Member of Parliament for Aranguez/St Joseph and Minister of Justice and Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General, in a short address at Phagwa celebrations at the Bamboo No 1 Mandir held on Sunday 01st March said that ‘my heart is always lifted whenever I come to Bamboo No. 1.’
This year’s celebration was held under the distinguished patronage of the MP for Aranguez/St Joseph who is a regular devotee of the mandir long before being elected the MP for Aranguez/St Joseph. In his message MP Maharaj announced that soon a team of officials from the government will be in the Bamboo No 1 to collect data related to land tenure and the granting of titles to the lands that families have been living on since the 1940s.
A few weeks ago, the MP for Aranguez/St Joseph invited Saddam Hussein, Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture with direct responsibility for State Lands to settle these longstanding land issues. With the initiative taken by the MP for St Joseph, the villagers met with Minister Saddam Hussein who listened to their grievances.
Several chowtaal groups rendered chowtaal songs, part of the rich heritage brought by our Indian indentured ancestors from India and preserved over the years. Chowtaal, a four-beat folk song, is accompanied by rhythmic beats of the majeera and boisterous drumming of the dholak. The singers sit in a semi-circle, with two groups of singers-one taking the lead and the other repeating. The modulation of the singing and the drumming makes chowtaal a truly enjoyable entertainment for all.
Among the groups that performed at the Bamboo No1 Mandir were the Pierre Road Chowtaal and Ramayan Group, the Sri Krishen Chowtaal Group and the Bhuyaa Saaj of El Dorado. The Pierre Road Chowtaal and Ramayan Group is headed by Yogini Lall who joined the group ten years ago. Lutchman Abhiraj, started with the group in 1983 and shared that the group has a history long before his joining and pointed out that it started with Ramdeo Banarsi. Abhiraj remains active with the group to ‘guide the several young members.’
Bamboo No 1 Mandir has been a major venue for Phagwa since the mid-1980s and has continued since over the years. “The early celebrations, pioneered by the Hindu Seva Sangh in collaboration with Bamboo No 1 Mandir, attracted scores of Phagwa Groups comprising of mainly children. Not only were cash prizes and a Challenge Trophy provided to encourage participation but also free abir, gulal and refreshments for all celebrants,” said Wayne Lalchan, President of the Bamboo No 1 Mandir.
Phagwa celebrates the defeat of religious persecution. A king, after winning some boons from Lord Shiva, declared himself God and demanded that his subjects reject Lord Vishnu as the Supreme. While the senior ministers and even the chief priest went along with the King, his seven-year-old son resisted his father’s claim.
After several attempts to destroy his son had failed, the King, in his arrogance went himself to get the job done. Striking a post with his sword, he shouted at his son: “Is your God here?” Out of the post emerged Lord Narsingh- half man, half lion and killed the King.
Phagwa is a confirmation by Bhagavan that he would always protect his devotees. Throughout the ages and the many challenges Hindu civilization have faced, Bhagavan has never abandoned us in our hour of need.
Wishing all a Happy Holi!