Phagwah / Holi Guyana

View on map
Religious & SpiritualGeorgetown/Multi-city
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
CrowdMediumAbout 50,000 people
Best forCeremony, pilgrimageGeorgetown's National Park hosts one of the
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: GYD
CategoryReligious & SpiritualFestival type
The story

Phagwah / Holi Guyana in Georgetown/Multi-city

Phagwah, the Guyanese name for the Hindu festival of Holi, has been observed since Indian indentured laborers arrived in the colony in 1838 and became a national public holiday in 1967. Celebrations begin with a bonfire the night before and continue with the throwing of coloured powder and liquid at temples and Georgetown's National Park, drawing participants across Guyana's ethnic communities.

Indian indentured laborers began arriving in then British Guiana in 1838, and the Hindu spring festival of Holi they brought with them, known locally as Phagwah, has been observed in the colony and later the independent nation for close to two centuries.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Georgetown's National Park hosts one of the country's largest public color-throwing gatherings on Phagwah morning, while the Shri Krishna Mandir in Georgetown and the Palmyra Mandir in Berbice anchor temple-based celebrations elsewhere in the country

02

The mystery stays covered

The ritual sequence is specific: a bonfire the night before, called Holika Dahan, followed by morning prayers and then the throwing of abeer, coloured liquid, and abrack, coloured powder, accompanied by traditional chowtal singing, a structure documented consistently across Guyanese Hindu organizations and government coverage of the holiday

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Holika Dahan bonfires the night before

Water and renewal

Living ritual

morning temple prayers

The sacred route

Living ritual

and the throwing of abeer and abrack accompanied by chowtal singing are the core

The local code

Living ritual

well-documented rituals of the day

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Move patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.

What to wear

Old clothing you are prepared to have permanently stained with coloured powder and liquid, plus footwear you do not mind getting wet or dyed.

Safety

Watch local behavior before photographing, filming, or entering sacred spaces.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Public ritual moments are often free, but donations, transport, or temple access may vary.

Language/currency

GYD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map6.80 N, 58.16 WOpen in Google Maps

Georgetown/Multi-city, National, Guyana

Nearest airportGEO — Cheddi Jagan
TransportMove patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Georgetown/Multi-city via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Georgetown/Multi-city, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearOld clothing you are prepared to have permanently stained with coloured powder and liquid, plus footwear you do not mind getting wet or dyed.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Guyana and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Phagwah / Holi Guyana?

Phagwah / Holi Guyana is listed for Past edition: 3 March 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Phagwah / Holi Guyana take place?

The festival is listed in Georgetown/Multi-city, Guyana. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Georgetown/Multi-city, National, Guyana

How big is it?

Medium: 50000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URL592hub.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Fiesta de la Virgen de Caacupe

8 December 2026

Caacupe, Paraguay
Photo pending

Grand Magal de Touba

3 August 2026

Touba, Senegal
Photo pending

Romeria de la Virgen de los Angeles

1–2 August 2026

Cartago, Costa Rica
Photo pending

Sydney Royal Easter Show

19–30 March 2027

Sydney, Australia

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →