Dear Editor,
I refer to the Kaieteur News article, dated March 2, ‘Dharmic Sabha’s Grand Phagwah Mela and Bazaar set for March 4,’ where it was erroneously stated that “Holika Dahan or the Burning of Holika will be observed by mandirs countrywide on Sunday March 12th on Purnima or full moon night …. And Phagwah or Holi will be celebrated on Monday 13th.”
This is, first of all, very misleading. Mandirs countrywide will not be celebrating on the above- mentioned dates; only those affiliated to Dharmic Sabha might be doing so, and even then, not all of them.
Holi or Phagwah is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra. It is usually the day after Holika Dahan (Burning of Holika). Establish the date for Holika Dahan and we have determined the date for Holi or Phagwah.
All texts declare that Holika Dahan is perfomed on the night of the full moon. The duration of the full moon in Guyana is from 10.53 am on Saturday, March 11 to 10.53 am on Sunday March 12. This can be verified from all Panchangas (Astrological Charts), as well as NASA. The full moon is, therefore, present only on the evening of Saturday March 11. It is not present on the evening of March 12. Holika Dahan, (Burning of Holika) will, therefore, be on the night of Saturday, March 11. The night of Sunday March 12 is not full moon.
The first day of Chaitra will commence at 10.53am on Sunday March 12 and will end at 11.21 am on Monday March 13. Holi or Phagwah in Guyana will, therefore, be on Sunday, March 12. The second lunar day of Chaitra begins at 11.21 am on Monday March 13. Monday 13 cannot be Holi.
Yours faithfully,
Pt R Balbadar
President
Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3
