and without us.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022

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Dr Vindhya Persaud: Phagwah encourages love and unity

AS we celebrate Phagwah, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha extends joyous and blissful Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese. As Guyanese look forward to celebrating this loved festival after a two-year hiatus, we urge that celebrations be respectful and in line with its deeper religious meaning. This Hindu festival which is widely celebrated occurs

annually in the Hindu Month of Phalgun and has a spiritual dimension that encourages devotion and implicit faith in Bhagwan, and reminds us to let our divine qualities emerge in the face of every situation. As Hindus attend mandirs on Phagwah Day and Holika Dahan, the messages about the story of Prahalad reminds us to always stand on the side of righteousness and divest

ourselves of negative energies, tendencies and qualities that impede our spiritual connection and growth, and act as barriers to togetherness. Phagwah is an ancient Hindu festival on our national calendar which has been embraced by Guyanese and its messages resonate with all people; the triumph of good over evil and removal of all negativities and vices, equality

and brotherhood, the promotion of love and unity. It is a unifying and inclusive festival that encourages people of all walks of life to participate and celebrate in togetherness. This festival which heralds the advent of the season of spring is resplendent with the colours of nature’s blooms, as celebrants smear each other with vivid hues. It reminds us of the concept of “Vasudhaiv

President of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Dr. Vindhya V. Persaud Kutumbakham”; the world is one family. Proletariat in nature, the festival removes all barriers and differences, as covered in colour people are unrecognisable emphasising that there should be no differences on this day. Holi comes from the Sanskrit word “hola’ meaning grains, reminding us of the festival’s linkage to agriculture and a bountiful harvest. It also precedes the Hindu New Year.

Phagwah is a beautiful festival and we must capture the essence of the celebration by fostering love, understanding, unity, harmony, steadfastness, fearlessness and righteousness as we engage in the gaiety and festivities this festival brings. As you enjoy the festival and all of its dimensions today, we urge that the land be converted into a spiritual garden from which we must imbibe positive and good vibes. There must be no primitive behaviour or any disrespect on this day, rather we must embrace each other in the spirit of friendship, colouring each other to illustrate the splendor of nature. As Prahalad did, let us always fight against injustice and unrighteousness so that all people can prosper in love, peace and unity. Holi Utsav will be hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha today at the EVEREST CRICKET CLUB GROUND. Gates open at 16:00 hours and admission is free. Come and enjoy chowtaal, songs and dances representing the festival of Phagwah. No alcohol allowed. All are invited! Holi ke Shubh Kaamnaye from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha to all!

PPP: Be inspired by the significance of Phagwah

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community. Phagwah is a festival that has truly become national and one that is most anticipated having transcended religious boundaries. This is manifested through the participation of a wide cross-section of Guyanese throughout the country. The kaleidoscope of colours that exemplify the celebrations, heralds the dawn of spring, reminding not only of nature’s beauty but the vibrancy of our rich diversity. The fun and frolic that have come to be associated with it remain a catalyst for the forging of harmony among all of our people. As Guyanese celebrate, the PPP urges that we be inspired by the significance of Phagwah, through its pertinent messages. The courage, determination, and sacrifice of young Prahalad and the triumph of Lord Vishnu, which speaks to the triumph of good over evil is even relevant on reflection of how our country and people navigated and overcame various challenges. Despite the removal of the COVID-19 restrictions, we urge all to act with the greatest sense of responsibility during celebrations. Let us be motivated by what this colourful festival signifies and be emboldened in hope that, through resoluteness in the face of adversity and despondency, the messages of Phagwah speaks to truth inevitably prevailing. As Guyanese mark the occasion, our party once again extends best wishes and urges caution, tolerance, and respect in the celebrations. Shubh Holi to all!

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022

Messages

PNC/R: Holi celebrations demonstrate that social cohesion is an achievable goal embodiment of Holika and the triumph of the forces of good. Additionally, the religious significance of Holi lies in the conquest of good over evil, manifested by the destruction by Prahalada of his demonic father, King Hiranyakashipu. Guyana’s diverse multicultural society and the spirit of tolerance and harmony has

Greetings and Namaste! Today I have the distinct pleasure on this happy, festive and auspicious occasion of extending Happy Holi Greetings on behalf of the People National Congress Reform to all Guyanese. Specifically, we join with our Hindu brothers and sisters in celebrating this festival of happiness, colours, laughter, and joy. Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated each year with zeal and enthusiasm in the Hindu month, Phalgun. Over the years, this spring festival has been embraced by persons of all walks of life, as it ushers in the Hindu New Year. With the overflow of positive energy, people come together in fellowship to celebrate this festival. The festival known as Holi and Phagwah marks the beginning of spring. It is an opportunity to celebrate new beginnings and new endeavours. We are hopeful that the festival of colours will serve

to bring renewed energy and optimism to all Guyanese. For celebrants, when ‘abeer’ and ‘abrack’ are applied, everything looks the same. Similarly, when we apply the paint of love to the mind, all differences disappear. This helps to foster this sense of oneness and forge unity amongst our people. As we celebrate life, the opportunity for renewal, we cannot ignore the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Let us remain thankful for life and use this occasion to recommit to love, unity, generosity, compassion and tolerance. The significance of Phagwah is two-fold. Its secular significance lies in the advent of the season of spring and its real and symbolic implications of revival, rebirth, renewal, restoration and redemption. There is also a solemn religious significance. It marks the destruction of evil in the

GOGEC: Let us be inspired by the message of Phagwah

THE President Mr. Manniram Prashad and the Board of Directors of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) extend Holi greetings to all Guyanese, especially to those of the Hindu community on this occasion of the festival of colours celebrating the arrival of spring. Holi celebrations commence on Basant Panchmi which is the fifth day of the bright half of the Hindu month. During a period of 40 days from Basant Panchmi to Holika Dahan, melodies of

chowtaal can be heard from Hindu temples and homes. Significant is its underlying message by the story of Prahalad, which continues to be an inspiration for the advancement of humanity. Phagwah is embraced by all Guyanese which is just another expression of our diversity. We urge all Guyanese to participate in this colourful festival and enjoy the rich elements of this religion. Best wishes and we urge everyone to be safe and respect this occasion. Shubh Holi to all!

been the essence of our Guyanese cultures and civilisation. Holi celebrations demonstrate that social cohesion is an achievable goal. Holi also reminds us about the greatness of faith and hope. Prahlada sat on the lap of Holika, but the fire could not harm him. That was due to the unshakeable faith Prahlada had in God. We must seek inspiration

as we chart a way forward to bring Guyanese together. Guyana is fortunate to be a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country. Our diversity is our greatest asset. As we join in this celebration, let us do so in a respectable manner. As the celebrated Indian national, K. Vani wrote many years ago, “… festivals are

gatherings for refreshing the spirit and enjoying life.” We, therefore, urge all Guyanese to use this occasion to refresh their spirit and enjoy life and to participate fully in this colorful festival and enjoy the rich elements of our religious and cultural diversity. To my fellow Guyanese, have a safe and Happy Holi! Namaste!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022

The Festival of Colours By Jai Lall

HOLI or Phagwah is known as the Festival of Colours and is one of India’s and Guyana’s grandest and most popular celebrations. This colourful festival is celebrated in many cities and rural areas throughout India, so there are plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement. Over the years, Holi has become an important festival in many regions wherever Indian Diaspora were either taken as indentured labourers during colonial era, or, where they emigrated on their own and are now present in large numbers such as in South America, North America, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia such as Fiji and Mauritius. Holi, also called Vasant Utsav, falls on the Pratipada during the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the Chaitra Month as per Hindu calendar. Holi 2022 will be celebrated on March 18 and Holika Dahan on March 17. The Holi festival traditionally celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is associated with many legends, including the story of Holika. It celebrates

the destruction of Holika–the sister of Hiranyakashipu, both with gifted boons. The bonfire signifies the fire in which Holika (Hiranyakashipu’s sister) was burnt while trying to eliminate Prahlad. This celebration also warns about the misuse of power, belief in the Lord, having faith and trust. THE FESTIVAL OF LOVE Rangwali Holi is also celebrated in memory of the immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Krishna had asked Yashoda why he was not as fair as Radha. Yashoda jokingly suggested Krishna to apply col-

our on Radha’s face as it would make her complexion dark too. Lord Krishna, then, played with Radha and the Gopis with different colours. Since then, the day is celebrated as the festival of colours, depicting the oneness regardless of colour. Among other Hindu traditions, the legendary significance of Holi is linked to Lord Shiva in yoga and deep meditation, Goddess Parvati wanting to bring back Shiva into the world, seeks help from the Hindu God of love called Kamadeva on Vasant Panchami. The love God shoots arrows at Shiva, the yogi opens his third eye and burns Kama to ashes. This upsets both Kama’s wife Rati, and his own wife Parvati. Ratri performs her own meditative asceticism for forty days, upon which Shiva understands, forgives out of compassion and restores the God of love. This return of the God of love is celebrated on the 40th day after Vasant Panchami festival known as Holi. The legend of the ogress (female monster) Dhundi says that she was chased away by the people of Prthu owing to a curse from Lord Shiva. THE FESTIVAL OF SPRING In addition to its religious aspects, Holi also celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The arrival of spring season is taking inspiration from the colors and for many, the start of the New Year, an occasion for people to enjoy the changing seasons, make new friends and celebrate the beginning of a good spring harvest season. This festival is also known as Dhulandi, a name popular in the state of Haryana, India. CELEBRATORY ACTIVITIES The festivities of Holi begin close to midnight on the night before Holi with bonfires being lit (Holika). Prior to the bonfires, it is traditionally the job of men and boys to collect fallen wood and leaves to burn in the bonfires. Some of this tradition is changing today with forest trees unfortunately being cut down for burning. One of the most iconic activities of

Holi is the throwing of colored water and powder in the streets. This is an exciting activity that is used to show devotion and respect to deities, friends, and family members. The colours of Holi are very special and add to the vibrancy of the day. In the past, the colours that were used on people’s skin were natural but many of them now are man-made and some even of dangerous chemicals leaving some people with skin inflammation. This spring festival of colours signifies unity and love irrespective of caste, class or gender. The Holi festival has a cultural significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It is the festive day to end and rid oneself of past errors, to end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive. To many Hindus, Holi festivities mark the beginning of the New Year as well as an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past. People pay or forgive debts, as well as deal anew with those in their lives. After a day of play with colors, people clean up, wash and bathe, dress up in the evening and greet friends and relatives by visiting them and exchanging sweets. Holi is also a festival of forgiveness and new starts, which ritually aims to generate harmony in society. There are a number of inherited customs and traditions still in practice, compliments of our fore parents from different parts of India, who came to the West Indies as indentured labourers. Indians are scattered throughout Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo, and, have adopted different ways of life, many remaining Hindus, practicing and maintaining most of the traditions. Sympathy is extended to all who have lost their dear ones due to the pandemic and, all are forewarned to abide by all the required protocols to observe this holiday with the constraints. Shubh Holi to all of Guyana!

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022

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Scenes from the Grand Phagwah Mela at the Crabwood Creek Shri Krishna Mandir Photo saved as Berbice, Berbice, Berbice2, Berbice3, Berbice4

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022

Phagwah Messages AFC: As we celebrate, let us be mindful of COVID-19

The Alliance For Change (AFC) extends joyous greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Hindu Brothers and Sisters on the auspicious and revered celebration of Phagwah or Holi. This is a time of great joy, the signal of new beginnings and of a brighter world. As we celebrate with our friends and family and those around us, let us remain mindful that COVID-19 has not been eliminated. Let us also pause to reflect on the story of Holi and its relevance to our lives even today. Let us stand strong and united to defeat evil wherever it exists! A joyous Phagwah to all!

GAWU: Phagwah enriches Guyana’s multicultural character

AT this time, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends to the Hindu communities and Guyanese at large sincere greetings on the occasion of Phagwah 2022. The festival which is among our country’s most colourful is embraced by Guyanese from all walks of life. It is yet another observance that adds to the rich cultural tapestry of our beloved nation and multi-cultural society. The story of Phagwah or Holi is one now that is fairly well-known among Guyanese. It speaks of the devoutness of Prahalad and the intrigues formed against him. It is yet another reminder of the triumph of good over evil and despite adversities and challenges, our perseverance will bring us to our ultimate goals. Holi also signifies the generation of nature, the fertility of the land, and the bountiful harvest which it provides to mankind. Phagwah’s social and cultural significance can be seen in the way that it has broken down the barriers of separation, suspicion, and insecurity in society. It is a festival of social cohesion that enriches the country’s multicultural character. GAWU realises that the messages of unity, goodwill and optimism exchanged during such festivals as Christmas, Mashramani, Eid and Phagwah are positive contributions to instill hope and productive relationships between our people and build strong foundations for our future generations. In this regard, we feel that discriminating practices, whatever their form and a callous attitude to sections of the population will not serve to promote a national environment of trust, confidence and genuine togetherness so vital to peace and a healthy economy. May the understanding associated by festivals like Holi lead to a united and better country where our people of different faiths will take pride in our progress and developments knowing that a secure future is the aspiration we all cherish. Happy Holi 2022 from GAWU!

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Phagwah Supplement, Friday, March 18, 2022