Hindu organizations in Guyana have issued a strong appeal to entertainment promoters to desist from associating Hindu religious observances with events that venerate and sell alcohol.

Making the appeal were the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the Guyana Pandits’ Council, the Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, Guyana Central Arya Samaj, Guyana Maha Kali Organisation, Hare Krishna Iskon Movement and Guyana Sevashram Sangha, a news release stated.

The release noted also that the celebration of Phagwah, the Hindu Festival of Spring, began some 40 days before when Saraswati Puja was done in an auspicious manner. It heralds the advent of spring and carries a message of the triumph of good over evil. While it is a joyous festival and encourages celebrations, camaraderie and the removal of all barriers, “at no time should we forget its religious and spiritual significance,” the release emphasized.

Against that background, the organizations “feel very strongly when Phagwah is associated with alcohol, melodies glorifying alcohol and un-Hindu indulgence and behaviour.”

The organizations are also urging persons to abstain from encouraging others to drench people with noxious substances against their will.   “Let us instead celebrate the festival in its purest form and refrain from abusing it. Our festivals must be respected,” the organizations said.

Moreover, the Hindu religious bodies said they “unanimously oppose and vehemently protest any attempt to desecrate any of our festivals,” and “call  on the Hindu community and those who share our sentiments not to participate in these events.”