Mar. 7 Purim -- Jewish
also known as the “Feast of Lots,” this Jewish festival celebrates the survival of Jews who were marked for death by Persian rulers; celebrated by reading from the Book of Esther, giving tzedakah or charity, exchanging gifts, and attending festive meals
Mar. 8 Holi -- Hindu
major Hindu festival celebrating and the onset of spring, along with good harvests and the fertility of the land; known best for the way people throw brightly colored powder and water over each other to celebrate, including distributing sweets amongst friends and singing folk songs
Mar. 8 -Mar. 10 Hola Mohalla -- Sikh
a 3-day festival in which Sikhs enjoy communal meals, religious song and prayer, and martial arts performances
Mar. 19 St. Joseph's Feast Day -- Christian
celebrates Jesus’ legal father and Mary’s spouse; predominantly observed by Catholics (though not a holy day of obligation), some in the Anglican Communion, and some Lutherans
Mar. 21 Ostara -- Wiccan
is one of the eight Sabbats in Wiccan tradition, celebrates the spring equinox; marks new beginnings and often involves planting seeds and hunting for eggs
Mar. 21 Naw Ruz -- Persian and Baha'i
marks the Persian and Baha'i New Year, which also occurs on the vernal equinox; often celebrated through cleaning, eating special dishes, and reflecting on the new year
Mar. 22 - Mar. 31 Navaratri -- Hindu
a festival that celebrates the Goddess Durga; honored differently by different people but often includes fasting, dancing, feasting, and partaking in communal rituals
Mar. 22 - Apr. 21 Ramadan -- Islam
the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community; observance may include fasting including abstention from all food and drink from sunrise to sunset, additional prayer times, and attendance at religious services
Mar. 25 The Annunciation -- Christian
a celebration of Angel Gabriel’s announcement that Mary would give birth to Jesus; celebrated through attendance of special services and recitation of the Hail Mary