New seasons bring holiday spirit, and specific holidays often give us an excuse to spend time with family and friends and celebrate cultures that are important to us. Students at TuHS shared details about their holiday traditions. Sophomore Ronita Sarkar told The Wolf about Diwali, which she celebrates in October.

What is your favorite memory of Diwali?

During Diwali in the evening, I would go out with my friends in second grade, and we would burst firecrackers together. Our apartment was a community, and they packed sweets for us in little boxes. Later on, we went to my friend’s house, and their mom served us a traditional sweet, Jalebi, a deep-fried, fermented batter covered in sugar syrup.

Why do you celebrate Diwali?

It’s a long story. At the end of Diwali, everyone lights up a traditional candle called a diya. This is to show Lord Rama coming back from the war. For Hindus, it’s a way for them to welcome Lord Rama home after he was sent into exile for 14 years from Ayodhya.

Senior Chobei Nivera explained the importance of the New Year in her family.

Why do you celebrate New Year’s Eve?

I think that a start to the new year is a refreshing reset, especially since so much goes on throughout the year that you wouldn’t expect; some are great, and some are bad, but it works out in the end.

Have you been to a New Year’s Eve party?

Holiday season is an opportunity to embrace different cultures

Yes! I usually go almost every year with my mom and sister, but now I like staying at home with a few of my close friends, or I go to their house!

Do you stay up until midnight?

Of course! It’s the best part of the holiday itself, besides the Martinelli’s! Sophomore Rielly Hogland celebrates Hanukkah each year.