Mepham High School’s A World of Difference Club hosted a festive Holi celebration on May 24 which featured dancing, some Indian fare and throwing colored powder around in jubilation.

Siddhi Vasishnav, a Mepham alumnus, taught students a Bollywood dance lesson. Vasishnav co-owns Nartan Rang Dance Academy, which has locations in New Hyde Park and Hicksville.

“Holi is a high holiday that marks the beginning of spring,” Vasishnav explained to students. “There is a tradition of gathering together with food and celebration.”

“While typically celebrated in March, due to the weather not being great at that time of year, we decided to push the event to May,” explained faculty adviser/science teacher Neeru Partap. Partap, co-adviser/science teacher Josephine Parlagreco and English teacher Linu Chacko planned the event.

Students indulged in traditional Indian food such as paneer pokada, samosas and jalebi. Then, donning their matching white AWOD T-shirts, students tossed cups of colored powder into the air and celebrated with each other.

The school’s AWOD Club seeks to explore the value of diversity while improving intergroup relations. They host various cultural events and activities throughout the school year.

Date Added: 5/26/2022