It’s not uncommon to hear students laughing and see them running in the hallways of EHS, but this was something different. There was a special level of excitement in the air as they eagerly grabbed their small paper plates filled with Gulal (colored powders) and raced to the Physics wing’s exit.
The Unity Club’s Spring Festival took place on Friday (5/8) in the Culinary Arts room (102), and then moved outside to where the true technicolor mayhem began. In the spirit of Holi, kids enjoyed basking in the sunshine and chasing each other as they sprinkled and then hurled Gulal at one another. A celebration of spring and renewal, this holiday is about hope and joy.
Those colors? They’re so much more than they seem. Of course people enjoy sprinkling and smearing them on each other, but there is something to their being shared that helps to symbolize that “everyone is the same beneath the color” (“Holi Hai!”)
Holi, a Hindu holiday traditionally celebrated in March, was postponed this year due to the consistently inconsistent weather. High winds and cold temperatures put this festival of colors on hold – at least here at EHS.
“The rough start to spring definitely affected our plans for Holi,” admitted Social Studies teacher and Unity Club Co-advisor, Mrs. Jen Norato.
“Typically this would have been celebrated in March with the arrival of spring. Since there was still snow on the ground, we delayed our celebrations to align with more spring weather,” Norato added.
The Unity Club brought the fun back in full force with food (from Bombay Hut in Waldwick, NJ), music, and decorations. Everything was gone by the time this roving reporter made her way there, so you know it was delicious and truly appreciated by the hungry hordes that spilled out of the room and into the hallway.
Norato said, “We were focused on a fun gathering for all of EHS. We wanted to have an event that everyone could join in and brighten up their afternoon.”
She continued, “We love how this event spreads by word of mouth as it’s happening. Even though the days leading up to it didn’t have morning announcements, students spread the word and join(ed) in the fun! You don’t have to be in the Unity Club to join our fun!”
Judging by the empty serving trays, shrieks of delight, and smiling faces, the event was a success.
Mrs. Norato agreed, “Overall, the event was a fabulous time for everyone! Students always love the color celebration and come back year after year to join in! Personally, I love the food! Having small samples of a variety of food is a great way to experience a new culture. Shout out to Bombay Hut in Waldwick for making this available to us!”
Shout to the Unity Club, Mrs. Norato, and Mr. Deo for making this available to everyone!
