Port-of-Spain, March 1 (IANS) Indians in Trinidad and Tobago celebrated Holi, rejoicing the performance of a folk dance troupe from Mathura and splashing coloured powder on each other's face.

From early morning, thousands of Hindus came out in their vehicles decorated with banners and flags to greet the community members on the occasion.

Performance by the artists of Charuka Dance Academy of Mathura, Uttar Prades, was one of the main attractions at the celebration hosted by Indian High Commissioner Malay Mishra.

Scores of Indian expatriates working here attended the function which was organised by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation, Caroni.

Winston Dookeran, leader of the Congress of the People (COP), in a message, said that Holi, also known as 'Phagwa', has become a national festival as it provides 'a sense of spiritual empowerment and social mobility'.

'Phagwa has a message of hope, truth, humility and a spirit of humanitarianism for all mankind,' Dookeran said.

Satnarayan Maharaj, secretary general of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha(SDMS), said that Holi plays a vital role in the propagation of Indian culture across the world.

(Paras Ramoutar can be contacted at paras_ramoutar@yahoo.com)