Guyanese are being called upon to use the festival of Phagwah to build permanent bonds of friendship and unity to bestow greater stature on Guyana.
The call came from President Bharrat Jagdeo in his message to mark the Hindu festival of Spring, and being observed by Hindus worldwide today.
Jagdeo said the festival provides an opportune time for all Guyanese from all religious and ethnic backgrounds to share in the happy spirit of Phagwah, to reach out and touch, to rekindle the bliss of brotherhood and thereby purge feelings of selfishness and enmity.
The President said the festival brings to light the familiar story of Prahalad, his father the demon king and Hiranyakashyapu, and his sister Holika.
He noted that Guyanese could draw lessons of resilience and fortitude from Prahalad who unflinchingly stayed the course with his devotion and faith.
Hindus believe too that Prahalad’s ultimate triumph of good over evil brings hope to all humankind committed to a path of peace and prosperity.
“Phagwah is one event when sprinkling coloured powder of coloured water on each other shatters all barriers of discrimination so that everyone seems to be the same and so universal solidarity is reaffirmed,” Jagdeo said in his message.
He extended Happy Holi greetings to all Guyanese, here in Guyana and in the diaspora.
