Two fairly younger dancers undergo their paces on stage throughout a cultural presentation on the intersection at 133 St, and Liberty Avenue, earlier than the kickoff of the thirty seventh Phagwah Parade on Sunday, March 23, 2025 in Richmond Hill, Queens.
Photograph by Tangerine Clarke
Plumes of brilliant-colored powder crammed the air over Richmond Hill final Sunday as lots of 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 competition, a celebration of affection and triumph of fine over evil, introduced collectively communities, elected officers, and civic society for a day of playful throwing of coloured powder, water, tassa drumming, and singing, organized by the Federation of Hindu Mandirs and The Arya Non secular Heart.
After the competition was blessed by non secular leaders, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards stated, “Blissful Holi, Blissful Phagwah Richmond Hill.”
“I couldn’t consider a extra essential time for us to advertise gentle, particularly in a time of darkness, with a lot beneath assault: ladies’s, human, and immigrant rights. We stand collectively as essentially the most various county in america of America. We all know that immigrants are the inspiration of this nation, and we’ll all the time promote our immigrant communities in Queens.
“I can’t wait to march with every one in all you, and for many who can’t march themselves, for many who reside in worry, and people who are silent, as a result of we’re the perfect borough in New York Metropolis, let’s march and let’s be the sunshine on this darkness,” stated Queens Borough President Richards.
First Deputy Commissioner of the NYPD Tonya Kinsella stated, “I really feel at house. This competition not solely represents a vacation for our individuals but additionally brings a lot gentle and like to this nation. Thanks for spreading love and light-weight.
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo wished the gang a “Blissful Holi,” including, “It’s an honor to be right here as we speak at this Phagwah parade along with the mandirs.” The politician additionally thanked the NYPD for his or her service.
Romeo Hitlall, chair of the Phagwah Parade of New York Inc. and candidate for Metropolis Council, stated he was deeply honored to be named a Grand Marshall for the parade. “My heartfelt due to the committee for this recognition and for his or her dedication to creating this celebration potential.”
“Phagwah/Holi is a gorgeous custom that brings us collectively in a spirit of affection, unity, and renewal. It has been unimaginable to witness the parade’s development and its function in showcasing the colourful tradition of the Hindu and Indo-Caribbean neighborhood in Southeast Queens.”
Japneet Singh, one other candidate for Metropolis Council, expressed his gratitude to all who got here out to have fun the competition and known as on constituents to vote. “I’ve determined to run for New York Metropolis Council as a result of it’s time. We’ve a seat on the desk. It’s time we struggle again in opposition to this technique that has performed nothing however suppress us. It’s time we take again our neighborhood,” stated Singh.
A picture of President of Guyana Dr. Irfaan Ali was affixed to the One Guyana float, which carried the Consul Normal to New York, Michael E. Brotherson, and the Ambassador of Guyana to Washington, Samuel Hinds. The Head of the Diaspora Unit, within the Guyana Consulate, New York, Joseph Yussuff, additionally represented the homeland beneath the banner.
Representatives on the One Guyana float, which additionally included neighborhood organizer Lakshmee Singh, nationals, and members of the diplomatic workplace, waved the Golden Arrowhead and One Guyana flags.
The sensible sunshine, combined with a chill within the air, stored the colourful float parade shifting alongside Liberty Avenue because the beating of the tassa drums recorded Indian music and the dowsing of powder in sensible hues on the faces and clothes of celebrants throughout the competition that absolutely exhibited love, camaraderie, pleasure, and jollification. In style chutney singer Terry Gajraj excited the gang along with his songs for an exciting presentation.
This was adopted by a cultural presentation and the enjoying of Phagwah in Smokey Oval Park, now often called Phil “Scooter Rizzuto Park, on Atlantic Avenue.
