Richmond Hill, Queens came alive with color and joyous dancing on Sunday, April 7 to celebrate the Hindu spring festival Holi, or Phagwah that celebrated its 36th Annual parade along Liberty Avenue, in Little Guyana.
The traditional festival that allows celebrants to douse each other with multicolored powder in a show of love, unity, hope and strength, and the power of good over evil, sponsored by the Federation of Hindu Mandirs and the Arya Spiritual Center Inc.
Celebrants were wished a happy Holi, during a short cultural presentation at the intersection of 133rd Street and Liberty Avenue, where a pandit prayed.
“As we celebrate this parade, all of us are asking God that whatever is difficult in our day, take it away and bring unto us all that’s beautiful.”
Dressed in a colorful sari, young dancer, Manju Chan, showcased the beauty of the festival in a classical Indian choreography to celebrate the magnificent festival.
Phagwah committee member, Romeo Hitlall, in turn, honored NYPD officers, Berkley VanTull, captain, commanding officer of the 16 Precinct, Jeremey R. Kelvin, deputy inspector of 102 Precinct, and Deputy Inspector, Commanding Officer Ralph A. Clement of 103 Precinct, with plaques, for their commitment and dedication to the Phagwah Parade in the community.
Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, a longtime member of the Arya Spiritual Center, and Phagwah committee, acknowledged how beautiful the sunny weather complimented the celebration, adding, “we want to have a good time. The significance of Holi is that good will always triumph over evil, and light over darkness.”
The NYPD Ceremonial Band led the parade, that was attended by New York Attorney General Letitia James, wearing multicolored powder on her face, as she interacted with residents along the parade on Liberty Avenue. She was accompanied by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Councilmember Lynn Schulman, and Phagwah Committee Member Romeo Hitlall.
As the infectious tassa drumming filled the air, DJ music blared, and plumes of abir powder filled the air, it was evident that the sunny, brisk day was perfectly suited to the exciting celebration that attracted hundreds of residents who lined the streets and engaged each other in the historic event where a large population of Caribbean nationals celebrated and reside.
The float parade concluded with a spectacular cultural presentation in the Phil Rizzuto Park with a performance by popular Guyanese singer, Terry Gajraj, and others, which attracted thousands, who were covered in abir, symbolic of the colorful and joyous nature of the festival.
