This spring is a time of many religious celebrations, including Ramadan and Holi. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it can occur at different times during the Gregorian solar calendar year. This year, it begins on Monday, March 11, and ends on Monday, April 8. Holi is a Hindu celebration that falls this year on Monday, March 25.
Ramadan is a month of daytime fasting. As Ramadan is considered a holy month that brings people closer to Allah, “fasting” in this case refers to refraining from eating and drinking as well as other activities that diminish closeness to Allah, including unkind actions or thoughts. The fast lasts from dawn to dusk. Before dawn, people eat a meal called “Suhoor,” and the post-sunset meal is called “Iftar.” The latter is usually a feast eaten with friends and family.
Ramadan celebrates the month that the Prophet Muhammad received the Quran from Allah. However, it is recognized that some people cannot participate in the fast. Exemptions include people who are unwell—physically or mentally; people who are menstruating, pregnant, or nursing; travelers; prepubescent children; and elderly people whose participation in the fast would have adverse health effects. In addition, if a person has to break their fast during Ramadan, their fasting days can be made up later.
The day after the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration, is held as a feast.
Holi also has a religious historical background. It celebrates the myth of Lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu deities, saving Prahlad from his father, the demon Hiranyakashyap. It is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. Some people also use Holi as a celebration of the love between Lord Krishna and Radha, two other Hindu deities.
Parts of the celebration begin the evening before Holi, called Holika Dahan. For the Holi ritual Puja Vidhi, people first collect wood and other materials for a bonfire. Then, the pyre is wrapped with white thread, and holy water and flowers are scattered on it. Finally, the pyre is set aflame as a symbol of destroying evil.
The next day, people celebrate in a festival, covering themselves and each other in a multitude of colored powders and water. They also consume traditional Indian desserts and drinks.
Although Ramadan and Holi are different in many ways, they are both ways to celebrate and honor their respective religions with their communities.
