Phagwah (pronounced Pah-gwah) is also known as “Holi,” and
“The Festival of Colors.” It occurs every spring (usually March
or April), after the first full moon on the Hindu calendar, and
commemorates the triumph of good over evil. Its origins are
in northern India and Nepal, where it is also popular among
some non-Hindu populations. According to folklore, Holika,
the wicked sister of an evil king, tricked her nephew, Prahlada,
into sitting on a burning pyre with her while she was wearing a
protective robe. As the flames crackled, a gust blew the powerful
cloak from Holika and onto Prahlada. The wicked Holika died,
while the virtuous Prahlada survived. Locals then spread ashes
from the pyre on their foreheads as they rejoiced.
Meanwhile, the Diwali Motorcade features ornate, brightly lit
automobiles that roll down the same Richmond Hill streets and
includes similar colorful outfits and chanting, but it usually takes
place in October. Oil lamps, burning pyres, incense, henna, and
tassa drumming are everywhere, while some revelers dance and
chant in Sanskrit.
Also dubbed “The Festival of Lights,” Diwali is held annually
after the summer harvest. It is a national holiday in India, Nepal,
Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. It marks the triumph of light
over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
And though it’s Hindu in origin, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs
celebrate as well.
For more information on the Phagwah event, go to www.
phagwahparade.us. For information on the Diwali festivity, surf
to www.divyajyotiny.org.
Phagwah Parade
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