blink|bmobile continued its support of local culture by extending support to the Kendra Phagwa Festival. Based on ancient Hindu scriptures which tells of the demise of a demonic king, Hiranyakashipu, the Festival took place on Easter Sunday this year at the Kendra Grounds, Chaguanas, with the usual colourful festivities and Pichakaaree competition.
Both blink | bmobile and the Kendra Phagwa Festival celebrated their 25th anniversaries this year with chief marketing officer at TSTT, Camille Campbell, noting the positive impact both have had on the local cultural landscape of T&T.
“Like blink | bmobile, the Kendra Phagwa Festival is a product of the ingenuity of the people of T&T. It is a representation of our culture and is celebrated by many Trinbagonians of varying religious and ethnic backgrounds,” said Campbell. “It belongs to all of us, much like blink | bmobile, and has come to help shape our multicultural existence in T&T.”
Campbell said the company was happy to support the festival and congratulated all the participants of the various traditional competitions for their effort and accomplishments. She also commended the festival organisers for a well-run event and their commitment to ensuring the longevity of local culture.
Among the winners of the pichakaaree competition, Toolsie Ramdass Singh was adjudged the National Pichakaaree Champion for his song, Damaru Bajawe (Play The Drums), which was composed by Mohip Poonwasie, who was named the top composer this year.
Festival manager, Geeta Sumarie Ramsingh, said she was pleased with the overall turnout and participation at the event, despite it being held on Easter weekend with a number of other competing activities.
“The organising committee is very pleased with the attendance and participation in all the Kendra Phagwa Festival activities. This was a landmark year for us as we commemorated 25 years of the KPF and the months of planning, rehearsals and hard work was really worth it,” said Ramsingh. “We feel a great sense of accomplishment and already some initial planning is on the way for next year's festival.”
Additionally, Ramsingh thanked blink | bmobile for their continued support and commitment to culture and community building. “We are very appreciative of the support of TSTT, especially over the last few years. This year they have again shown their commitment to community building initiatives and family-oriented events like those organised by the Kendra Phagwa Festival. We laud their support.”
The venue itself had a huge turnout, which included a number of foreigners who were either there to study the festivities, or just enjoy the day with friends. No one was spared the onslaught of colour as participants seemed to have an endless supply of the customary dyes and powder that are the signature feature of Phagwa celebrations.
RESULTS
SONG CATEGORY—The Champion—Toolsie Ramdass Singh (Damaru Bajawe—Play The Drums)
Social Commentary Category
1: Jagdeo Phagoo
2: Kamaldai Ramkissoon
Festive Category
1: Rikki Khandoo
2: Bindra Bachan
Theme Category
1: Marva Mckenzie
2: Akshay Khandoo
COMPOSER CATEGORY- The Champion—Mohip Poonwassie (past champion composer)
Social Commentary Category
1: Jagdeo Phagoo
2: Mukesh Babooram
Festive Category
1: Mohip Poonwassie
2: Mohip Poonwassie
Theme Category
1: Mukesh Babooram
2: Rooknath Lackpat
Most creative & imaginative use of Hindi
1: Jagdeo Phagoo
OTHER CATEGORIES
Best Costume
1: Toolsie Ramdass Singh
2: Mohip Poonwassie
Best Props
1: Mohip Poonwassie
2: Jagdeo Phagoo