Liberally sprinkled with powder of all hues and soaked with various colours of water, Guyanese across the country celebrated Phagwah, the Hindu spring festival yesterday.

Although there did not seem to be as big a celebration in Georgetown and environs as in previous years, since with the exception of Albuoystown, fewer people could be seen playing on the streets, nevertheless, those who did participate certainly enjoyed themselves.

Walking, riding bicycles, on carts and in cars persons of all ethnicities could be seen moving through their communities either soaked with water or covered in abeer and abrack. The laughter on their faces told the story: they were all having fun.

While some people started early, others, like those in Kitty, were enjoying themselves later in the morning. Green was the colour of choice in the lower East Coast communities, and some participants were totally covered in that colour. Traditionally, Phagwah is celebrated with gusto in Albuoystown and this year was no exception. Youths with water-filled buckets and an ample supply of powder roamed the streets celebrating with anyone whether they wanted to take part or not. This resulted in a few tears on the part of some of those who did not want to 'play.'

On the East Bank, not many persons could be seen on the road except at Herstelling, where some residents were clearly intent on having a good time.

The festival started early on the West Coast, and from 6 am celebrants could be seen drenching each other in abeer and abrack and chasing each other with water guns.

At the Indian Cultural Centre, there was the traditional gathering of officials and others playing Phagwah and wishing each other 'Happy Holi.'

Throughout the day, it seemed as though the skies wanted to play their part in the festival, and the few showers which did appear served to enhance the spirit of the day.