March 2025 is a time for contemplation and observance
Did you dress in green on 17th March for St. Patrick's Day? Have you been swept up in the lively spirit and vivid colours of Holi?
March 2025 is truly a month brimming with celebrations and spiritual significance. It sees:
- Christians observing Lent in anticipation of Easter;
- Muslims fasting during Ramadan before welcoming Eid al-Fitr, and
- commemoration of Race Relations Day on 21st March - aligning with the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
How many festivals do you know that take place in March this year? eCALD dived in to find out more about a new of these upcoming celebrations!
Ramadan: A Comprehensive Guide
Approximately 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan, as it is a central practice in Islam. There are approximately 75,200 Muslims in Aotearoa New Zealand. Ramadan plays a significant role in their spiritual practice.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest months in Islam. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adult Muslims, with certain exceptions.
Learn more about Ramadan.
The Bahá’í Faith
“It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” - Bahá’u’lláh
The Bahá’í Faith has been in Aotearoa New Zealand for over a century. From its beginnings in the 19th century, the Bahá’í Faith has spread to every corner of the planet. In fact, it is the second most geographically widespread religion on Earth, with more than five million members in over 200 countries representing over 2,000 ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups.
Learn more about the Bahá’í Faith.
Nowruz: A New Year Celebration
Nowruz is an ancient celebration dating back over 3000 years in ancient Persia (modern day Iran) and is now celebrated across many countries that once belonged to the Persian Empire. With roots in the ancient Iranian religion of Zoroastrianism, it is celebrated on the day of Northern vernal equinox which is regarded as the first day of the new year in the Solar Hijiri or Iranian solar calendar and generally falls between the 20th and 22nd of March.
Learn more about Nowruz.
Falooda: A “Historic” Drink
Falooda is a delicious drink that tells us a story of human travel, migration, and cultural fusion. While it may look different or even have a different name, the flavours will be familiar to those from several regions across the vast continent of Asia and some communities in South America and Africa reminding us of the cultural connections and similarities among us.
Learn more about falooda.