HPI correspondent
TRINIDAD, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, March 15, 2009: (By PARAS RAMOUTAR, HPI correspondent) endless colors exploded on the landscape and in the air as Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago celebrated the Festival of Phagwa (Holi) today.
The Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha(SDMS) led by Satnarayan Maharaj, secretary general feels that the propagation of Indian culture maintains a paramount thrust in Holi. Last Sunday March 8, the Indian High Commission hosted a gala show at the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Centre at Caroni and which newly-appointed, High Commissioner Maulay Mishra attended.
For the past week, several groups, mandirs held their celebrations leading to today’s grand finale. Several Hindu organizations, including the SDMS, the National Phagwa Council, SWAHA, Hindu Prachar Kendra and scores of individual groups and temples enhanced this year’s celebrations making it another successful and meaningful Holi.
Satnarayan Maharaj said that Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, commemorates various events in Hinduism, and is the time for indulging in merrymaking. “When the Indian indentured laborers arrived here in Trinidad aboard the SS Fatel Razack on May 30, 1845, they brought with them their religion, culture and tradition. Holi was one of them.” Other ethnic groups relished Holi for its socio-religious connotations and whilst they are not participants, they visit the various centers to see dances and hear the chowtals and tassa-drumming.