As Guyanese observe and celebrate the Hindu spring festival of Phagwah, the Head of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who is also a Government Minister, wants promoters to stop tying their party events to the sacred religious festival.

A number of promoters are hosting parties and other events on Friday as part of their own phagwah celebrations. 

In a statement on her Facebook page, Ms. Persaud said it is disrespectful for promoters to use the phagwah festival to promote their parties and alcohol drinking events.

“I reiterate the call on behalf of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha for event organizers to not associate vulgar, alcohol type and non-vegetarian events with the Hindu festival of Phagwah. I have sent our statement to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Minister of Home Affairs and other key officials.”

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is the largest Hindu organization in Guyana.

Ms. Persaud pointed out that while she absolutely wants all Guyanese to celebrate phagwah, she wants the religious festival to also be respected.

She has called on other Hindu groups to join the Dharmic Sabha in its message to urge promoters to desist from using the phagwah observances for their events.

Persaud said as a secular country, there should be a deep respect for all religious holidays and celebrations should be in alignment with the significance and manner prescribed by the religious community.

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