Phagwa – Past, Present & Post

Mar 24, 2024 Letters

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Dear Editor,

In the colonial days in Guyana, it was customary for Hindus on the sugar estates to build a huge bonfire with debris accumulated from the cane field. On the day of Vasant Panchami, a bamboo and castor oil tree were planted in the ground in an open area. From the “planting of Holika,” singing of chowtal and Holi songs became a regular feature in the mandirs and religious gatherings. Weekly radio programs would feature live performance of chowtal groups from various districts. There were no TV stations during that period and Guyana had only 2 radio stations, Radio Demerara with Rafiq Khan, Rajkumarie Singh and Ishri Singh and BGBS with Sir Ron Saunders. It was not until after the late 60’s, schools were allowed to have a Hindu Youth Society established to cater for the Hindu boys and girls. The Hindu Youth societies then began to organize cultural shows and concerts to celebrate Holi, Diwali and the other festivals. Throughout the different counties, fairs, charity shows and concerts were held. During the last week before Holi, travelling on the trains and boats used to be fun. School children took immense pleasure to play with each other with, powder, abrack and water.

Burning of Holika

Before Phagwa, a lot of preparation took place, especially by the mother of each family. She ensured that everyone would have new, white clothes to wear. During the 50’s to the 70’s, the more extravagant outfits were scarce because of limited resources and people were satisfied with more modest fashions. Powder, (the Yardley’s brand was the sweetest followed by My Fair Lady), abrack, perfume and abeer were bought and stocked up, along with all the ingredients for the different foods. Special attention was paid towards cleansing the house and the yard itself and children were involved. New curtains were bought, fences were whitewashed or painted. In the very old days, when yards were not concrete, the “bottom house” had to be “daubed” with cow-dung and freshly dug mud.

On the night of Holika Dahan, Ramayana goals, chowtal groups, men and boys used to gather at the Mandir in each village from six o’clock in the afternoon until 11:30PM to engage in the singing of chowtal before proceeding to the site of the bonfire. Hot bara with chutney and coffee were served. These days, the burning of Holika takes place before 9PM. After a Pooja ceremony, the fire was lit and the chowtal groups would continue singing. Meanwhile, boys would walk with dry coconut, casava and plantain to roast, hooked on wire strings. Most times, there was a trench in close proximity, and you bet, men and boys would be thrown in, including the pandit. The singing and chanting and dancing to the beat of the dholak continued until the fire was completely out before everyone went home. Females were not allowed to witness this event because of the nature and significance of the occasion. Overseas, this event usually takes place in the yards of mandirs.

Phagwa Day

Early Phagwa morning, the craziness began. Neighbors woke each other to douse them with buckets of water and syringes (pichakaree); girls hid in the bedrooms; boys jumped through the windows; hoses were connected to pipes to soak anyone passing in the streets; the women folk were busy preparing the delicacies and the delicious meals for the day, namely bara, polourie, potato ball, bhaiganee, channa, dhall, rice, dhallpourie, gulgula, gujiya, all the different vegetables, kheer and Mohanbog. In the olden days, women used to cook on an outside fireside and would have to often change clothes because of the constant drenching. Meanwhile, the males would visit the site of the Holika Dahan and collect the ashes from the bonfire and play with each other making it difficult to recognize each other. The chowtal groups would then walk around the village singing and dancing as villagers would throw buckets of water on them. This fun and frolic would continue until midday. Then the men and boys would head home to shower and change in their white outfit and most of the family members would head to the Mandir for a religious service. Devotees would enjoy themselves with the merriment, this time with the powder, abeer, abrack and perfume. At the end of the service, as devotees return to their respective homes, the chowtal groups would walk in the streets and visit each member’s home where they would be entertained. Neighbors, families and friends would visit each other and exchange goodies.

In Guyana, T&T and Suriname, it’s a public holiday and so this united spiritual and cultural intimacy prevails in a more dominating and domineering level, affording people to congregate and communicate in a more relaxed atmosphere. These days, celebrations are housed in parks and grounds to accommodate a large public gathering where fun and entertainment can be in galore with a program jam packed with artistes, performers, singing, dancing and tassa music. In the US, Canada and UK, Hindus have to take a day off from work if they want to participate in these activities or wait until they reach home in the evening to gather with friends and families to mark the occasion. It is unfortunate that for some, it’s just another day and the sagacity and gaiety of this colorful festival is lost or diminished because of the cold, loneliness, constraint or just being out of touch with the cultural community.

Day after Phagwa – Inviting families and friends

In Guyana, Phagwa celebration can continue for a week or two because of families and friends wanting to celebrate together based on the convenience of time and the reciprocation of visits. Usually, the day after Holi, neighbors, friends and families are invited to extend the celebration, eating, imbibing, singing, and dancing.

Going Forward

Going forward, what does the future hold? Will there be this continuity of exhilaration and cheerfulness and anxiety to look forward for this holiday? Will the children at home and the Diaspora apply this spirited approach and application to observe and absorb this excitement? Will this religious and cultural heredity transgress with its significant permeation? Hopefully, from constant teaching, preaching and practicing of Hinduism, our rich customs and traditions will influence and attract this embracement. Wishing you and your family Shubh Holi!

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall.

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• bhaiganee, channa, dhall, polourie, potato ball, rice

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