Makar Sankranti Culture/religion: Hindu Date: January 14 Makar Sankranti is one of the major Hindu festivals in India. The festival is a religious celebration, as well as a seasonal observance signifying the winter solstice. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery to wash away their sins. It is also … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – January 11-17, 2021
Kristallnacht Culture/religion: Judaism Date: November 9-10 Kristallnacht (“Crystal Night” or “Night of Broken Glass”) commemorates the violent anti-Jewish demonstrations that broke out across Germany, Austria and the Sudentenland region of Czechoslovakia. For 48 hours, violent mobs destroyed hundreds of synagogues and burned or desecrated Jewish religious … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 9-15, 2020
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh Culture/religion: Bahá’í Date: October 19 Baha’u’llah was a religious leader and founder of the Bahá’í faith which advocates universal peace and unity among all races, nations and religions. Baha’u’llah was a follower of Báb and Bahá’ís regard him to be a Manifestation of God. This day celebrates the birth of the Bahá’í founder and teacher, … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – October 19-25, 2020
Navaratri Culture/religion: Hindu Date: October 17-25 Navaratri (“nine nights”) is a Hindu festival in honor of the divine feminine goddess, Durga. The festival is celebrated in autumn for nine nights and ten days. The legend of Navaratri tells of the victory of Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. Each day of the festival is dedicated to each of the nine forms of … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – October 12-18, 2020
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 … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – August 17-23, 2020