Campus Ministry

By Crystal Caruana Sullivan, Executive Director of Campus Ministry

Members of the University of Dayton community celebrate important religious holidays and cultural celebrations that span many different faith and cultural traditions.  Sunday, March 28 is Holi, a spring festival with Hindu origins celebrated in India and other areas of South Asia.

Holi is an annual holiday signifying the arrival of spring on the Hindu calendar. On the full moon, or Phalguna Purnima, people take to the streets to drench each other in colored powder and water. A carnival of laughter, play, music, dance and plenty to eat and drink ensues around the brightly colored hordes of people celebrating Holi. On the night before this joyful holiday, the ritual of preparing a Holika bonfire kicks off the activities with song, dance and preparation for the next morning. The burning fire symbolizes the defeat of Holika. The holiday thus celebrates the triumph of good, and makes way for the day of celebrating love, friendship, family and community. After a wild morning, evenings are spent gathering with loved ones.

Holi has ancient rituals and traditions rooted in Hinduism. It is most popular in India, where it is a public holiday in many states, but is also celebrated in Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and any other areas around the world influenced by Hindu culture. Although the nature of Holi’s celebration varies from region to region, its rich history means an enduring rejoice of love, color, spring and all things good and happy.  Find out more information about Holi here.

To all students, staff and faculty, let's use occasions like these to reflect and renew. Happy Holi to everyone! May it be filled with joy and learning.