Holi Celebration in Guyana 2011

Holi is better known as Phagwa in Guyana. The excitement of Phagwa starts at least 2 weeks prior to the festival. Shops start selling “abeer” of different colors. Holi toys better known as “pichkaris” are also sold. Holi celebration in Guyana 2011 will be celebrated with the same enthusiasm all over. Hindus take part in the festival. They are also joined by the non-Hindus who visit Hindu friends to take part in the celebrations. Guyanese working in distant places return home. Many families buy new dresses and gifts.

You will find many people busy gathering wood for burning “Holika” or bonfire. Holi will be observed on March 19th and March 20th in 2011. So, you can expect the bonfire to be ready by 18th evening. There is a story associated with “Holika”. A king who ruled several hundred years ago had a son who was a blind devotee of Lord Vishnu. The king was against his son worshipping Lord Vishnu. So, he decided to burn his son alive by making him sit with his sister Holika who according to a boon would not get burnt in fire. Surprisingly, when both were set on fire, Holika was burnt to death but the king’s son was safe. Following this, Holika is burnt every year to mark the destruction of evil.

How is Holi celebrated in Guyana

Visiting friends and relatives, exchanging goodies and sweets on Holi are quite common in Guyana.

People taking part in the celebrations sing “chowtaals” or songs sung specially on this occasion.

You will find people singing these songs especially around the bonfire when it is set fire.

Holi celebrations take place at different venues across Guyana.

Major Holi Events are:-

• The celebrations include dance programs, singing contests, musical programs, dramas, and DJ live performances.
• Many local artists perform at these gatherings.
• A common sight in all these venues is bowls of “abeer” lined up along one side of the place with sweets served on huge plates.
• As Holi is observed as a national holiday in Guyana, the whole day is free for merry making.

The population of Guyana constitutes 33% of Hindus. Spend the whole day in the company of your loved ones. The celebrations usually take place for 3 to 4 hours. So, the rest of the day you have for yourself. Watch a movie or enjoy holi songs with your friends and family. Prepare food that includes holi recipes. Invite friends over. Those who wish to have a private celebration enjoy all by themselves. They offer prayers and apply color on each others’face. The main venue for the holi celebration in Guyana 2011 is the Indian Cultural Centre. In 2010, the President joined the celebrations at the venue. Hindus as well as non-Hindus joined the celebrations. Indian songs were played and cultural programs were organized.



Last Updated on 28/01/2011

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