Trinidad & Tobago - A Celebration of Festivals - Trinidad and Tobago

PhagwaA C e l e br at i on of G o od o v e r E v i lDetermined by the Lunar CalendarAlso known as Holi, Phagwa celebratesPrahlaad, a child-prince who waspersecuted by his emperor father forrefusing to worship him as God.He ordered his sister Holika, to destroythe prince by fire; but he was miraculouslysaved while Holika perished.Phagwa season begins with the planting ofa castor oil plant symbolizing Holika. In thefollowing five to six weeks, the communityputs rubbish around the tree. During thistime, villagers gather at different homesto sing chowataal or folksongs. Singersaccompany themselves on jhaals - smallbrass cymbals - and are led by drummers.Above the loud rhythms, strong voicesmust rise in ever-increasing speed to chantcomplex tongue twisters in Bhojpuri, adialect of North India.The re-enactment of Prahlaad’s escapeis held on the eve of Phagwa - fullmoon night. The large pyre is set fireafter a ceremony. As the fire subsides,participants throw ashes on each other.At dawn, neighbours vie to be the firstto douse abeer - magenta colouredwater - on each other, then take to thestreets singing, dancing and holding mockbattles. Every one is liable to be sprayedwith large syringe-like instruments calledpichakaarees.Where and When:Venues include Children’s Phagwa atTunapuna Hindu School. Adult chowtaalbands compete at Aranguez, Tunapuna,Carlsen Field and other venues.A competition hosted by the Kendra atDivali Nagar, provides stinging bilingualsocial commentaries called pichakaarees.You will also view Makhan Chor, a contestin which groups of youths form humanpyramids to reach a pot of dahee - curds- at the top of a tall tower. It is advisableto walk with a towel, and cover car seatswith plastic.Festivals of Trinidad & Tobago\ Index View Print Exit /