NY-Guyanese entertainers shine at Queens Borough President Holi Celebration

Mar 13, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

Guyanese performers won the hearts of the large audience with loud cheers at the Queens Borough President Phagwah (Holi) Celebration on Tuesday evening at the Borough Office on Queens Blvd. The Borough event was open to the public. The Borough President was observed moving to the beat. It was a program of free cultural entertainment (dancers, singing, music), short speeches, ethnic foods, and award ceremony opened to the public; three community activists were honored for their work. There were also participants of other Indo-Caribbean and Asian-Indian backgrounds.

Holi is a joyful festival of vibrant colors that marks the advent of Spring that symbolizes renewal and unity. It is a celebration of renewal of life with family, friends, and community, a festival of love that brings people together, regardless of background and status in society.

For the last couple decades, various New York politicians hosted celebrations of Holi, Diwali and other Hindu observations, as well as Islamic festivals like Eid. These celebrations helped Americans, non-Hindus and non-Muslims to understand Indian culture (from India and the diaspora).

Queens has the largest Indo-Guyanese, Indo-Caribbean and Indian communities in America. As the Borough President noted, they contribute much to cultural and social fabric as well as in taxes, wherever they live. Queens is also the home of the annual Phagwah Parade as well as the annual Diwali motorcade and mela. This year, the parade is on March 23. The Bronx, Jersey City, and Schenectady also host Phagwah parades or melas.

Every Queens Borough President and NYC Mayors, going back a few decades, hosted Phagwah celebrations. President Donovan Richards thanked all the participants and awardees for a memorable event. It was indeed a celebration to remember.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

(NY-Guyanese entertainers shine at Queens Borough President Holi Celebration)

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