Holipoda and Mendhapodi are two unique rituals that are associated with the Holi festival in Orissa. Holi festival in Orissa is more popularly known as Dola Purnima and starts on the Fagu Dasami day in the month of Phalguna (February – March). Holipoda and Mendhapodi are observed on the fourteenth day of the waxing phase of the moon in Phalgun month. ‘Holi Poda’ celebrates the burning of demon Holika. Mendhapodi celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over Mesha. In Holipoda, a straw hut is set on fire symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Legend has it that Holika or Holi, the sister of demon King Hiranyakashipu, had got a boon that from Lord Shiva that she will not die by burning of drowning. Hiranyakashipu wanted all the people to worship him and he had failed in his attempts to kill his son, Prahlad, who was a devotee of Vishnu and only worshipped Vishnu and not Hiranya. Hiranyakashipu, who was aware of the power possessed by Holika, asked her to enter bla

Phagwah is the famous Holi Festival in Guyana. In 2023, Phagwah will be observed on March 7 and March 8 in Guyana in Caribbean. The Phagwah celebrations in Guyana are observed mainly under the guidance of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. Numerous activities are organized during the period. Rama Krishna Dharmic Sabha Mandir in Barr Street Kitty, Georgetown, hosts annual evening of Holi melodies – Holi Sangam (a week earlier) Annual Phagwah Mela and Bazaar is held a week earlier before the Phagwah day. Chowtaal Sammelan, an initiative of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, is also being held in the Sabha’s Praants countrywide. Chowtaal gols or groups from Mandirs in each region will converge at the various venues to share in spirited singing reflective of the festival. There will also be beautiful Phagwah melodies and pulsating tassa drumming.