GAWU 2007 Phagwah Message

It’s that annual semi-religious event again. Hindus primarily, join with nature to welcome spring after the relative gloom of the previous winter.

The colours, the splendor and liveliness of Spring induce devotees to disregard status and social norms as they employ water, abeer and coloured powders to celebrate life.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins with the Hindu Community as it involves All Guyana to observe and celebrate the Festival of Holi – commonly called “Phagwah” here. GAWU wishes to celebrate the Festival’s HOPE and OPTIMISM whilst regarding the religious mythologies surrounding the historical event. Mankind in all societies need HOPE to sustain life amidst the challenges of conflict, crime, disease, natural disaster and poverty. Holi offers this hope on the often-present Horizon.

The Phagwah legend tells of Prahalad believing in the eternal God, Vishnu, much to the displeasure of his father an evil King. The father and king challenged Prahalad the son to sit on a blazing fire alongside the wicked Aunt Holika. She was burnt as Prahalad survived. GAWU hopes that Guyana survives the fire and heat of political and economic challenges and sabotage.

GAWU sees the glorious, inclusive Festival of Holi ushering in the reality of a “new” enhanced city of some standards. This season of Phagwah also offers a threshold for new economic activities in construction, hospitality and tourism-related employment and the hope of oil exploration, among other exciting events. The Holi Month of course, is the month of Cricket World Cup 2007 – with all the possibilities which the world’s third largest sporting event can offer.

Many of GAWU’s Membership are participants in the annual festival. The Union wishes them – and all Guyana – a Joyous Phagwah – free from conflict and anything negative.

Welcome the Holi of Hope!

Happy Phagwah!