Phagwah celebrations promote a common feeling of togetherness that rekindles the flame of love and unity among friends and loved ones

Dear Editor,

Phagwah has been celebrated in New York in grand style since 1990 because of the large influx of Indo-Guyanese and other Indo-Caribbean people. It has been celebrated annually with parades (Richmond Hill, Queens Village, Bronx, Jersey City), melas or variety concerts, pageants, etc., over the last thirty one years. Prior to the parade, I went to small celebrations in mandirs in the Bronx and Queens in the early 1980s. There were also a few concerts in the auditoriums of public schools. But the parade in 1990 really brought out the celebration. The Guyanese and Caribbean community should applaud the efforts of all who helped to institutionalize the Phagwah celebration, indeed all Indo-Caribbean cultural and religious celebrations. Regrettably, there will be no parade this year.

Guyanese and Pandits and community leaders have done yeoman service to help institutionalize Phagwah in NYC. Although Phagwah is not a holiday in New York, many community leaders have helped to make it possible for the festival to be celebrated in exuberance just like back home in Guyana, Trinidad or Surinam. The parades and the celebration at the various parks rendered unnecessary the need to go house to house to celebrate or to pour abeer on revelers as is done in Guyana and the Caribbean. In fact, it is impractical for people to celebrate Phagwah in NYC by going house to house. The Phagwah parade and rally at Smokey Park or the other locations used to bring together tens of thousands to celebrate a magnificent festival. People can spray abeer and sprinkle powder on one another at the outdoor celebration even if it is done in difficult freezing weather. It was an impressive celebration that brought back memories of the celebration in the Caribbean. The parade helped to unite diverse peoples (from different countries and of different faiths) giving them opportunities to express their passion for their cultural heritages. The sizes of the parades sent powerful signals to government officials and politicians that Indo-Caribbeans are a potent political force.

It is necessary to salute the people (Kali, Pts. Ramlall, Satish, Sukhul, Kishore, Bal Naipaul, Yashpal Soi, among others), who initiated and launched the Phagwah parade in 1990. I was closely connected with the founders since 1990 and provided advice and support in the local media. Observing Holi with a parade and observing other Indian festivals in New York helped to enhance a sense of pride and admiration for the rich cultural heritage of Indians and foster unity among Caribbean people. The celebration promotes a common feeling of togetherness and rekindles the flame of love and unity among friends and loved ones. I think community leaders must continue to promote these kinds of festivals. This year, the festival falls on a Sunday, but whenever it falls on a weekday, it is usually celebrated the following Sunday. After regular temple service, worshippers join the parade. There will be no parade this year but Phagwah will be celebrated virtually. Sincerely, Vishnu Bisram