Phagwah

Another most famous festival in Guyana we want to recommend is Phagwah. Phagwah, also known as Holi in some countries, is a colorful celebration held every March. Participants usually dress in white and spray water and colored powder at one another. Sweet rice, pera (soft fudge), and pholourie are all eaten during the festival (a dough snack). Holi was brought to Guyana from India in the early 1800s as a Hindu festival.

The festival marks the start of spring and also has religious significance: Hindus believe that the demon Hiranyakashipu ordered his son to sit on the lap of Holika, Hiranyakashipu's demoness sister, who was supposed to be immortal, in an attempt to kill his son who worshiped a god he disapproved of. He then lit them on fire, and Holika, not Prahalda, his son, died as a result. As a result, Hindus celebrate Holi to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. However, people of various religions and ages attend the celebration in Guyana, not just Hindus.

Location: Various places throughout the country

Date: March