BY AMANDA MOSES
New Yorkers basked in the colors of spring during the 35th Annual Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill, Queens on March 26th.
The festivities began on 133rd Street and Liberty Avenue where the first two female grand marshals, Council Member Jenifer Rajkumar and Executive member of the Hindu Mandirs Inc., Bahen Vedo helmed the parade. Among the hundreds of participants were NYPD officers and other organizations who
marched along the parade route as well as numerous colorful floats, which were followed by musicians playing the drums and dancers performing to the beat.
Hundreds of attendees lined Liberty Avenue with multicolored powder in hand, ready to toss it (or gently rub it) onto family, friends, and even passersby. This act symbolizes reverence, love, and respect toward each other as well as marking the start of a happier, brighter spring.
The parade route culminated at Phil Rizzuto Park for a cultural festival, featuring speeches from
elected officials, religious leaders, and traditional Hindu performances.
Photos by Amanda Moses
