In the Richmond Hill section of Queens, New York, Hindus from Guyana and Trinidad celebrate Phagwah, the Caribbean name for the Indian festival of Holi, by dousing each other with colored powders and liquids. There is also a parade down Liberty Avenue, so the event becomes an Indo-Caribbean national day, marking the arrival of spring. These photos are from 2004.
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March 16, 2009
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What is the significance of the colored powder?
Posted by: Ajlouny | May 26, 2009 at 08:53 PM
In India, colored powders are thrown since Holi is the spring festival of colors:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi
Outside of India, such powders are not produced in great quantities, so the Guyanese in New York and Guyana use Johnson's baby powder. They also wear white clothing, so the dyed liquids will show up on them.
Posted by: Preston | May 27, 2009 at 12:17 PM