Esther 9:1, 15, 17, 19, 21

So on March 7 the two decrees of the king were put into effect. On that day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but quite the opposite happened. It was the Jews who overpowered their enemies.

Then the Jews at Susa gathered together on March 8 and killed 300 more men, and again they took no plunder.

This was done throughout the provinces on March 7, and on March 8 they rested, celebrating their victory with a day of feasting and gladness.

So to this day, rural Jews living in remote villages celebrate an annual festival and holiday on the appointed day in late winter, when they rejoice and send gifts of food to each other.

calling on them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days.