Phagwah (or Holi) is a spring time festival celebrated by Hindus in India and countries with large Indian populations which includes Guyana and Trinidad.
On the day of celebration, observers traditionally wear white clothing and throw harmless coloured water and powder at each other called Abeer or Gulal. Phagwah is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. It can traced back to Hindu lore of the King Hiranyakasyapu who attempted to kill his son, prince Prahlad. The boy was saved on each attempt by Lord Vishnu’s blessings. The King’s sister, Holika (Holi derives from her name) eventually tries to kill the prince as well by leading him into a fire. According to the lore, Holika was immune to fire, but she perished to ashes and the Prince came out alive.
Phagwah is celebrated on the last full moon of winter, usually at the end of February or start of March. It also heralds the beginning of spring. Phagwah will be observed in Guyana on March 19th.
And now for pictures:
President of Guyana, Bharat Jagdeo and Donald Ramoutar playing during Phagwah celebrations last year 2010.
Phagwah in Alexander Village
