BY AMANDA MOSES
For the first time since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers were able to celebrate Holi in-person during the annual Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill on March 27th.
Although the Phagwah Parade is usually known for its vibrant march throughout the Richmond Hill community, as a safety precaution due to the pandemic, this year it was a stationary event held on Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard in an area known as Little Guyana.
Elected officials such as New York State Senators, Roxanne Persaud and Joe Addabbo Jr., Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Mayor Eric Adams and more herald the affair after its two-year hiatus—stating that its return to an in-person celebration signifies New York City’s comeback.
Also known as the festival of colors, Holi is a celebration that welcomes spring and signifies good triumphing over evil. It is traditionally commemorated with the tossing of colorful powder called gulal or abir.
Photos by Amanda Moses
