BlogWHY CELEBRATING RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AT SCHOOL MATTERS
WHY CELEBRATING RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AT SCHOOL MATTERS
2025-09-13
Since we all know, holidays are mostly given to celebrate, relax, and socialize with our loved ones. All people around the world deserve their respective holidays. Religious holidays are special and sacred days for individuals practicing different religions. Dashain and Tihar for Hindus, Eid for Muslims, Christmas for Christians, and Buddha Jayanti for Buddhists are some of them. On such days, people pray, wear traditional clothes, spend quality time with their families, and do religious and cultural activities. These festivals are filled with love, faith, and happiness. Schools need to give vacations or announce special days for different religions so that students can get the opportunity to celebrate their heritage. Doing this is a way to show that their festivals and cultures are loved and cared for by others also.
Respecting religious holidays in school has several positive effects. It makes the students feel valued and satisfied because their religion is treated as valuable. They are allowed to celebrate with their families and enjoy their culture. It also introduces students to other religions, which promotes respect and understanding among them. “Finding simple ways to celebrate different holidays in the classroom can create a culture of inclusion and deepen understanding” (Gray). This creates peace and harmony in school. When all the religions are equally respected, students feel more integrated. Schools should also provide information regarding the festivals so that the students can learn while enjoying at the same time.
In line with this, a poll was conducted among the students of Grade IX, where the participants were asked about their opinions on certain topics surrounding religious holidays in schools. Almost everyone agreed that holidays for celebrating religious events were important and should be included. They also expressed how schools can do more when it comes to teaching students about such holidays, through actual celebrations, as well as visits to areas where they are practised by locals.
But if holidays occur too often, this can disturb learning and reduce class time. So, schools should give holidays during the major festivals but not neglect studies. But this doesn't mean that schools give holidays only for popular culture or popular festivals. All the religions and their festivals are important, so schools have to try to give equal value to all.
Religious festivals are highly useful and beneficial for society and individuals. Religious festivals give time to unwind and enjoy with family and friends. These festivals also make us respectful, kind, and peaceful towards others and ourselves. These festivals bring people from different backgrounds together and foster peace. These festivals also offer time for students and workers to relax. In general, religious holidays improve life and make people happier. They unite people and create a peaceful society.
Celebrating religious holidays at school makes the students proud and feel important because they are celebrating their own culture. It also teaches them how to respect and understand individuals belonging to other religions, which unites the students and makes them peaceful. The schools must also take care not to blend these holidays with studies in such a manner that the students don't lack important studies. Celebrating religious holidays at school also gives a peaceful environment where all feel welcomed and happy.
References
Gray, Kyleen. “Sharing Holiday Traditions in the Classroom.” Edutopia, 3 Oct. 2019, www.edutopia.org/article/sharing-holiday-traditions-classroom/
