– Jagdeo says in Phagwah message
Guyanese should make Phagwah a time to carry out a self-introspection and as the festival advocates the principle of good over evil, citizens should all unite and pool their energies for the fight against the many evil forces in our society, President Bharrat Jagdeo said in his Phagwah message.
Extending greetings to all Hindus, the President noted that the festival is based on many different legends, but the legend of Prahalad and his father, the demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who had a sister named Holika, is most popular. Holika, the aunt of Prahalad, offered to help her brother, the wicked king, to destroy Prahalad by sitting in a bonfire with him, hence the burning of Holika.
“The story of Prahalad is significant in its message, especially to the youths of today. This message clearly asks that young people assimilate religious values now, rather than procrastinate. Such values will build today’s youths morally as well as spiritually and establish in them, character, calibre and the capacity to be ideal men and women of today’s society,” Jagdeo said.
He stated that the story also brings to mind that the drama of life is enacting the lessons of wisdom and innocence that mould and shape lives and personalities, from the earliest years of indentured foreparents who brought festivals, such as Phagwah from India to such lands as Guyana.
Jagdeo said that the festival is impregnated with deep and significant meanings and it is a time when peasants and farmers would have harvested their crops and put aside grains to offer as a part of sacrifice. “The festival sends a message of sustenance too. It is a message that could sustain a world free from hunger and malnutrition. Hence, the festival encourages production and productivity in every aspect,” the President stated.
In wishing a Happy Phagwah, the head of State said that may the spring bring with it goodwill, prosperity, peace and happiness to all.
