Abeer drowns out rain at Children’s Phagwa Celebrations

A poor turnout at the Children’s Phagwa Celebrations 2005 at the Tunapuna Hindu School, yesterday, was blamed on the inclement weather as the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) celebrated the 25th anniversary of Children’s Phagwa in Trinidad. This year only 53 groups participated, 22 less than last year. A member of the SDMS told Sunday Newsday that while the turnout was encouraging, the rainy weather hindered several communities from participating in the festival.

Light but steady rains persisted up until the event’s start at 10.30 am, but failed to interrupt the schedule of events. The Children’s Phagwa Celebrations were officially opened by Indian High Commissioner Virenda Gupta who commended the SDMS for “keeping the celebration going in Trinidad and Tobago.” Dressed in a pair of eye shades and a kurta, he said that Phagwa, known as “Holi” in India, had overtaken the celebration of Divali in the number of participants in his country. “I am delighted to be here. What I admire is that despite the weather all of you came out,” said Gupta. Hindu schools from as far as Sangre Grande in the east and Rio Claro in the south braved the weather to be part of the fun and gaiety.

Speaking at the event, Independent Senator Parvathi Mahabir said it was good to see students participating in religious festivals and applauded the efforts of teachers “for bringing the students back into the tradition of Phagwa and bringing values to the children.” Children’s Phagwa was first celebrated in 1980 at Skinner’s Park, San Fernando and continues to be one of the biggest events on the Hindu calendar. Described as a festival of “fun, excitement and happiness” the Hindu festival signifies the welcoming of Spring, the triumph of good over evil and the throwing of abeer.