The Phagwah parade of New York has a new date set for mid-April. Normally held in March, this time around it will be held on April 14. Organizers of the Queens-based event say brisk temperatures last year prompted the decision to delay it for a later date to maintain its regulars, said the parade’s co-chair.
“Last year was below freezing for winter and many of the artists who usually participate said they were frozen, and lots of people who came left early,” said Herman Singh.
Phagwah, also known as Holi is a religious Hindu holiday. Festival-goers typically celebrate it with colored powder, earning it the nickname as the festival of colors.
This year the holiday will be observed on March 2, but to prevent a low parade turnout, Singh said the parade committee pushed back the date to be in accordance with spring and avoid interference with other Hindu observances in March. And the community feedback is in agreement with the delay, added Singh.
“People are pleased with it because some of them didn’t show up last year,” he said.
The parade will proceed down its usually route in Richmond Hill, starting at Liberty Avenue and 133rd Street and ending at 125th Street and Atlantic Avenue.
