The pageant was held at the Starlite Drive-In cinema, East Coast Demerara.

Twenty-two-year-old Jennifer was sponsored by Prittipaul Singh Investments.

For her talent piece, she performed a combination of dances and poetry and a bit of story telling.

She started off with a Bangra dance, then shared a bit of the history of Indian indentured immigrants who brought their culture and Phagwah to Guyana. Next, she read a Hindi poem on Phagwah and closed off her act with a semi-classical dance.

The pageant required that the delegates model an Indian outfit of their choice. Jennifer chose to display a red and gold coloured piece out of Northern India. The style is used mainly to do fast-paced Kathak dancing, but is also ideal for special occasions.

Asked what Phagwah means to her and how Hindus can use the celebration to foster unity, Jennifer replied that she sees Phagwah as a time for universal brotherhood, adding that it’s a time for forgiving, forgetting and merry-making.

For copping the crown, she received an air ticket to Trinidad and Tobago, thanks to Suriname Airways. Other prizes, including cash, add up to $100, 000.

Placing first runner up was Devika Ramnarine, while Genevieve Gouveia copped the second runner-up spot.

Despite the fact that a competing pageant and other activities celebrating Phagwah occurred the very evening, promoter Asif Nawaz said the turnout was good.