Dear Editor,
The amalgamation of the Caribbean (especially the Guyanese society), has a way of allowing persons from various religious and cultural backgrounds to be a part of the celebration of traditions, such as the Hindu festival of Holi. While is it good to have flavour and inclusiveness that may play a role and contribute to nation-building – many (including some Hindus), take and use innovations like these to often tamper with the rich, deep-rooted origin of cultural practices, often resulting in the decrease, destabilization or misconception of the true significance. And, unlike in 2020, where most of the Hindu organisations (including over 100 mandirs), throughout Guyana had called off their Annual Phagwah celebrations in light of the troubled political environment that preceded the March 2 Regional and National elections, and with COVID-19 at its crowning last year, we can at least have an unruffled and tranquil Holi observation this year, now that the “restrictions” have been relaxed too.
Many of the various traditional attributes of the celebration has, as far as one can tell deteriorated over the years, however, there are also new traditions that have emerged in the celebration of Holi in Guyana where (unfortunately), the fashionable Phagwah takes on the atmosphere of a “Hindu carnival” (street party). Carnival, however, has completely different origins and ethos, which essentially clash with those of Phagwah, which stresses the joy of good conquering evil. While it may be considered as a day when we “unfold ourselves”, tolerate and show a degree of leniency towards celebrating, it should be done in a manner that acknowledges the context; for us in Guyana, alcoholic beverages and meat consumption are not appropriate as part of this sacred celebration. While we are not against Fete and J’ouvert, because it is a significant part of our culture as people, HSS (Hindus for Selfless Service) strongly denounces the use of the words PHAGWAH and HOLI, and calls for them (the words) to be excluded from all promotions involving alcoholic beverages, meat consumption, and sexual vulgarity.
We can use technology to have a country-wide and, diaspora (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ’the world is one family’), planting and lighting of Holika. Here people can join and also encourage the younger ones that it is “cool” to vrat/fast (abstain from meat and alcohol) for 40 days/nights (or more) which is very healthy for the mind and body as part of the Phagwah season. Nature can live without us, but we cannot live without nature. Mother Ganga (ocean) and Dharti Mata (earth) are the two largest providers of oxygen, why pollute them? Tons of food items, containers, plastic, toys, etc., are being dumped soon after Phagwah; we as a people need to take the leading role to stop this ecological damage. Use bio-degradable items, know the contents and properties of the powder that are used, don’t play with paint and other toxic products, instead, boil your own “abeer” the night before holika dahan, and most importantly, keep items which can be used for next year, and discard of unwanted items appropriately. The message of good triumphing over evil must not be overlooked. Bhakt Prahalaad didn’t allow himself to be bullied by the opposing forces created by his father. And like Prahalaad, here we too can assist in eradicating this universal infectious disorder – COVID-19. Let us achieve this by our own efforts. Happy Holi “One Guyana”.
Sincerely,
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS)
