Phagwah celebrates ultimate victory of good over evil
- GIHA

The Hindu festival of Holi, or Phagwah as it is popularly called in Guyana, “is a commemoration of the ultimate triumph of good over evil,” says the Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA).

The association also hopes the occasion of Phagwah will serve as a reminder to all to work together and remain faithful to the principles of justice and righteousness and contribute their efforts to halt the rapid decay to anarchy in the country.

“Those responsible for the chaos in our nation can learn a great lesson from the destruction of Holika,” a release from GIHA said.

And as Guyana continues to reel under a spate of crime and violence, GIHA further said, all Guyanese can draw strength and hope from this spirited festival.

The release said GIHA is praying for God’s strength to the many families who have been affected by crime and violence and for the safe return of Heeraman Sahadeo, the 19-year-old carpenter of Mon Repos who was kidnapped at the end of last year and is thought to be held in Buxton by his captives.

Moral message of Phagwah pivotal to continuous peace, harmony
-PNCR

The People’s National Congress Reform says it views the moral message that emanates from Phagwah as being pivotal to continuous peace and harmony as it emphasizes the triumph of good over evil.

A release from the party wishing a joyous Phagwah to all said also: “Let us as we celebrate Phagwah realize that as one people under God we should strive to live in Peace and Harmony with each other as Guyanese whatever our race or religious persuasion.”

Referring to the story of the famous King Hiranyakashapu who was in conflict with his son Prahalad regarding who should be worshipped as Lord, the PNCR noted that the “religious significance of the story is that no one is greater than the Lord who will always protect his faithful servants.”

IAC extends Phagwah greetings,wishes Muslims Happy New Year
The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) has extended Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese , especially Hindus who are guided by the philosophical teachings of Sanatan Dharma.

The Committee noted also that at this time adherents of Islam are observing the month of Muharram which marks the commencement of another year in the Islamic calendar.

A release from the Committee said it is calling upon all citizens of multi-cultural Guyana to regard the great festival of Phagwah or Holi which celebrates life and hopes regardless of demography or geography, always as a focus of national unity.

As the Hindu and Muslim communities celebrate the New Year, the release added, it is an “appropriate time to make positive resolutions for the good of ourselves, our families, our nation and for the world.”

Let’s make every effort to conquer evil within ourselves
- Guyana Central Arya Samaj

“Let us make every effort to conquer the evil within ourselves, and to do good for humanity,” is the Phagwah day wish extended by the Guyana Central Arya Samaj.

The organisation noted that Phagwah is a colourful festival and is regarded as a period of rejoicing when people of all ages, colour and creed sprinkle abeer, abrack and perfume on each other, expressing their feelings of love, unity and happiness towards one another.

“May this beautiful festival bring us closer together and may God bless us with good health, happiness, prosperity and most of all PEACE,” the organisation said in its message for the Hindu festival.

“Namaste and Happy Holi to one and all,” the Guyana Central Arya Samaj said in extending Holi greetings.

Phagwah is time for deep reflection and resolution
Phagwah is a time for deep reflection and resolution which must lead to the construction of a better world, says President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.

He observed also that Holi or Phagwah heralds the Hindu New Year and commemorates the advent of Spring and the regeneration of nature from her slumber.

The festival, he said, is celebrated in an atmosphere of absolute equality when every barrier is removed and celebrants are virtually lost in the pomp and gaiety.

In a release Pandit Persaud advised that the celebrations should match the beautiful season and all unhealthy practices which mar and pollute the colourful and unique festival must cease.

According to the Hindu Dharmic Sabha president, “drenching each other with water, dumping each other in trenches and dabbing mud must be stamped out.” He also urged that Phagwah should only be played with persons who are desirous of participating and no one should take licence to play with those who may object.

Guyana Islamic Forum calls for peace & joy on occasion of Phagwah
The Guyana Islamic Forum (GIF) is calling on all Guyanese to use the occasion of Phagwah to bring peace and joy in their hearts so that they may reap the rich rewards of the fruits of their labours.

The GIF issued this appeal in its Phagwah message wishing Happy Holi to all Guyanese and a special love to all Hindu brothers and sisters.

President of GIF Roshan Khan also expressed the hope that Guyanese may “celebrate the joy of spring in their lives which will wash away greed, hate, (and) jealousy, (and) will invigorate the lazy to work and earn their keep, and which will bring the resplendence of a new beginning in our hearts and lives so that we may build a greater and brighter Guyana.”

Holi festival must strengthen faith & encourage healing
President Jagdeo

President Bharrat Jagdeo views the festival of Holi as one that could strengthen faith and encourage healing. He says there is much to learn from the child Prahalad who, according to Hindu scripture, remained steadfast to his beliefs and was able to overcome all adversities.

Noting that thanksgiving is another important aspect of the Holi festival, President Jagdeo says it is equally a time for caring, concern and to show the deepest compassion.

In his message on the occasion of Phagwah wishing happy Holi to all Guyanese, the Head of State points out that “in Guyana, people of all religious and ethnic backgrounds share in the happy spirit which Holi brings, thus eliminating enmity and selfishness.”

The atmosphere of the festival is “filled with love and harmony which we must all ensure remain beyond the festival,” Jagdeo says.

The Head of State, observing that Phagwah is also a time of sharing and welcoming guests, is urging everyone to join in the celebration with eagerness “so that the bond of friendship, unity and determination will release more success to Guyana.”