Countrywide Chowtaal Samelans to herald Phagwah festival
Guyana Chronicle
February 28, 2004
THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has organised seven Chowtaal Samelans countrywide as a prelude to the Phagwah celebrations on February 29, 2004.
According to a release from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Phagwah will be celebrated on Sunday, March 7, 2004. Monday, March 8, 2004 will be a National Holiday.
The Chowtaal Samelans will be held at: Affiance Mandir – Essequibo; Blankenburg Dharmic Trimurti Mandir -- West Coast Demerara; Cotton Tree Mandir – West Berbice; Edinburgh Mandir – East Bank Berbice; Number One Road Mandir – Central Corentyne; Number 47 Village Mandir – Upper Corentyne; and Cane Grove Mandir -- East Coast Demerara.
The Samelan on the East Coast will be preceded by a procession singing Chowtaal in a motorcade. The motorcade will leave the Mahaica Launch Stelling at 9: 30 hrs.
“These Samelans will bring Chowtaal Goles from various Mandirs in the respective Regions in a lively atmosphere where the groups excel in the varying Phagwah melodies culminating in the exchange of greetings and good wishes for the season.
“In Central Georgetown, the Phagwah Mela and Bazaar will be held on the lawns of the Sabha’s Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar, on February 29.
The Sabha will inaugurate an Art and Craft Shop during the Mela. There will be dancing, music, exhibits, games, and delicacies. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited,” the release noted.