Festival of Colors
Experience Guyana's most colorful celebration! Join millions as the entire country erupts in a joyful explosion of colored powders, music, dancing, and feasting. Phagwah is a day when differences dissolve in a rainbow of colors and the spirit of spring brings everyone together.
From sacred bonfires to streets bursting with color, here's everything that makes Phagwah unforgettable
Bonfires lit at Hindu temples across Guyana. Communities gather to burn castor oil plants, sing bhajans, and symbolically destroy evil. A solemn but beautiful ceremony marking the triumph of Prahlad over Holika.
The main event! Colored powders (abeer/abrack) and colored water fly through the streets. Friends, family, and strangers cover each other in vibrant colors. The fun begins early and doesn't stop.
A unique Guyanese tradition: Bhojpuri folk singing preserved better here than in parts of India. Two rows of singers face each other with a dholak drummer, singing devotional songs about Krishna and Radha. Chowtal season runs 40 days before Phagwah.
Traditional chowtal meets modern Caribbean rhythms. Expect a fusion of devotional songs, chutney music, soca, and dancehall. DJ trucks and sound systems keep the energy high all day.
The government organizes large-scale celebrations at national venues like National Stadium Providence and Everest Cricket Ground. Features performances, cultural shows, mass color play, and food vendors. President and PM typically attend.
Pholourie with mango sour, sweet rice (kheer), gulab jamun, barfi, gujiya, malpua, and gooseberry syrup. Every home and temple shares food freely — nobody goes hungry on Phagwah.
Your complete guide to celebrating the Festival of Colors in Guyana
March 2 evening — bonfires at temples nationwide. Castor oil plants burned (a uniquely Guyanese tradition). Devotees circle the fire, offer prayers, and share sweets.
Chowtal singing through the night. More spiritual and traditional than the color play day — a beautiful ceremony to witness.
"Happy Phagwah!" is the greeting. "Bura na mano, Holi hai!" (Don't be angry, it's Holi!).
Ask before throwing colors on someone not participating. Join enthusiastically — locals love welcoming visitors. It's a day of forgiveness and new beginnings.
Police: 911 Fire/EMS: 912
Street vendors and homes open their doors. Must-try: pholourie with mango sour and channa, sweet rice (kheer), gulab jamun, barfi, gujiya, malpua, and wash it down with gooseberry syrup or mauby. Every temple shares prasad (blessed food) freely.
Explore Guyanese food & drinkTuesday, March 3, 2026. Holika Dahan bonfires begin the evening of March 2.
Yes, Phagwah has been a national public holiday in Guyana since 1967. Banks, government offices, and most businesses are closed.
A ceremonial bonfire the evening before Phagwah. It celebrates the story of Prahlad surviving fire. In Guyana, castor oil plants are burned — a unique local tradition.
National Stadium Providence, Everest Cricket Ground, National Park Georgetown, and Hindu temples throughout Guyana. Visitors are warmly welcome everywhere.
White or light-colored OLD clothes — you will get stained. Apply coconut oil to skin and hair beforehand. Closed-toe shoes recommended. Leave valuables safe and bring a change of clothes.
Pholourie, sweet rice (kheer), gulab jamun, barfi, gujiya, malpua, parsad, and gooseberry syrup. Every home and temple shares food freely.
A Bhojpuri folk singing tradition brought by Indian indentured laborers. Two rows of singers with dholak drums sing devotional songs about Krishna and Radha. Better preserved in Guyana than parts of India. Chowtal season runs 40 days before Phagwah.
No! While it has Hindu origins, Phagwah is celebrated by ALL Guyanese regardless of religion or ethnicity. It's a truly national celebration of unity and joy.
Learn about the ancient mythology, how Indian indentured laborers brought Phagwah to Guyana in 1838, and why it became a national holiday celebrated by all.