Muharram Culture/religion: Islamic Date: August 10 Muharram, one of the four sacred months of the year for Muslims, is the first month of the Islamic calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. 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 … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances-August 9-15, 2021
Hanuman Jayanti Culture/religion: Hindu Date: April 26 Hanuman Jayanti is a very special festival in India celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman is widely known and worshiped for his unflinching devotion to Lord Rama. Devotees visit Hanuman temples to worship Hanuman and get his blessings. People also celebrate by chanting various devotional hymns and … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – April 26-May 2, 2021
Ullambana Culture/religion: Buddhist Date: September 2 Ullambana means “deliverance from suffering,” and specifically refers to the salvation of anguished souls in Hell. This concept originates from the Buddhist legend of Maudgalyayana saving his mother from Hades. The Ullambana festival reinforces the important concept of filial piety which is deep-rooted in Asian … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – September 1-6, 2020
Krishna Janmashtami Culture/religion: Hindu Date: August 11 Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Lord Krishna. Krishna is known as the 8th incarnation of the god Vishnu. It is observed, according to the Hindu luni-solar calendar, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, which overlaps with August/September on the Gregorian … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – August 10-16, 2020