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The Significance of Phagwah
By Parmanand Sukhu
Phagwah is one of the most ancient, joyous and colourful festivals of the Hindu calendar. This festival was brought down from India in 1838, by Indian Indentured Immigrants.
Phagwah or Holi is celebrated in Basant Ritu or Spring Season. This season commenced in Basant Panchmi in the Hindu month of Phalgun when a Castor Tree is planted symbolizing Holika. This festival is traced to the golden age of Satyug. Hola means grains and Holi is derived from the word Hola.
Holi is celebrated forty days from the planting of the Holika (castor oil tree). The burning of Holika takes place on the eve of Phagwah (full moon night). A huge structure (pyre) is built and kindled at the appropriate time in a symbolic act. Phagwah commemorates the New Year for Hindus.
Phagwah started at a time when India was facing a serious drought, affecting the various crops. However, the rains eventually came pouring down to the satisfaction of the people (farmers) who came out in the fields playing the water in joyous jubilation as they threw it on each other. Soon after, they started reaping their bountiful harvest.
Pandit Prakash Gossai, left, Minister Priya Manickchand and J.P. Parmanand Sukhu during Phagwah observances at the Indian Cultural Centre last year.
There are special forms of music and songs which are associated with Phagwah. Chowtaal singing is the dominant style, which is heard from Basant Panchmi night until eight days after Phagwah.
Holi was celebrated before the Prahalad’s legend. However, the story of Prahalad added new dimensions. Prahalad’s defiance of the many impositions of his father King Hiranyakasyapu is testimony and evidence of firm faith in truth and God. The burning of Holika (Prahalad’s Aunt) is reminiscent of his victory over evil. King Kasyapu contrived various diabolical means to kill his son Prahalad who went against his will but all his efforts were in vain.
King Hiranyakasyapu had a blessing (boon) that he could not be die in the day or night, nor inside or outside his house nor would he be killed by man or beast.
So he felt that he was god and proclaimed that all worship must be henceforth given to him.
Soon after the Lord Vishnu came in the awful form of Narsingh (half man and half lion) at twilight (neither day nor night). Lord Vishnu brought to an end the tyranny, arrogance and atrocity of the evil King (Hiranyakasyapu) in the center of the doorway (neither inside nor outside of the house).
Holi in all embracing has a historic meaning with a strong social content, which caters for reunion, social exchanges, greetings and visits. It also provides for spiritual communion and economic assessment so that the New Year can experience the emergence of a world free from want and poverty and full of justice and goodwill.
‘When winter is over and nature rejoices, it is the time for us to bring out the abeer, abrack, powder, perfume, beat the drums, sound the jhaal, sing and dance for it is harvest time. The spring crop is reaped and everyone is in a happy mood, bubbling with enthusiasm and in joyous jubilation as they celebrate.
The coloured water/powder symbolizes the unique floral beauty of spring, and the vanishing of hatred, feelings of jealousy and enmity, and bringing into the community a feeling of togetherness. This celebration sees all caste and class as one. The red does not represent anyone’s blood.
Let us celebrate Holi in the true spirit of friendship, joy, merriment and love. “Let noble thoughts and actions be your guide and the fragrance of Bassant
rejuvenate your life”.
A happy and joyous Phagwah to all.
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