BAVINA SOOKDEO
Temples and venues will come alive with vibrant celebrations of Phagwa/Holi. While Phagwa is today (March 14), the celebrations will continue over the weekend.
Phagwa represents the triumph of good over evil and positive over negative, said pundit Navin Omadath Maharaj, president of the SDMS Pundits Parishad and spiritual leader of the Munroe Road Hindu Temple,
This colourful festival was brought to Trinidad and Tobago by indentured labourers from Bihar, India, in 1845.
Maharaj said the festival is traditionally observed in late Phalgun and early Chaitra (March-April).
“Phagwa is one of Hinduism’s most joyful festivals, marked by the playful scattering of brightly-coloured powders (
gulaal) and liquids, known as abeer, among participants in open spaces,” he said.
The festival also features the spirited singing of chowtaal, an energetic folk tradition that adds to the merriment of the occasion.
One of the highlights is the annual Primary Schools’ Chowtaal Sammelan, organised by the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha. On March 8, the competition was hosted at the Lakshmi Girls’ auditorium, where 43 schools showcased their musical talents. Ramai Trace Hindu Primary School placed first.
“Chowtaal is an animated and rhythmic form of folk singing and an integral part of Phagwa celebrations. It gained prominence with the arrival of Indian labourers, who brought this tradition with them,” Maharaj said.
Prior to Phagwa celebrations, chowtaal groups sing fervently and rituals surrounding the Holika (bonfire) are done – sticks are placed on a bonfire pyre three times a day, gradually constructing the symbolic effigy of Holika.
“The culmination of this period is known as Holika Dahan, where families and communities gather to complete the structure before setting it ablaze in a ceremonial fire. This event is accompanied by pujas (prayers) and precise timing determined by pundits.”
Phagwa is celebrated up to five days. In Trinidad, public celebrations are typically held on the first Sunday after the burning of Holika.
The ritual of Holika Dahan is deeply connected to Hindu mythology.
“It recalls the tale of Holika, the sister of the tyrannical king Hiranyakashipu. The king, consumed by arrogance, demanded his subjects worship him instead of Lord Vishnu. His own son, Prahlad, remained steadfast in his devotion to Vishnu, enraging his father. The king attempted numerous times to kill his son, but divine intervention always saved the boy.
[caption id="attachment_1144007" align="alignnone" width="835"] Bougainvillea petals Ranga Barse celebration at the Hindu Prachaar Kendra’s 2024 Phagwa celebrations. -[/caption]
"As a last resort, he sought the help of Holika who possessed a blessed shawl that made her immune to fire. She lured Prahlad into a burning pyre, but in an unexpected turn of fate, her protection failed, and she perished while Prahlad emerged unscathed. This story symbolises the ultimate victory of good over evil.”
To commemorate this victory, communities re-enact the event by burni
