Muharram
Culture/religion: Islamic
Date: August 20
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Muharram is one of the four sacred months of the year for Muslims.
Muharram means “forbidden” and because it is holy, many Muslims use this as a time of prayer and reflection. Many Muslims consider this a solemn time and do not take part in any joyous events. The new year is celebrated by visiting the mosque to pray for well-being and by spending time with family and loved ones.
Sources: What is Muharram: Five Things You Need to Know About Islamic New Year, Times of IndiaGanesh Chaturthi
Culture/religion: Hindu
Date: August 22
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day Hindu festival celebrating the anniversary of the birth of the elephant-headed god Ganesha. Ganesha is known as the god of wealth, sciences, knowledge, wisdom and prosperity, and many Hindus seek his blessing before beginning any important work.
Four main rituals are performed during the 10-day festival: Pranapratishhtha, Shhodashopachara, – offering prayer to Ganesha’s idol in 16 different ways; Uttarpuja – bidding farewell to Ganesha with deep respect; and Ganpati Visarjan – a ceremony where the statue of Ganesha is carried to the sea and placing it in the water. Ganesh idols are decorated with flowers, garlands and lights and placed in homes, temples and other locations.
It is thought those who pray to Ganesha are set free of sins and set on a path of knowledge and wisdom.
Sources: Ganesh Chaturthi, Wikipedia; Ganesh Chaturthi 2019: History, Importance and Rituals of Vinayaka Chavithi, Times of India