‘Regardless of religion continue to live in harmony’ – President tells Guyanese in Phagwah message

Message of

His Excellency Brigadier David Granger,

President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

on the occasion of Holi (Phagwah) 2020

2020.03.09.

The festival of happiness and togetherness

The festival of Holi is a source of solidarity, strength and succour, particularly in Hinduism. Holi has sacred, secular and cultural significance.

Holi, in the sacred sense, recounts the trials and triumph of Prahalad.  It reminds us of the virtue of an unshakeable belief in God and the inevitability of the triumph of good over evil.

Holi, in a secular sense, fosters faith in the future by celebrating rebirth and regeneration Holi celebrates, also, the fertility of the land and the bountiful harvest which it provides.

Holi, at the social and cultural level, promotes togetherness. It breaks down the barriers of suspicion and insecurity. It is a path towards social cohesion. It enriches the country’s multicultural character.

I urge all Guyanese – regardless of religion or region of residence – to continue to live in harmony, to eschew hatred and to contribute to the common good by strengthening social cohesion and heightening national consciousness.

The celebration of Holi is a joyous occasion and, for Guyanese, it is even more auspicious this year because we are commemorating the nation’s 50th Republic Anniversary.

I extend joyous greetings to all on this happy occasion of Holi. May this vibrant and famous festival encourage stronger bonds of cohesion in our country!

Happy Holi!