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March 2025 Observances Ramadan Ramadan is significant because it is believed to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The spiritual rewards of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan, and Muslims devote themselves to prayer, reading the Quran, and performing good deeds. The pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called suhoor, and the meal to break the fast after sunset is called iftar. Ramadan is also a time for increased community and family gatherings, with many Muslims attending special nightly prayers called Tarawih. The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday that includes communal prayers, feasting, and charity giving. In 2025, Ramadan will be observed February 28 – March 29 Zero Discrimination Day Zero Discrimination Day emphasizes everyone's right to live a full and productive life with dignity. It highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace, and a movement for change. The theme for 2025 is "We Stand Together," underscoring the importance of solidarity in ending discrimination. The day is particularly noted by organizations like UNAIDS that combat discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. It also addresses issues related to discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalized groups. Women’s History Month The theme for Women’s History Month 2025 is “Moving Forward Together,” celebrating women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. This theme highlights women's collective strength, equality, and influence in shaping the minds and futures of all generations. Women’s History Month is also observed in the United Kingdom and Australia, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8. The month provides an opportunity to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to U.S. history, from figures like Abigail Adams and Susan B. Anthony to Sojourner Truth and Rosa Parks. International Women’s Day The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 was "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," which emphasizes the importance of advancing women's rights and gender equality. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a significant milestone in the global movement for women's rights. International Women’s Day is celebrated in various ways worldwide, including rallies, conferences, art exhibitions, and performances. It is a day to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity. National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners lead the annual campaign, emphasizing the need for community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. The theme for 2025 is "We’re Here All Year," underscoring that awareness and inclusion should be recognized and championed every day, not just in March. This month, various activities and events are organized to promote understanding and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. These include social media campaigns, photo submissions, and community engagement initiatives. The goal is to create a more inclusive society where everyone could thrive and succeed. Innovative Resources for Independence (IRI) is a New York-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They suggest that we can observe National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the following ways:
Ash Wednesday On Ash Wednesday, Christians attend church services where they receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes, made by burning palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations, symbolize repentance and mortality. The act of receiving emphasizes the themes of repentance and reflection. The observance of Ash Wednesday can include fasting, abstinence from meat, and personal and communal confession. It is a time for Christians to focus on their spiritual growth and prepare for Easter. In 2025, Ash Wednesday was observed on March 5. Lent During Lent, Christians engage in fasting, prayer, repentance, and almsgiving practices. These practices are supposed to deepen their relationship with God and prepare their hearts and minds to celebrate Easter. The observance of Lent is common among Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some Protestant churches. The word "Lent" comes from the Old English word "lencten," which means springtime. It is a time for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and alignment with higher consciousness. Purim The story of Purim involves Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who thwarted Haman's plot to destroy the Jewish people. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing among Jews. Traditional observances of Purim include reading the Megillah (the Book of Esther), exchanging gifts of food and drink (mishloach manot), giving charity to the poor (mattanot la-evyonim), and enjoying a festive meal with family and friends. Dressing up in costumes and participating in parades and parties is also customary. Holi The festivities begin on the night before Holi with Holika Dahan, where bonfires symbolize the burning of evil spirits. On the day of Holi, people gather to play with colored powders and water, sing, dance, and enjoy festive foods. It is a time for forgiveness, renewal of relationships, and spreading joy and happiness. Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India and Nepal, and it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world who have large Indian communities. Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17-March 23) The week was founded in 2018 by Siena Castellon, who is autistic and has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. The initiative aims to change the narrative around learning differences and focus on the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals. During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, various events and activities are organized to promote understanding and support for neurodivergent individuals. These include panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and educational programs that aim to increase acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity St. Patrick’s Day Research suggests that Irish immigrants transformed St. Patrick’s day to a largely secular holiday of revelry and celebrations of all things Irish. Boston held the first St. Patrick’s day parade in 1737 with New York following in 1792. Irish and non-Irish alike commonly participate in the “wearing of the green”—sporting an item of green clothing or a shamrock, the Irish national plant, in the lapel. Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage and champ (mashed potatoes with green onions, butter and milk) are associated with the holiday. History.com shares that “The shamrock, which was also called the “seamroy” by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. As the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with English rule.” Since St. Patrick’s Day does fall during the season of Lent, Irish Families typically attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. New York City’s 264th New York St. Patrick’s Day will take place along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The broadcast can also be streamed on www.nycstpatricksparade.org, www.nbcnewyork.com Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo, PlayCozi and Youtube Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our Irish colleagues of ALANYC. Naw-Ruz – Bahai/Persian For Baháʼís, Naw-Ruz is a sacred day that symbolizes the renewal of time and the arrival of spring. The day follows the Baháʼí month of fasting and is associated with the Most Great Name of God1. Baháʼí communities worldwide observe Naw-Ruz with prayerful devotions, joyous fellowship, and festive gatherings. The celebrations often include readings from Baháʼí scriptures and moments of reflection on the spiritual significance of the day. In 2025, Naw-Ruz will begin at sunset on Wednesday, March 19, and end at sunset on Thursday, March 20. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism and the importance of promoting equality and human rights for all. Each year, various events and activities mark the day to raise awareness and combat racial discrimination. Equal Pay Day Equal Pay Day is a call to action to address and close the gender wage gap, promoting equal pay for equal work. It is a reminder of the progress that must be made to achieve gender equality in the workplace. International Transgender Day of Visibility The day is marked by various activities, including social media campaigns, events, and educational programs to increase the visibility and understanding of transgender issues. It is a time to celebrate the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere by elevating their voices and experiences. Visit Times Square Alliance or Event Brite for activities in New York City for TDOV. |