‘Phagwah fosters unity among all Guyanese’
- President Jagdeo joins celebration - March 7, 2004

Phagwah celebrated by Thousands of Guyanese at the Kendra Holi Utsav 2004.
17:26hrs. Sunday, March 7, 2004. Office of the President Photos by Adrian Ally

Ushering the New Year of the Hindu calendar, Guyanese joined the world in celebrating the festive occasion of Phagwah (Holi) today.
President Bharrat Jagdeo joined citizens at the Dharmic Sabha Kendra located at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, to celebrate Holi Ustav this afternoon.
In an invited comment to the Government Information Agency (GINA), President Jagdeo said the occasion is one, which brings Guyanese of all races, class and status together.
“It is the coming together of people and not just Hindus, but people of all races and religion which is good for Guyana,” President Jagdeo said.
According to the President Phagwah is truly a national event, even though Hindus celebrate Phagwah as a religious festival.
“We need more like this [in Guyana], more national activities. Mashramani did that to some extent and Phagwah is doing it. Guyana needs this,” the Head of State said.
Commenting on the large turnout at the Holi Ustav, the President noted that the various age groups and ethnicity of the participants, clearly illustrates the spirit of nationalism and unity that exist in Guyana.
“The Dharmic Sabha Kendra hosted a cultural show, which featured dances and songs. Thousands in attendance celebrated Phagwah with various powders and other colourful substances.
Phagwah (Holi) marks the beginning of the new year of the Hindu calendar. At this time people spread colourful ‘abracks’ on each other as well as spray perfume. It is a festival, which also marks the triumph of good over evil.
Several Government officials also joined the participants in playing and dancing at the Dharmic Sabha Kendra. Among them were Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, who is also the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, Minister of Finance Sasenarine Kowlessar and Information Liaison to the President Robert Persaud. The event attracted thousands from across Guyana and of all races and age. Earlier today the Head of State joined the Phagwah celebrations at the Indian High Commission in Georgetown.