ISSUE 99 | MAR 2024

March is here with the 99th edition of the MBE Business Magazine.

WOW is all I can say about the weather we have experienced in southern Ontario for the month of February. If this glorious weather is a result of global warming, sign me up. Almost no snow and temperatures in the double digits for most of the month – what’s not to like about that? Let’s hope March is just as good if not better than February. Some important days for the month of March are as follows:

March 10th is the beginning of Ramadan. It is the holy month for Muslims worldwide and this month-long celebration involves fasting, prayer, reflection, and communal gatherings. It's viewed as a time of spiritual development and personal growth, encouraging individuals to focus on positivity and purify their thoughts and actions. Although fasting is a crucial observance, Ramadan also emphasizes charitable giving, family bonding, and community outreach.

Sunday March 17th is Saint Patrick's Day which commemorates Saint Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Over the years, however, its significance has broadened to celebrate Irish culture and heritage more generally. Expressions of Irish identity, jubilant festivities, parades, wearing of green attire, and public feasts are notable aspects of the observance.

March 19th is the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz. This marks the beginning of the New Year in the Iranian calendar and symbolizes the renewal of nature in spring.

Commencing sundown on March 23rd, Purim is a Jewish festival observed globally to celebrate the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them, as recorded in the biblical Book of Esther. The festivity includes several key aspects like public readings of the Book of Esther, offering charitable gifts, sharing festive meals, and dressing in costumes.

March 29th is Good Friday, celebrated by Christians around the world, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Recognized for its solemnity, the day is a significant event in the Christian calendar, marking the climax of Holy Week and initiating the Easter Triduum that concludes on Easter Sunday. Many Christians reflect on the sufferings and sacrifices of Jesus, with the central theme being his passion, crucifixion, and death.

Lastly but most importantly, Sunday March 31st is Easter, a significant religious holiday observed by Christians around the world, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It represents new life and is a time for believers to reflect on the story of Christ's crucifixion, as documented in the New Testament. The Observance comes with several associated traditions including church services, the sharing of meals, and engaging in charitable work.

In this issue, you will find contributing articles from many different personalities including the management team of MBE - Mr. Mansoor Naqvi, and Mr. Alamdar Hussain.