Dear Editor,
Congrats are in order for the founders, planners and organizers of the 18th annual Guyanese Phagwah parade in Richmond Hill. Up until Wednesday, a parade was not certain as a police permit was not granted because of division in the organizing committee. Fortunately, differences were resolved because of concessions from the two factions and a parade was pulled off at the last minute.
The festival was celebrated with great fervour, zest and gusto among the nearly ten thousand who showed up for the parade on Liberty Avenue and at the Smokey Park. Peoples’ clothing were dyed with hues of a spectrum of colours. Hugs and embraces were exchanged. Revellers thronged the streets and the park smearing faces with coloured powder and spraying abeer to celebrate the festival of colour and joy, which heralds the advent of spring. People hugged each other wishing “Happy Holi” as a dozen floats made their way with groups singing and dancing behind to the accompaniment of drums or loud chowtaal music. Many people marched behind the floats with banners of their organizations proudly displayed their national identity. The flags of the U.S, Guyana, Suriname, India and Jamaica were prominently displayed. Many groups came with dholaks, cymbals or jaals and majeeras with followers clapping, dancing and singing Chowtal songs.
The cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Richmond Hill in New York came alive with the Phagwah revelry bringing together different people in a sea of colour. Hundreds of people in front of their homes, on the verandah and on the roof of their houses took in the scenery to avoid being stained with abeer. Several Africans, Muslims, Whites and Hispanics were seen in the parade clapping and dancing to the rhythmic tunes. Some of them also brought their children who were bathed in colours. They cheered on the participants. The parade was about half the size of the crowd last year because of the freezing temperature and the division within the organizing committee, half of whom pulled out of the parade. But the freezing weather did not damper enthusiasm for the festival.
The scene was one of unbridled enthusiasm. Many were drenched in multi-colours shivering in the freezing cold. Coloured water rained everywhere with even the roads turning colourful. At the park, there were bhajans, kirtans, classical dances, and a dance skit. Representatives of various organizations as well as politicians delivered greetings at the park. Many prominent singers sang on stage. Several organizations prepared snacks and hot drinks which were distributed free to the thousands.
Separately, Phagwah was also celebrated on Saturday afternoon with a cultural mela at the Maha Lakshmi mandir on 123 Street and 101 Ave. Hundreds showed up for the concert which was also carried live on radio 1620 A.M.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
