Plumes of brilliant-colored powder filled the air over Richmond Hill last Sunday as hundreds of nationals packed the intersection of 133rd St. and Liberty Avenue to kick off the return of the float parade that celebrated 37 years.
The joyous Hindu spring festival, a celebration of love and triumph of good over evil, brought together communities, elected officials, and civic society for a day of playful throwing of colored powder, water, tassa drumming, and singing, organized by the Federation of Hindu Mandirs and The Arya Spiritual Center.
After the festival was blessed by spiritual leaders, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said, “Happy Holi, Happy Phagwah Richmond Hill.”
“I couldn’t think of a more important time for us to promote light, especially in a time of darkness, with so much under attack: women’s, human, and immigrant rights. We stand together as the most diverse county in the United States of America. We know that immigrants are the foundation of this country, and we will always promote our immigrant communities in Queens.
“I can’t wait to march with each one of you, and for those who can’t march themselves, for those who are living in fear, and those who are silent, because we are the best borough in New York City, let’s march and let’s be the light in this darkness,” said Queens Borough President Richards.
First Deputy Commissioner of the NYPD Tonya Kinsella said, “I feel at home. This festival not only represents a holiday for our people but also brings so much light and love to this country. Thank you for spreading love and light.
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo wished the crowd a “Happy Holi,” adding, “It is an honor to be here today at this Phagwah parade together with the mandirs.” The politician also thanked the NYPD for their service.
Romeo Hitlall, chair of the Phagwah Parade of New York Inc. and candidate for City Council, said he was deeply honored to be named a Grand Marshall for the parade. “My heartfelt thanks to the committee for this recognition and for their dedication to making this celebration possible.”
“Phagwah/Holi is a beautiful tradition that brings us together in a spirit of love, unity, and renewal. It has been incredible to witness the parade’s growth and its role in showcasing the vibrant culture of the Hindu and Indo-Caribbean community in Southeast Queens.”
Japneet Singh, another candidate for City Council, expressed his gratitude to all who came out to celebrate the festival and called on constituents to vote. “I have decided to run for New York City Council because it is time. We have a seat at the table. It is time we fight back against this system that has done nothing but suppress us. It is time we take back our community,” said Singh.
An image of President of Guyana Dr. Irfaan Ali was affixed to the One Guyana float, which carried the Consul General to New York, Michael E. Brotherson, and the Ambassador of Guyana to Washington, Samuel Hinds. The Head of the Diaspora Unit, in the Guyana Consulate, New York, Joseph Yussuff, also represented the homeland under the banner.
Representatives on the One Guyana float, which also included community organizer Lakshmee Singh, nationals, and members of the diplomatic office, waved the Golden Arrowhead and One Guyana flags.
The brilliant sunshine, mixed with a chill in the air, kept the colorful float parade moving along Liberty Avenue as the beating of the tassa drums recorded Indian music and the dowsing of powder in brilliant hues on the faces and clothing of celebrants during the festival that surely exhibited love, camaraderie, joy, and jollification. Popular chutney singer Terry Gajraj excited the crowd with his songs for a thrilling presentation.
This was followed by a cultural presentation and the playing of Phagwah in Smokey Oval Park, now known as Phil “Scooter Rizzuto Park, on Atlantic Avenue.
