Guyana celebrates Holi with a bang; ministries share glimpse

Georgetown, Guyana: The world celebrated the festival colours – Holi on March 8, 2023, and Guyana and the people of Guyana participated in the celebration with a bang! President of the nation, Dr Irfaan Ali, also participated in the events to observe the festival.

While sharing a glimpse of the celebration, the official account of President Ali informed, “President Dr Irfaan Ali said the message of Holi remains constant even in an ever-changing world. He urged that collectively, Guyanese take the philosophy, the teachings and the principles of the celebration and apply it to their lives.”

According to the update by the Head of the State, Dr Irfaan Ali was quoted saying, “Hopefully, we stay true to the constant principles and guidelines; then we will be able to use the values, the morals and the teachings of Holi to shape a world that is different and present ourselves with values that will not change in a changing world.”

The Head of State made the statement last evening during a pre-Phagwah celebration at the State House.

Holi or Phagwah is an annual Hindu Festival of Colours celebrating the arrival of Spring. The event will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 7. Sunday evening’s celebrations featured a cultural programme including a medley of songs, dance, and chowtal singing, which culminated in an explosion of colours as the guests joined the Head of State and First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali, in playing Phagwah.

Members of the Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps and special guests joined in the celebration.

The wishes were also poured by the other government ministries and associations. The Ministries of Health and Labour joined the league. The Health Ministry stated, “Happy Holi from the Minister, the Permanent Secretary and the staff of the Ministry of Health,” while the Ministry of Labour said, “Happy Phagwah from the management and staff.”

Along with this, Guyana Tourism Authority also wished the general public on the occasion of Holi. The social media post read, “As we usher in Holi, the Festival of Colours, the Guyana Tourism Authority’s Social Committee hosted its annual in-office Holi Celebrations. The team was treated to delicious seven curry, sweetmeats, lively tassa drumming and cultural renditions and of course, took some time to “play Phagwah” with each other.”

“Holi, much like all of our other religious holidays, is ingrained in the hearts of Guyanese and is a testament to our diverse yet unified culture. Happy Holi, from the Director and Staff of the Guyana Tourism Authority!” the post further read.