Graphic by Carolyn Chen ’25/The Choate News
By Eshana Hora ’27
Since returning from spring break, spiritual life events have enlivened campus. Over the past few weeks, students have celebrated three major spiritual events: Holi, Easter, and Ramadan, each encouraging the Choate community to come together.
On April 2, the Choate South Asian Association (CSAA) hosted a Holi event to commemorate the Festival of Colors, which took place on March 25. According to CSAA Junior Officer Zahabiya Khokha ’27, “We spent a good amount of time trying to figure out what would be the best way to provide everyone with a Holi that they could remember.”
In addition to water guns to spray and colored powders for participants to throw at one another, fragrant Indian food and upbeat Hindi music were provided to make this year’s Holi event lively. Attendee Nila Rajan ’26 mentioned that the highlight for her was throwing the colored powders. Zoie Wang ’26, who also attended the event, said: “I loved it … when they did an introduction at the beginning, it was very interesting to learn about.” She added that she “hopes to do it again next year.”
On the following day, April 3, Choate’s Christian Fellowship hosted an Easter service and brunch to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. During the service, students sang hymns, prayed together, read scriptures, and took part in communion. Director of Spiritual Life and Choate’s Protestant Chaplain Reverand Aaron Rathbun explained that he hoped the event “provided a gathering for those in the Christian tradition to celebrate what Easter is all about.”
Attendee Cait Ahn ’25 stated that while she wasn’t religious, she appreciated how welcoming Reverend Rathbun was to the whole audience. “He acknowledged that not everyone there was religious, but we’re all here to participate respectfully in this event,” Ahn said.
Xiu Lim ’25 also had a positive experience. He recalled, “The whole ceremony was incredibly joyful. Everyone was in a really good mood.” The most memorable part for Lim was the baptism of Sophia Kim ’24, which took place in the Chapel by Reverend Rathbun. After the service, a brunch and Easter egg hunt coordinated by the Student Activities Center (SAC) wrapped up the celebration.
The third spiritual life event celebrated was Ramadan, which lasted from March 10–April 9, where observing students fasted from sunrise to sundown. To support students, Choate offered iftar, the fast-breaking meal, every night during the month in a buffet separate from the dining hall in a private space in the SAC. “We have given lots of support for students,” Muslim Chaplain Mr. Yassine Benzinane said. “They can take breaks when they are exhausted, especially from athletics or afternoon activities.”
In collaboration with other Spiritual Life groups, a traditional Eid al-Fitr meal, meant to celebrate the end of Ramadan, was held on April 10, and a community Eid event on April 12. “We are joined in efforts so we could have a festive event that includes a diverse group of people and is open to the whole community,” Mr. Benzinane said. These events aimed to provide students with a meal similar to a traditional family meal.
Tariq El Mammann ’24 was one of the many students fasting for Ramadan. Despite facing challenges throughout the school day, his Ramadan experience was positive. “I see it as an opportunity to grow myself but also grow my relationship with my faith,” El Mammann said. “Fatigue does build up … [but] my coaches and teammates are all very loving and supportive. I’m very appreciative of everything that they do.”
Another student who fasted for Ramadan was Kadija Benzinane ’27. She echoed El Mammann’s sentiments and said that her friends were “knowledgeable and understanding.” Additionally, both Benzinane and El Mammann mentioned that they hope to foster a greater understanding of Ramadan across the Choate community in the future through events that raise awareness about Muslim culture.
From sharing various cultural foods to participating in services, the Choate community has opened the spring term with opportunities to come together, create new bonds, and light up campus with warmth and laughter. “Getting the community together to learn about the diversity on Choate campus … it was great,” Wang said. “I definitely hope to see more.”
