Students Celebrate Spring Holidays

Celebrating in March

March is a time of celebration, as many cultures, communities, and religions around the world observe holidays during this time. March holidays provide an opportunity for people to come together, reflect on their past, and connect with others.

Holi, a Hindu festival known as the “Festival of Colors,” takes place on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, usually in late February or early March. The celebration is a time to welcome spring, to forget and forgive, and to strengthen relationships with loved ones. People dance, eat traditional sweets, and throw colored powder and water at each other. 

Tara Pabla, a junior at the School who celebrates Holi, says that she loves the holiday because she “[gets] together with family and friends and [eats] lots of Indian food while throwing colorful powder everywhere.” She says it’s a fun experience where she “[connects] with all the people close to [her].”

Easter, a Christian holiday, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, which can take place anywhere between March 22 and April 25. Before Easter comes Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance.

Christians go to church on Easter Sunday, trade Easter eggs, and gather with family and friends for a festive meal. Junior Jared Chin celebrates Easter by “eating a big meal with friends and family,” and similar to Pabla, states that the holiday “pulls all his loved ones together.” 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims globally as a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the dates of Ramadan change every year. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and sinful acts during this month from dawn until dusk. Muslims gather with family and friends to enjoy Eid al-Fitr, a festival of joy and thanksgiving, at the end of the month. 

Senior Jasmine Khalil speaks insightfully on her experience: “Ramadan is an incredibly special time of year for me. It’s a time to focus on my faith and to remember the importance of being grateful for all of the blessings in my life. I love the opportunity to reflect on my values and to spend time with my family and friends.” She also adds that she is “especially looking forward to celebrating this year since MMENA is now a well established affinity group.” March holidays offer a time for celebration, reflection, and connection. By exploring the origins and significance of them, we can gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of cultures and traditions around the world.