Dear Editor,
The observances of Hindu Festivals in India are similar to those in Guyana and NY with some differences. I just returned to NY from a trip to India. For example, the recent Shivratri festival, paying obeisance to Lord Shiva, was a magnificent event in India. And now, the entire country is caught up in the preparation for the Holi or Phagwah festival as is also the case in NY and probably is true for Guyana as well. I was told by an Imam that even large numbers of Muslims partake in the Holi festival similar to their participation in Guyana and NY.
Shivratri, the day of worshipping of Lord Shiva, who is known as the Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Protector and Preserver), was observed earlier this month. As in NY among Guyanese Hindus, the temples were packed during the evening to propitiate Lord Shiva. As in Guyana, worshipping was done through the medium of ritualistic poojas, meditation, singing, and chanting of verses from the scriptures.
But unlike in Guyana, worshippers do not perform the rituals themselves. They are assisted by pandits and at many of the larger temples, they do not have direct contact with the murthis unlike in Guyana where worshippers can garland the murthis. At many temples, signs say do not touch the murthis.
But there is choral or kirtan singing and the distribution of Prasad. But Prasad in Indian temples take the form of sweets (ladoos, burfis, etc.). Mohanboog is not common although one Hare Krishna temple in Mumbai did distribute mohanboog to worshippers. The variety of fruits and prasads we are accustomed to in Guyana and NY were absent throughout India. Also, food (traditional seven curries) was not commonly distributed after service in Indian temples. In NY, every temple serves bhojan (meals) after a religious service although this is not the case in Guyana.
With regard to the Holi celebration, preparation is under way in India. In the cities and villages, huge pyres of woods are set up for the symbolic burning of the wicked Holika as is seen throughout Guyana. In NY, only one location will burn a huge pyre of wood for Holi while the temples burn small fires inside their buildings. Abeer, pitchkaries, abrack and gulal are on sale throughout India. The same can be found in the stores on Liberty Avenue. In India, not much talc powder is used for the festival as in Guyana. But like in Guyana, the entire country has a fun time.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
