Embassy of India
Paramaribo, Suriname
Concurrently accredited to Barbados, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Press Release
Press Release Holi Phagwa Event
Embassy of India
Paramaribo
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PRESS RELEASE
Subject: Celebration of the Holi Phagwa Event at Bharat Bhawan
Embassy and SVCC Celebrate Holi Phagwa Festival Under PCTD Scheme
As part of the Promotion of Cultural Ties with Diaspora (PCTD) Scheme, the India's Embassy in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) organized the celebration of the Holi Phagwa festival at Bharat Bhawan today. The event showcased traditional music, dance, song, and the colorful festivity of gulal throwing, bringing together diverse communities in cultural harmony.
The celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including H.E. Lalinie Gopal, the President’s Representative and Chief Guest, Hon’ble Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, along with H.E. Patrick Brunings, Hon’ble Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment; H.E. Dirk Currie, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Science and Culture; and H.E. Raymond Landveld, Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Communications and Tourism. Members of the Suriname National Assembly, representatives of cultural associations, the diplomatic corps, diaspora organizations, senior officials, local artists, and members of the general public also participated in the festivities.
Ambassador H.E. Subhash Prasad Gupta in his address mentioned the cultural significance of the festival in India's Agrarian society. He added that the Holi Phagwa holds a special place in the culture of Suriname, celebrated widely by both the Diaspora and the general public.
The festival celebration featured traditional elements including gulal throwing, festive music, dance performances, etc. Event included the performance of Chautaal (Chowtal) and Baithak Gana, traditional singing forms rooted in the Awadhi-Bhojpuri-Maithili dialects. Local Surinamese artists brought these ancient musical traditions to life, with authentic renditions. Students from the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and a local dance school also performed several dances.
The programme concluded with refreshments and a selection of Indian snacks.
A few photographs of the event are attached below.
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Paramaribo
3rd March 2026.
