Holi-a reflection of harmony in Guyana

Mar 06, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
Holi/Phagwah is a Hindu Festival, which is celebrated at the end of the winter season, on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalgun (February/March) thatusually falls in the month of March or sometimes in late February.This festival, which holds much significance, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year as well as thebeginning of spring.
Also, history teaches us that inthe 17th century, it was identified as a festival that celebrated agriculture and commemorated good spring harvests for the farmers and their families, as well as the fertile land.
Hindus believe that it is a time for enjoying spring’s abundant colours and saying farewell to winter. More importantly, the beginning of a New Year is a perfect time to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and accumulated emotional impurities from thepast. This is represented by the bright, beautiful colours that form the celebrations around the world.
Hence, giving it the common name “festival of colours,” these colours overcome the barriers of language and convey true feelings. They also convey a message as the various colours all carry individual meanings.
These are: green-compassion and understanding and a symbol of prosperity; yellow-optimism-it is also regarded as an auspicious colour, and yellow is also associated with Mother Earth; red-the colour of fire, the source of energy and security; blue-loyalty and trust; and pink-love and compassion.
In Guyana, thousands of Guyanese, from all walks of life, come together to observe this auspicious day, celebrating with colourful powders, abeer,abrack and water, spreading cheer and love throughout the land.
This is a representation of the diversity of the country’s people and the harmonious environment that has been created by those in authority.
If we are to look at the world at large, we will see many schisms within regions and between religions, and this cannot help but make mewonder about the Guyanese reality. Despite disagreements and challenges, the current administration has encouraged religious tolerance and promoted harmony among its population, irrespective of religion, creed, political differences, gender or ethnicity. These are the littlethings forwhich we should be grateful.
When I look at the television, and see thousands of people losing their lives because of their religious beliefs or differences, it saddens me; but, it makes me proud to be a citizen of this beautiful land, where six races live in harmony. Don’t you feel the same way too?
I know we are in a politically crucial time, with the upcoming General and Regional Elections, but despite whom we support, let’s not forget, as our National Motto says, we are “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”
So for this reason, I urge you to get up! Grab your powder and colours, and get out and join the celebrations on Friday March 6th! This unity shall forever live on.
Shivanie Rampersaud

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Holi-a reflection of harmony in Guyana

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