LONGDENVILLE, TRINIDAD, January 22, 2004: Trinidad Hindus are launching the 14th annual Kendra Phagwa Festival this Sunday. This launching specifically takes place on the first day of spring, Vasant Panchami, and the birthdate of Goddess Saraswati. Preparation will be marked by the planting of a castor oil tree, community dancing and the symbolic chulha boiling of the first abeer. Abeer or colored water will be sprayed on participants who arrive at the Divali Nagar site on March 7th to celebrate the Hindu festival welcoming spring. Boiling the Abeer is also the name given to the month-long period from the first day of spring until the Phagwa Festival starts when composers, musicians and singers come together to rehearse, learn and share their talents.
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