Floats at the annual Phagwah Parade and Cultural Mela on Liberty Avenue
A mammoth gathering estimated at about 25,000 celebrated Phagwah in Richmond Hill on Sunday afternoon at the 23rd annual Phagwah Parade and Cultural Mela. Phagwah was also celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm last Saturday afternoon at the Maha Lakshmi Mandir in Richmond Hill, and at a parade in Jersey City, where thousands participated in the festival.
Folks splashed abeer, daubed abrack on each other and dispersed gulal in the air amidst the ringing chowtaal music. They danced to the rhythm of the music.
The Richmond Hill Sammelan featured a cultural variety show of dancing, singing, tassa drumming, drama skits and magic. Over 20 organisations and mandirs participated in the mela which was coordinated by Dr Tara Singh, Shrad Kublall and others. The programme was carried live on the Indo-Caribbean radio station WICR 1620 AM which was also streamed live over the Internet.
A section of the mammoth crowd at the annual Phagwah Parade and Cultural Mela at Richmond Hill, New York
At the Richmond Hill parade, the size of the crowd was beyond what the eyes could see. Thousands lined Liberty Avenue along the parade route. Hundreds also watched the parade from their verandahs and through the windows of their apartments, cheering the marchers as they paraded a mile from 133rd Street on Liberty Avenue to 124th Street, and then west to 95th Avenue, culminating at the Smokey Park.
It was one of the largest congregations in the parade’s history. Marching in the parade were politicians and community leaders. Dharmacharyas Pandits Ramlall and Rishi Misir led the procession. Many groups came with dholaks, cymbals or jaals and majeeras with followers clapping, dancing and singing chowtaal songs on the floats and along the route.
The spectators cheered the beautifully designed floats that were sponsored by mandirs, businesses, and cultural organisations. Many marched behind the floats of their organisations proudly displaying their national identity with flags of the U.S., Guyana, Suriname, India, Trinidad and Jamaica fluttering in the wind. Many had national bandanas around their neck.
The festival transcended all social, religious and ethnic barriers with non-Hindus participating with equal zest. At the park were a cultural variety show and speeches from leading politicians and community leaders.
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