Cultural Highlights

Easter, an annual Christian celebration honoring the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the central Holy Days of Christianity. Traditionally observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, it follows Lent, 40 days marked by fasting, prayer, and penance. Preceded by Palm Sunday (March 24) and Good Friday (March 29), commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion and death as described in the Bible’s New Testament, Resurrection Sunday, commonly known as Easter Sunday, falls on March 31st. 

Globally, Easter traditions include connections to pagan symbolism representing fertility and rebirth, alongside other traditions like attending sunrise services, decorating eggs, and wearing Easter bonnets. The popular Easter egg hunt and egg decorating, particularly popular among children, is often accompanied by the Easter bunny, a folklore figure symbolically delivering Easter eggs during many Easter festivities.

Beyond these secular traditions, Easter holds profound religious significance for Christians. Many attend church services, pray, and reaffirm their faith. It serves as a celebration of hope and the promise of new life brought forth by Jesus’ resurrection.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, begins this Sunday evening, March 10th. It holds profound significance as one of the holiest months of the year as it commemorates the revelation of the Qu’ran, the central holy book of Islam. Pending the sighting of the moon, some Muslims may commence observing Ramadan from the evening of March 11th.

From March 10th to April 9th, many Muslims observe fasting from food and drink during daylight hours to deepen their spiritual connection with the divine. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan is embraced as an invaluable opportunity for self-reflection, spiritual refinement, and the pursuit of moral excellence. This time serves as a period of heightened devotion and a pathway toward personal growth within the Muslim community. 

During this time, many Muslims awaken before dawn for a pre-fast meal known as suhoor, followed by the performance of the morning prayer. At sunset, the fast is often broken with dates and water, known as iftar, which symbolizes “the end of the day’s fasting.” After performing the sunset prayer, dinner is eaten. Additionally, after the 5th prayer of the day, some Muslims perform another set of prayers called Taraweeh, offering further spiritual reflection and devotion.

After Ramadan comes the joyous celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” A customary greeting for this holiday is “Eid Mubarak,” which conveys wishes for a “blessed holiday.”

The Pratt Muslim Student Association will be hosting the following events:

• Beginning March 22, Jummah prayers will be held from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM every Friday throughout Ramadan in the Interfaith Commons (IFC) East Building, First Floor. Imam Adnan Rokadia from Moslem Mosque Inc., the oldest continually operating mosque in New York, will lead Friday prayer services.
• The MSA is hosting a Ramadan Workshop, Halaqa, and a potluck. These events will include an Iftar every Friday from 6 PM to 9 PM during Ramadan. For more information, follow the MSA on Instagram @pratt.msa. 

Pratt Student Affairs and AVI have partnered to offer students boxed breakfast meals from AVI in the evening for the next day, allowing for an early breakfast. Students unable to make it to the dining hall before dining closure can arrange for a boxed dinner and breakfast with a supervisor using a meal swipe or cash/credit for payment. AVI supervisors can be reached in person by visiting the office in the Pratt Store or by asking a cashier.

Teaching While Muslim offers supplementary classroom resources for faculty.

Holi, the “Festival of Love,” the “Festival of Colors,” and the “Festival of Spring” is a cherished festival in Hindu culture originating in South Asia. It has transcended borders and been embraced worldwide through the Indian diaspora. With roots dating back to the 4th century, this vibrant celebration holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Holi marks the eternal love between Radha and Krishna, two divine figures in Hindu mythology, and the victory of good over evil. It commences on the evening of Purnima, the Full Moon Day, in the Hindu month of Phalguna, typically in March, falling on Monday, March 25th, this year. The festivities kick off with Holika Dahan, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness, followed by the joyous color play the next morning, where participants smear each other with vibrant hues, as they revel in the spirit of unity and merriment.

From its ancient origins to its global embrace, Holi embodies the spirit of love, unity, and renewal. Happy Holi! 

Pratt’s South Asian Student Association (SASA) is hosting a Holi celebration on campus on Saturday, March 30, at 12 noon. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities welcoming spring! Remember to dress appropriately and wear clothing that you don’t mind getting stained with the vibrant powdered dye that will be joyfully thrown around.

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most significant Jewish holidays that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. This eight-day celebration typically begins on the 15th day of the first Jewish month, known as Nissan, and ends on the 22nd day of the same month. This year, Passover begins at sundown on Monday, April 22, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

During the first two evenings of Passover, a ceremonial meal known as the Seder is hosted and is the focal point of the holiday. It includes ritual blessings, symbolic foods, and drinks, all guided by the recitation of the Haggadah, a book that recounts the story of the Exodus of Israelites from Egypt. During the Seder, some families gather to retell the story of the Exodus through readings from the Haggadah, a special text that guides the ceremony. Foods such as matzo, bitter herbs (maror), and haroset (a sweet mixture representing the mortar used by Jewish enslaved people) are eaten to symbolize different aspects of the Exodus narrative. 

Beyond its historical roots, Passover continues to unite Jewish communities worldwide in celebration. It is a time for remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for the freedom bestowed upon the Jewish people. It is a time for families to unite, share in traditions and rituals, and reaffirm their connection to their faith and heritage. Chag Sameach! (Happy Passover!)

The Pratt Jewish Student Union (JSU) will be hosting various events around this and other holidays.  All events will be listed on their Engage page. 

The Cafeteria will have matzah available, for those observing Passover.