Senate Resolution No. 2111

BY: Senator PARKER

CELEBRATING Holi, an ancient Hindu Spring
Festival, with the 34th Annual Phagwah Parade on
March 27, 2022

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate Holi, an
ancient Hindu Spring Festival, with the 34th Annual Phagwah Parade, to
be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022; and

WHEREAS, The Phagwah Parade is an annual Hindu celebration in
Richmond Hill, the home to the largest Indo-Caribbean community in the
United States; for 34 years, the residents of this neighborhood have
hosted the biggest Phagwah celebration in North America; and

WHEREAS, Over 20,000 people attend the Phagwah Parade each year;
traditionally, participants paint one another with dye and powder; at
the culmination of the parade, there are live music performances as well
as other traditional cultural celebrations that last into the early
evening; and

WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, Inc. (FOHM)
and the Arya Spiritual Center (ASC), with support from the Hindu Parades
and Festivals Committee, Inc. the 34th Annual Phagwah Parade is proud to
be able to contribute to the cultural diversity of the great City of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Holi, or Phagwah as it is commonly known throughout the
Caribbean, is an ancient Hindu Spring Festival, also known as the
Festival of Colors, which celebrates fertility, color, love, and the
triumph of good over evil; and

WHEREAS, The Festival signifies the coming of spring, the joy of
friendship, and equality for all; and

WHEREAS, The colored powders used in Holi represent love, happiness,
and the freedom to live vibrantly, which are all principles shared and
promoted by the Caribbean Equality Project (CEP); and

WHEREAS, The origins of the festival can be found in various legends
in Hindu mythology, one of which tells the story of a demon, Holika, and
her brother, King Hiranyakashipu; on the night before Holi, bonfires are
lit to signify the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil;
and

WHEREAS, The timing of Holi depends on the moon, meaning the date of
the event can vary, although it usually occurs in March to mark the end
of winter; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend events which symbolize the historical, social and cultural
development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles
upon which this Nation was founded; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate Holi, an ancient Hindu Spring Festival, with the 34th Annual
Phagwah Parade on March 27, 2022; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, Inc., the Arya Spiritual
Center, the Hindu Parades and Festivals Committee, Inc., and the
Caribbean Equality Project.