Phagwah Mela and Bazaar today
Stabroek News
February 28, 2004
In Central Georgetown today, a Phagwah Mela and Bazaar will be held on the lawns of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha's Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar. The Sabha will also inaugurate an Art and Craft Shop during the Mela.
There will be dancing, music, exhibits, games and delicacies, a release from the Sabha said. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited, the release noted.
Meantime, the Sabha has organised seven Chowtaal Samelans countrywide tomorrow as a prelude to the Phagwah celebrations, the release said.
The events will be held at Affiance Mandir, Essequibo, at 9:30 am, at Cotton Tree Mandir, West Berbice at 11:00 am and at the Blanken-burg Dharmic Trimurti Mandir, West Coast Deme-rara at 2:00 pm. Other Chowtaal Samelan functions will be held at 10:00 am at Edinburgh Mandir, East Bank Berbice, Number 1 Road Mandir, Central Corentyne, Number 47 Village Mandir, Upper Corentyne.
The release noted also that the Cane Grove Mandir, East Coast Demerara, will be another venue.
The Samelan on the East Coast will be preceded by a procession singing Chowtaals in a motorcade which will leave the Mahaica launch stelling at 9:30 am
These Samelans, the release said, bring Chowtaal Goles from various mandirs in the respective regions in a lively atmosphere where the groups excel in the varying Phagwah melodies followed by the exchange of greetings and good wishes for the season.
Phagwah will be celebrated on Sunday, March 7 and Monday, March 8 will be a national holiday.