Dear Editor,
Historically, One Guyana joins with the rest of the world in celebrating the happy, holy, and harmonious Holi holiday this week, an event that commenced with the “planting of the Holika” and continues for days after Tuesday, the official day to play Phagwah.
The festival of colors, love, and spring unfolds itself in the story of King Hiranyakashipu, with the aid of his sister Holika, attempting to put an end to his young son, Prahalad, who stands up for truth and is an ardent devotee of Shri Vishnu. He himself manifested as Narasimha to counter the protective boon given to the King.
Prahalad’s personality personifies strong faith in a Supreme Being (Lord Vishnu-Narayan) and his unwavering belief that in times of evil, the Unknown One becomes known as the savior who comes to rescue His devotees. The lesson learned is that good eventually conquers evil, and the Law of Karma always prevails.
Children should be taught to love a higher power who looks after all, to attend church, mosque, or mandir from a young age, to know their scriptures, and to be brave and bold in respecting the law, attending school regularly, and being honest.
Hiranyakashipu’s poor judgment, his ego, pride, ignorance, and cunningness led him to his downfall when he became shortsighted and too cocky and sure of himself. There is always an oversight when any leader gets carried away with power, leading them into a pitfall. Such shallow leaders forget that false discernment has a shelf life and what goes up must come down!
Do not try to fool people, do not make half-promises, do not provide empty cups, clever words, abstract talks, or flamboyance.
The evil that men do will live after them, and what you sow you will certainly reap. Leaders should fulfill their commitments faithfully, honestly, and transparently without any conditions, compromises, or contingencies.
In India, the celebration of Holi coincides with and comes at the end of winter when people welcome the advent of spring. The joy and festivities go hand in hand with those of the religious event. The camaraderie greetings, the offerings made in thanks to Mother Nature, the expression of songs and dances, the friendly playfulness with water, abeer, abrack, powder, and perfume, the preparation of sweets and food, and the sharing of these, all highlight an annual custom that has become traditional.
Holika’s powerlessness against her own strength and boon also underlines a greater power that decides and demarcates the thick line of righteousness over unrighteousness. When power is misused and converted to attain the wrong things, that power is evidently denied and destroys the deceptive person who feels they are untouchable.
The sweet, melodious, and enchanting singing of chowtal, with the vociferous voices and the playing of the tantalizing dholak and ringing jaals, adds to the merriment of Holi, the impression of unified togetherness, the expression of love and sincerity, and the willingness to live in a cultured upbringing. The lyrics personify the beauty of the livelihood of Krishna and Radha, a tale of Ram and Sita’s devotion, and the ambiance of Shiva’s presence.
The songs, skits, savoring, and scenery embrace the rightness and richness of a historical past that adumbrated our ancestors’ simple but significant pastime from their Motherland, gifted to generations to follow from their sacrifices, selflessness, and submissiveness. Our social leaders should always practice this principle with sobriety and not be carried away by any aloofness.
Phagwah’s pronouncements must never be taken for granted, regarded lightly, or treated with scant respect. The high moral values conceptualized behind the observance and playing of Holi must be executed in the true sense of its significance, with the pride of a proud follower of dignity, honesty, and loyalty for purity, perfection, and practicality.
This international acknowledgment of the Hindu holiday of Holi has an international flavor and globally favors its deep- seated repercussions, which translate to: breaking barriers of unfriendliness, forgetting and forgiving, crossing the bridge of happiness, reigning and roping in peace and joy, planting the seed for productivity and prosperity, progressing from ignorance to knowledge, recognizing limitations and liabilities, lighting up the path away from darkness, rising with the nature of goodness, and accepting the law of rules and regulations to always be on the right side.
Let this year’s Holi festivities usher into our lives the brightness of the all-pervading powerful sun, the calmness of a brilliant full moon, and the fulfillment of the rising tide from a roaring sea.
Do have a happy, safe, and enjoyable Phagwah, Guyana.