Dear Editor,
Guyanese Hindu Americans are gearing up for Holi or Phagwah celebration on Monday, March 25. Pre-Phagwah celebrations and concerts were held in various mandirs and auditoriums; politicians also hosted Phagwah concerts and festivities in New York City. The Consulate of India also held a Holi observance in Queens. Celebrations are planned for Monday evening with folk (chowtaal) singing accompanied by music and daubing (rubbing) vibrant colours on each other. For the last few weeks, since ‘Holika Dahan’ was planted some six weeks ago, mandirs held chowtaal singing during Sunday morning service as they prepared for the big day on March 25.
Last Sunday afternoon, March 17, Prem Bhakti mandir in Jamaica, Queens, played host to the tenth annual Chowtaal singing by groups from several countries that entertained the congregation for over four hours. It was organized by the Guyana Dharmic Sabha Praant of USA. It is a group that obtains its name with the Guyana Dharmic Sabha. Dave Thakoordeen sponsored the event. Celebrations were also planned at New York City Hall and at Queens Borough Hall and at several government offices. Elected representatives already hosted festivals or will hold one this coming week. Because of busy police schedule this month and the very cold weather, the annual Phagwah parade will be held in mid-April.
Sincerely,
Vishnu Bisram
