On Friday March 14, 2025, the Chai and Chutney club under SAYA hosted an event commemorating Holi. Students and teachers were engaged in singing, dancing and learning more about the significance of this celebration. Traditional foods were served such as samosas (a South Asia pastry typically stuffed with potatoes) and mango lassi (a mango drink with a somewhat thick texture). Ms. Soleti, the club advisor, and the student leaders planned this celebration for weeks in hopes that Chai and Chutney will extend to a large student population at Richmond Hill High School.
Holi, regarded as the Hindu festival of colors, is celebrated mainly in India and the Caribbean. Its celebration is greatly attributed to the triumph of good over evil and marks the beginning of spring in India. Unity is one of the prevalent themes of this observance. Some countries (like those in the Caribbeans) mostly refer to this festival as Phagwah hence both terms (Holi & Phagwah) are used interchangeably.
Student leader Jasleen Kaur, described the Holi celebration at Chai and Chutney as “colorful and joyful.” Jasleen also saw the Holi celebration as a great opportunity to network their club to students at school. “More students will get to know that there is a community,” she said.
The student leader went on to identify the core ideals of the Chai and Chutney club and stated that Eid–an Islamic holiday to commemorate the conclusion of the holy month of fasting- Ramadan–will be celebrated by this club.
“The Chai and Chutney club is special for the South Asian community,” Jasleen said. “By celebrating this festival, students will get the chance to remember what they used to do back in their country.”
Junior Kelly Isrie who attended Chai and Chutney’s Holi event expressed her excitement in participating in the activities. “The experience was colorful, exciting and energetic,” Kelly said. She recalled that her favorite memory was applying “powder” on her peers’ faces. Kelly plans on returning to the Chai and Chutney club more often.
English teacher Mr. Canzoneri, expressed his admiration for the symbolic nature of Holi. “I didn’t want to leave,” he said, explaining that he still had a tutoring class to return to but wished he could stay longer. ”I wanted to celebrate with everyone.” Mr. Canzoneri stated that it was his first time observing the celebration and described his experience as “optimistic, heartwarming and celebratory.” He is looking forward to the Holi celebration at the Chai and Chutney club next year, in hope to amplify the message of unity. “What a lovely sentiment, especially in today’s times, to bring everybody together in unity,” Mr. Canzoneri said.
