President and First Lady host Phagwah Samelan

Head of State Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar this evening hosted a Phagwah samelan at their State House residence, ahead of the Hindu festival of Holi or Spring.

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar and Head of State, Donald Ramotar as the President made brief remarks at the Phagwah Samelan which was held at State House

The event featured chowtal signing, bajans and songs relevant to the festival, and dances and guests were treated to the traditional seven- curries or vegetarian food.

The lesson of Phagwah which symbolises the triumph of good over evil be used to confront difficulties and to re-energise people’s live.

President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee

Ramotar among the guests as they enjoyed the cultural

presentations

During brief remarks, President Ramotar said that Phagwah is one of the most colourful and joyous festivals in Guyana celebrated by both Hindus and non-Hindus. He said that the country is considered a multi-ethnic society and all are contributors to building the Guyanese culture.

A group of dancers performing a traditional dance at the

event

President Ramotar pointed out that he was happy to have the opportunity to entertain the attendees, and expressed special thanks to the organisers of the event, especially his wife, and persons for taking time off their busy schedule to celebrate with them.

Last year the Head of State and First Lady hosted a similar event at the Guyana International Conference Centre.

A group performing chowtal, a form of folk song popular at

Phagwah time

The festival of Phagwah is a national holiday in Guyana which was brought to British Guiana by Hindus who arrived as indentured labourers to work on sugar plantations over 175 years ago.