Dear Editor,
In a few days, many of us will join our Hindu brothers and sisters across Guyana in celebrating one of the most joyous and colourful festivals of the Hindu Calendar; first brought from India to the then British Guiana in 1838 by the first set of Indentured Labourers. I refer to the Hindu festival of Holi commonly known to most Guyanese as Phagwah. As my family and I look forward to this day, we excitedly recall and reflect on prior years of Phagwah events and activities which we attended and in which we participated; even as we essay to find consensus in respect of those that were lively, exciting and allowed for our maximum involvement. We determine to get involved in those lively and likeable events again.
After all, Phagwah comes but once a year. I myself go down memory lane taking my family, neighbours, friends to my early childhood days of Holi celebrations on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara and in the James Street, Albouystown area and more in the 1950s and beyond. Albeit, it was often not easy to have consensus on the matter of where we should go. If it was possible to participate in every event, every activity, believe me: we would have. And so, come 25th March 2024, even as I encourage Christians, Muslims and other non-Hindus of all ethnicities to accept the invitations of our Hindu friends/neighbours/Organizations to participate in their religious festivities, I wish to advise that our focus be not only on the festivities, the eatables and non-alcoholic refreshments but on an understanding and appreciation of what the festival is all about.
What does it signify? The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is regarded as a celebration of the colours of Unity, Brotherhood and Spirituality. The preparation and sharing of foods (mainly sweet treats, traditional vegetarian foods); the singing of special songs, tassa drumming and dancing… are all integral to the celebration in which all who are present are invited to participate. In fact, on the festive day of Phagwah, Hindus/non Hindus are encouraged to reach out to each other and to play Phagwah. We laugh, forget and forgive; repair ruptured relationship. Indeed, we are encouraged to forget colour, race, status, political affiliation and celebrate in high spirit.
When we sprinkle the colored powder or coloured water on each other we break the barriers of hate and discrimination so that everyone looks the same and universal brotherhood is reaffirmed. Phagwah also offers all of us an opportunity to end and to rid ourselves of past errors; and to end conflicts by reaching out to each other; by meeting others. It is an occasion when people pay or forgive debts; when we turn over a new page/leaf so to speak. And so I ask myself and I ask you to ask yourselves this question: why can’t we play Phagwah every day? Why can’t every day for us be Phagwah day? Extend hands of friendship to everyone: within the family, in the workplace; in your community, in your neighbourhood. Reach out and touch the person next to you and offer him/her a hand of friendship and a commitment to love; to look past differences: real or imagined and to work to allow the spirit of Phagwah to prevail throughout the year: and indeed throughout your life. Happy Phagwah Day!
Sincerely,
Norman Whittaker
Former Minister of Local Government & Regional
Development
