TRINIDAD/TOBAGO, January 29, 2012: “This highly religious event welcomes the Phagwa season as devotees boil the first abee amidst the singing of devotional songs in honour of Goddess Saraswati,” said Ramsingh. Today’s event will be the precursor to Phagwa festivities on March 10.
Vasant Panchami 2012 is titled “And May God Bless Our Nation”, as it initiates a series of programmes dedicated to the well being of the country through prayer, thanks, reflection, sharing and community action. The event also showcases the talent of a selected musician who performs as an offering to Mother Saraswati. The Kendra will be honouring Dr. Beni Balkaran, who is an accomplished singer, this year.
Today’s musical offering will be followed immediately by ‘Chook-Olikaa’, the traditional inauguration of Phagwa 2012. Ramsingh said the “Chook-Olikaa” establishes the ritual space for the Holika bonfire which, on the full moon night of Phalgun in March, is followed by the Phagwa celebrations.