The festival of colours
Phagwah, known in India as Holi, is the Hindu spring festival and a national public holiday in Guyana. It celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, recalled in the story of the devoted Prahlad and the burning of Holika.
How Guyana celebrates
On the eve of Phagwah, communities light the Holika bonfire. On the day, people of all ages and backgrounds take to the streets, mandirs and yards to sprinkle coloured powder (abeer) and coloured water on one another. Groups sing chowtaal, traditional Phagwah songs accompanied by drums and cymbals, and families share sweets and festive food.
Phagwah in Guyana is famous for bringing together people of every faith, making it one of the country's most joyful and inclusive holidays.
Traditions
- Holika bonfire on the eve of the festival
- Sprinkling abeer (coloured powder) and coloured water
- Chowtaal singing with drums and cymbals
- Sharing sweets and festive meals