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Religion calendar archive

Revision as of 13:05, 13 April 2007 by Garzo (talk | contribs) (→‎2007: add March from main)
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Once a whole Gregorian month has elapsed, its entry on the religion calendar is placed here, at the top of the page. Therefore, if you are looking for past dates of religious observances, you might just find them here. As everything is done by hand, this list does not go back any further than May 2005: the month when this calendar began.

2007

March

  • 01 (4 Ayyám-i-Há) — Last day of Ayyám-i-Há (Bahá'í): last of the four or five intercallary days that align the Bahá'í calendar with the solar year, which are often taken as times of celebration of God's loving essence, and sometimes called the Bahá'í Christmas.
  • 01 (Offical Birthday of Lemonism) — Sour Truth day (Lemonism): The offical founding day of Lemonism. This day the founder, "LemonShaPriestess" Karima N.H., finally tasted the "sour truth" and announced the formation of C.O.S.T., the Chruch Of Sour Truth, all while jugging school and work at the same time. Offical holiday starts at 7:45A.M. to 7:45P.M. the next day. Beleivers can celbrate in any way they want (keep it legal!).
  • 02 (1 Ala) — Beginning of the Fast of Ala (Bahá'í): the first day of the nineteenth month of the Bahá'í calendar, through which Bahá'ís fast. The month ends on 20 March.
  • 03 (15 Phalguna) — Holi (Hindu)
  • 03 (13 Adar) — Ta'anit Esther (Jewish): fast day on the day before Purim. This is the day that Haman planned the destruction of the Jews. If Purim falls on a Sunday, Ta'anit Esther moves to the Thursday before.
  • 04 (14 Adar) — Purim or Feast of Lots (Jewish): festival commemorating the victory of Esther and Morechai over the evil Haman.
  • 04 (5th Sunday before Easter) — Saint Gregory Palamas' Day (Eastern Orthodox).
  • 05 (15 Adar) — Shushan Purim (Jewish): the day after Purim. Walled cities have traditionally celebrated Purim on 15 Adar. This is because Susa, a walled city, was not relieved until a day later than the rest of the Persian Empire. If it falls on a Saturday, it is postponed until the Sunday.
  • 10 (20 Safar) — Arba'in or the Fortieth (Shi'ite): the end of the period of mourning for Husayn ibn Ali that began on Ashura. Karbala is the main focus for this observance.
  • 11 (4th Sunday before Easter) — Adoration of the Cross (Eastern Christian).
  • 13 — L. Ron Hubbard's Birthday (Scientologist): celebration of the birthday of the founder of Scientology in 1911.
  • 14 (1 Mesha) — Vaisakhi, Sovramana Ugadi or Indian Solar New Year (Hindu and Sikh).
  • 14 (1 Chet) — Nanakshahi New Year (Sikh): celebration of the new year in the Nanakshahi calendar. This day is celebrated as Holla Mohalla by some Sikhs, and is also the Gurgadi Guru Har Rai Sahib, or the attainment of guruship by Guru Har Rai in 1644.
  • 15 — Hōnen Matsuri (Shinto): Japanese fertility festival.
  • 15 (2 Chet) — Conquest of Delhi (Sikh): commemoration of the conquest of Delhi by Sri Baghel Singh.
  • 12 — Saint Gregory the Great's Day (Western Christian).
  • 17 — Saint Patrick's Day (Western Christian): commemoration of the patron saint of Ireland.
  • 18 (3rd Sunday before Easter) — Laetare Sunday, Refreshment Sunday or Mothering Sunday (Western Christian): this day is considered to be the middle of Lent, and the obligation of the fast is relaxed for one day. In Britain, this day is kept as a celebration of mothers.
  • 18 (3rd Sunday before Easter) — Saint John Climacus' Day (Eastern Christian).
  • 19 (1 Chaitra) — Chandramana Ugadi or Indian Lunar New Year (Hindu): the first day of the lunisolar calendar.
  • 19 — Saint Joseph of Nazareth's Day (Western Christian): celebration of the life of the earthly step-father of Jesus. In some places, this day is celebrated as a Father's Day.
  • 19 (6 Chet) — Jotijot Guru Hargobind Sahib or Death of Guru Hargobind (Sikh): commemoration of the death of the sixth Guru in 1644.
  • 20 (1 Nisan) — Shenat Hamelachim or New Year for Kings (Jewish): not a real festival, but it marks the fact that the Hebrew calendar anciently began on this day for some practices.
  • 21 (1 Farvardin) — Nawruz, Persian or Kurdish New Year (Iranian, Kurdish and Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the vernal equinox is a traditional Iranian and Kurdish holiday, celebrated by Muslims and Zoroastrians alike.
  • 21 (1 Bahá) — Naw-Rúz or Bahá'í New Year (Bahá'í): modelled on the Persian New Year.
  • 25 — Annunciation or Lady Day (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the Angel Gabriel's announcement to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she will conceive Jesus.
  • 25(2nd Sunday before Easter) — Saint Mary of Egypt's Day (Eastern Christian).
  • 25 (12 Chet) — Shaheedi Bhai Subeg Singh, Bhai Shahbaz Singh (Sikh).
  • 27 (9 Chaitra) — Rama Navami or Rama's Birthday (Hindu): celebrating both the birthday of Rama and his marriage to Sita.
  • 31 (12 Rabi al-Awwal) — Mawlid an-Nabi or the Prophet's Birthday (Islamic).
  • 31 (13 Chaitra) — Mahavir Jayanti (Jain): celebration of the birthday of Mahavira in 599 on 615 BCE.
  • 31 (day before Palm Sunday) — Lazarus Saturday (Eastern Christian): the beginning of Great and Holy Week.

February

  • 01 — Saint Brigid's Day (Western Christian): celebration of the life of the Irish saint and Abbess of Kildare.
  • 02 — Candlemas or the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Western Christian): on the fortieth day after Christmas, this festival commemorates Jesus' parents bringing him into the Jerusalem Temple.
  • 02 — Hypapante or the Meeting in the Temple (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): on the fortieth day after Christmas, this festival commemorates Jesus' parents bringing him into the Jerusalem Temple.
  • 02 — Imbolc (Pagan): festival of light at the beginning of spring, usually celebrated on 1 or 2 February.
  • 03 — Setsubun (Japanese): Japanese spring festival.
  • 03 (15 Shevat) — Tu b'Shevat or the New Year for Trees (Jewish): celebration of the life of trees and their fruit. The Ashkenazim would traditionally eat fifteen different types of fruit on this day. It is a day of rejoicing over the fertility of the land.
  • 04 (9th Sunday before Easter) — Sunday of the Prodigal Son (Eastern Christian).
  • 04 (9th Sunday before Easter) — Septuagesima Sunday (Western Christian): the third Sunday before Lent.
  • 04 (16 Muharram) — Imamat Day (Ismaili Khoja).
  • 06 (25 Magh) — Mela Kottha Sahib (Sikh).
  • 08 (27 Magh) — Sikh Great Holocaust (Sikh).
  • 10 (day before Meat-Fare Sunday) — First Saturday of Souls (Eastern Christian).
  • 11 (8th Sunday before Easter) — Meat-Fare Sunday or Sunday of the Last Judgement (Eastern Christian): this is the last day on which meat can be eaten before Easter.
  • 11 (8th Sunday before Easter) — Sexagesima Sunday (Western Christian): the second Sunday before Lent.
  • 11 (30 Magh) — Parkash Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 12 (30 January Julian) — Feast of the Three Great Hierarchs (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 14 — Saint Valentine's Day (Western Christian): although this day commemorates a third-century Christian martyr, Saint Valentine's Day is a day of celebration of romantic love.
  • 15 (2 February Julian) — Hypapante or the Meeting in the Temple (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): on the fortieth day after Christmas, this festival commemorates Jesus' parents bringing him into the Jerusalem Temple.
  • 16 (29 Magha) — Mahashivaratri or Great Day of Shiva (Hindu): celebration of the God Shiva. Devotees usually fast, meditate and sing mantras. Lingas are bathed in milk.
  • 17 (day before Cheese-Fare Sunday) — Second Saturday of Souls (Eastern Christian).
  • 18 (1 First month) — Chinese New Year (Chinese).
  • 18 (7th Sunday before Easter) — Cheese-Fare Sunday or Forgiveness Sunday (Eastern Christian): the last day before Lent begins, and the last day on which dairy products, fish, wine and oil may be consumed.
  • 18 (7th Sunday before Easter) — Quinquagesima Sunday (Western Christian): the Sunday next before Lent.
  • 19 (48 days before Easter) — Clean Monday (Eastern Christian): the first day of the Lenten fast.
  • 20 (day before Ash Wednesday) — Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras (Western Christian): a day of celebration before Lent begins. Traditionally, food that is forbidden during Lent is all consumed during this one night.
  • 21 (46 days before Easter) — Ash Wednesday (Western Christian): the first day of the Lenten fast. Some worshippers receive a cross in ash on their foreheads to symbolize their fast.
  • 21 (10 Phagun) — Saka Nankana Sahib and Jaito Morcha (Sikh).
  • 24 (day before Orthodoxy Sunday) — Feast of St Theodore (Eastern Christian).
  • 25 (6th Sunday before Easter) — Orthodoxy Sunday (Eastern Orthodox): commemoration of the restoration of icons to the church in 843.
  • 25 (6th Sunday before Easter) — Quadragesima Sunday (Western Christian): the first Sunday of Lent is often a day of reflection on Jesus' fasting in the wilderness before taking up his ministry.
  • 26 (1 Ayyám-i-Há) — First day of Ayyám-i-Há (Bahá'í): first of the four or five intercallary days that align the Bahá'í calendar with the solar year, which are often taken as times of celebration of God's loving essence, and sometimes called the Bahá'í Christmas.
  • 26 — Savior's Day (Nation of Islam): commemoration of the birthday of Wallace Fard Muhammad.

January

2006

December

  • 01 (11 Margasirsha) — Vaikunta Ekadashi (Hindu): festival in honour of Vishnu.
  • 02 (19 Maghar) — Shaheedi Baba Gurbakhsh Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 04 (21 November Julian) — Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 06 — Saint Nicholas' Day (Western and New Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 07 — Saint Ambrose's Day (Western Christian).
  • 08 — Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 10 (19 Kislev) — Yud-Tes Kislev (Chasidic): celebrating the cancellation of the death sentence passed against the Alter Rebbe by the Russian Tsar, and his release from prison.
  • 12 (29 Maghar) — Parkash Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 13 — Saint Lucy's Day (Western Christian).
  • 13 (30 Maghar) — Shromani Akali Dal Foundation Day (Sikh).
  • 16 (25 Kislev) — Chanukkah or Feast of Lights (Jewish): Jewish midwinter festival commemorating the restoration of the Jerusalem Temple to Jewish worship. The festival last eight day in total.
  • 16 (1 Makara) — Makar Sankranti or Pongal (Hindu): Indian winter solstice celebration.
  • 19 (6 December Julian) — Saint Nicholas' Day (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 21 (8 Poh) — Shaheedi of the Elder Sahibzadas (Sikh): the martyrdom of the older children of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh.
  • 21 — Yule or Midwinter Festival (Pagan).
  • 25 — Christmas (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the birth of Jesus.
  • 26 — Saint Stephen's Day (Western Christian): commemoration of the deacon and first martyr of the church.
  • 26 (13 Poh) — Shaheedi of the Younger Sahibzadas (Singh): the martyrdom of the younger children of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Mata Gujri Ji.
  • 27 — Saint John the Evangelist's Day (Western Christian).
  • 28 — Childermas or Holy Innocents (Western Christian).
  • 29 (8 Dhu al-Hijja) — Beginning of the Hajj (Islamic): the first day of the great pilgrimage, the Hajj, to Mecca and Medina.
  • 30 (9 Dhu al-Hijja) — Yawm al-Arafat (Islamic): the second day of the Hajj brings pilgrims out to the plain and mountain of Arafat, near Mecca. Here pilgrims stand and pray vigorously from dawn to dusk.
  • 31 (10 Dhu al-Hijja) — Id al-Adha (Islamic): the highpoint of the Hajj.
  • 31 (10 Tevet) — Tzom Tevet (Jewish).
  • 31 (16 Dey) — Maidyarem or Mid-Winter Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the traditional mid-winter festival, continuing for five days, until 4 January. Maidyarem is holy to Vahman, creator of cattle and patron of good intentions.

November

  • 01 — All Saints' Day or Hallowmas (Western Christian): a celebration of all saints, known and unknown.
  • 01 (18 Katik) — Punjabi Suba Day (Sikh).
  • 02 — All Souls' Day or Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (Western Christian): a commemoration of all who have died in the faith of Jesus' salvation.
  • 05 (15 Kartika) — Parkash Guru Nanak Dev Sahib or Birth of Guru Nanak (Sikh): celebration of the birtday of the first Guru in 1469.
  • 05 (15 Kartika) — Karthikai Deepam (Hindu).
  • 09 (19 Ninth month) — Death of Guān Yīn (Chinese Buddhism).
  • 10 — Saint Leo the Great's Day (Western Christian).
  • 11 — Saint Martin's Day (Western Christian).
  • 13 (30 Katik) — Shaheedi Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed (Sikh).
  • 14 (1 Maghar) — SGPC Foundation Day (Sikh).
  • 15 — Beginning of Advent (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): the beginning of the season of preparation for Christmas.
  • 21 — Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple (New Calendarist Eastern Christians).
  • 22 — Saint Cecilia's Day (Western Christian).
  • 23 — Saint Clement's Day (Western Christian).
  • (5th Sunday before Christmas) — Feast of Christ the King (Western Christian).
  • 24 (11 Maghar) — Shaheedi Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and Gurgadi Guru Gobind Singh Sahib (Sikh): commemoration of the martyrdom of the ninth Guru and the passing of leadership to the tenth in 1675. Also the martyrdom of Bhai Mati Das Ji and Bhai Sati Das Ji.
  • 24 (9 Adar — Adar Jashan (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the yazad of fire.
  • 26 (4 Qawl) — Day of the Covenant (Bahá'í): commemorating the day when `Abdu'l-Bahá became the Center of the Covenant.
  • 28 (15 November Julian) — Beginning of Advent (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): the beginning of the season of preparation for Christmas.
  • 28 (15 Maghar) — Parkash Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 28 (6 Qawl) — Ascension of `Abdu'l-Bahá (Bahá'í).
  • 29 — Day of Prayer for the Mission of the Church (Western Christian).
  • 30 — Saint Andrew's Day (Western Christian).
  • (4th Sunday before Christmas) — Advent Sunday (Western Christian): the beginning of the season of preparation for Christmas.

October

  • 01 — Protecting Veil of the Theotokos (New Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 01 (9 Ashvina) — Sarasvati Puja (Hindu): celebration of the goddess of eloquence and culture, Sarasvati, with the honouring of books.
  • 01 (17 Asu) — Singh Sabha Foundation Day (Sikh): commemoration of the founding of the Singh Sabha in Amritsar in 1873.
  • 02 (10 Tishri) — Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement (Judaism):the holiest and most solemn day in the Jewish year: a day of penitence.
  • 02 (10 Ashvina) — Dasserha (Hindu): celebration of the victory of Rama, and end of Navaratri Dusserha.
  • 02 (16 Mihr) — Jashan-e Mihragan or Mithra Feast (Fasli Zoroastrian): festival of Mithra, the ancient yazad of light.
  • 04 — St Francis of Assisi (Western Christian): celebration of the life of St Francis, particularly associated with the blessing of animals.
  • 05 (21 Asu) — Mela Beerh Baba Buddha Ji (Sikh).
  • 06 (15 Eighth month) — Mid-Autumn Festival (Chinese): harvest festival accompanied by the eating of fresh fruit and mooncakes.
  • 07 (15 Tishri) — Sukkot or Tabernacles (Judaism): commemoration of the nomadic history of Israel, begins a period of remembrance.
  • 07 — Annual Meeting of the International Association of Scientologists (Scientology).
  • 09 (25 Asu) — Parkash Guru Ramdas Sahib (Sikh): celebration of the birthday of the fourth Guru in 1534.
  • 12–15 (19–22 Ramadan) — Mourning for Imam Ali (Shia Islamic).
  • 13 (21 Tishri) — Hoshana Rabba (Judaism): the seventh day of Sukkot.
  • 14 (22 Tishri) — Shemini Atzeret (Judaism): the eighth day of Sukkot, which ends the period in Israel, but not elsewhere.
  • 14 (28 Mihr) — Ayathrem or Homing Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): traditional celebration of the return of the flocks from their summer pasture. This festival is devoted to Mordad, creator of plants and patron of long life. The festival continues for five days, until 18 October.
  • 14 (1 October Julian) — Protecting Veil of the Theotokos (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 15 (23 Tishri) — Simchat Torah (Judaism): the ninth day of Sukkot, which ends the period outside of Israel.
  • 20 (27 Ramadan) — Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power (Islamic): celebration of the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims pray extra prayers, especially at night prayer.
  • 20 (last Friday in Ramadan) — Jum'at al-Wada' or Farewell Friday (Islamic): although not strictly a true religious observance, the last Friday of Ramadan is considered to be an important day of prayer and reflection on the fast.
  • 20 (6 Katik) — Gurgadi Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh): the Adi Granth is installed as eternal scripture and Guru in 1708. The day is also the Jotijot of Guru Har Rai Sahib and the Gurgadi of Guru Harkrishan Sahib in 1661.
  • 21 (7 Katik) — Jotijot Guru Gobind Singh Sahib or Death of Guru Gobind Singh (Sikh): commemoration of the death of the tenth Guru in 1708.
  • 22 (29 Ashvina) — Eve of Divali (Hindu, Jain, Sikh).
  • 22 (22 Katik) — Khalsa Darbar (Sikh).
  • 23 (1 Kartika) — Divali (Hindu, Jain and Sikh).
  • 24 (1 Shawwal) — Id al-Fitr (Islamic): the first day of Shawwal marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Id al-Fitr is a great cause for celebration among Muslims.
  • 26 (10 Aban) — Aban Jashan or Water Feast (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the yazad Aban, who is lord of water.
  • 28 — Milvian Bridge Day (Christian): day commemorating the victory Emperor Constantine at Milvian Bridge in the year 321, and the establishment of Christianity as the state religion in the Roman Empire. Reflection on the often difficult ties between Christian faith and civil power is usually the focus of this day.
  • 28 (14 Katik) — Chief Khalsa Diwan Foundation Day and Saka Panja Sahib (Sikh).
  • 30 (9 Ninth month) — Double Ninth Festival (Chinese): a day for warding off evil spirits by climbing mountains and drinking chrysanthemum wine.
  • 31 — All Hallows' Eve (Western Christian): the day before All Saints' Day.
  • 31 — Reformation Day (Protestant Christian): annual commemoration of the beginning of Protestantism in 1517.
  • 31 — Samhain (Pagan): Pagan new year festival.
  • 31 (10 Ninth month) — Birth of Confucius (Chinese).

September

  • 01 — Beginning of the Church Year (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): this day marks the beginning of the annual round of church observances. In recent years, it has become a day of prayer for the environment among Eastern Orthodox who observe the Reformed Julian calendar.
  • 01 (17 Bhadon) — First Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh).
  • 08 — Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Nativity of the Theotokos (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the birth of the mother of Jesus.
  • 09 (15 Sha'aban) — Laylat al-Bara'a or the Night of Forgiveness (Islamic): in preparation for Ramadan, a night prayer seeking forgiveness is said.
  • 09 (15 Sha'aban) — Birth of Muhammad al-Mahdi (Shi'a): celebration of the birth of the twelfth Imam.
  • 10 (2nd Sunday in September) — Auditor's Day (Scientologist).
  • 11 (1 Thoout) — Coptic New Year (Coptic Christian): begins year 1722. /If next year is a Julian leap year, then this day is 12 September/
  • 11 (1 Maskaram) — Enkutatash or Ethiopian New Year (Ethiopian Christian and Rastafarian): begins year 1998. /If next year is a Julian leap year, then this day is 12 September/
  • 11 (29 August Julian) — Beheading of John the Baptist (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): commemoration of the martyrdom of John the Baptist by King Herod.
  • 11 (18 Elul) — Chai Elul (Chasidic): celebration of the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov (1698) and the Alter Rebbe (1745).
  • 13 (27 Shahrevar) — Paitishahem or Ingathering Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the ingathering of the harvest. The celebration continues for five days, until 17 September. These days are particularly associated with Spendarmad, creator of earth and patron of piety.
  • 14 — Holy Cross (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the power of the Cross: the symbol of painful execution is that of joyful salvation to Christians.
  • 14 (1 September Julian) — Beginning of the Church Year (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): the round of church observances begins each year on this date.
  • 16 (2 Asu) — Jotijot of Gurus Amar Das and Ramdas Sahib and Gurgardi of Guru Ramdas and Arjun Sahib (Sikh): this day recalls the passing of authority from the third to the fourth Guru, in 1552, and from the forth to the fifth, in 1581.
  • 17 (Sunday before Rosh Hashanah, or if RH falls on a Monday or Tuesday, the second Sunday before) — Selichot or Penitence (Jewish): on this day, special prayers of penitence begin and continue through to Yom Kippur.
  • 18 (4 Asu) — Gurgadi Guru Angad Sahib (Sikh): commemoration of the installation of the second Guru in 1539.
  • 21 (8 September Julian) — Nativity of the Theotokos (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the birth of the mother of Jesus.
  • 22 — Mabon (Pagan): harvest festival.
  • 22 (8 Asu) — Jotijot Guru Nanak Sahib (Sikh): commemoration of the death of Guru Nanak Sahib in Kartarpur in 1539.
  • 22 (28 Sha'aban) — Martyrdom of the Báb (Eastern Bahá'í): Middle Eastern Bahá'ís observe this day on its date in the Islamic calendar, whereas others observe it on 9 July.
  • 23 (1 Tishri) — Rosh Hashanah or Jewish New Year (Judaism): The Jewish year 5766 begins. This begins a ten-day period of penitence, the Yamim Noraim, before Yom Kippur.
  • 24 (1 Ramadan) — Beginning of the Ramadan month-long fast (Islamic).
  • 27 (14 September Julian) — Holy Cross (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the power of the Cross: the symbol of painful execution is that of joyful salvation to Christians.
  • 29 — St Michael and all Angels (Western Christian): celebration of Michael, the prince of the angels, and of all angels.
  • 30 (8 Ashvina) — Durga Ashtami (Hindu).
  • 30 (Saturday between 1-10 Tishri) — Shabbat Shuvah or the Shabbat of Return (Jewish): the Shabbat in the middle of the Yamim Noraim, or Days of Awe.

August

  • 01 — Lammas (Western Christian): a European festival of the first fruits of the harvest. The very first ears of grain are plucked to make bread used for the eucharist this day.
  • 01 — Lughnasadh (Pagan): the pagan version of Lammas, celebrating the beginning of the harvest season.
  • 01 — Dormition Fast begins (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): fast in preparation for the Dormition begins.
  • 02 (9 Seventh month) — Beginning of Ullambana, Obon or Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (Eastern Buddhism): festival of the dead, which involves lighting bonfires, meals, dancing and paper lanterns.
  • 02 (7 Rajab) — Imam Musa al-Kazim Day (Shia Islamic).
  • 03 (9 Av) — Tisha b'Av (Jewish): fasting observance of the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, one of the saddest days in Judaism.
  • 04 (Friday before 15 Shravana) — Varalakshmi Vratam (Hindu).
  • 06 — Transfiguration of the Lord (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the Jesus being revealed as glorious, transfigured, to some of his disciples before his crucifixion.
  • 08 (15 Seventh month) — End of Ullambana or Obon (Eastern Buddhism).
  • 08 (13 Rajab) — Yawm Ali or Birth of Ali bin Abi Talib (Shi'ite): celebration of the birthday of the first Imam.
  • 08 (24 Sawan) — Morcha Guru Ka Bagh (Sikh).
  • 09 (15 Av) — Tu b'Av (Jewish): an auspicious day for new beginnings, and a popular day for weddings.
  • 14 (1 August Julian) — Dormition Fast begins (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): fast in preparation for the Dormition begins.
  • 15 — Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Western Christian): observance of the end of the Blessed Virgin's earthly life, which some believe was her bodily assumption into heaven. Its eastern equivalent is Dormition.
  • 15 — Dormition of the Theotokos (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): the equivalent of western Assumption.
  • 17 (23 Shravana) — Janmashtami, Krishna Jayanti or Krishna's Birthday (Hindu).
  • 19 (6 August Julian) — Transfiguration of the Lord (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the Jesus being revealed as glorious, transfigured, to some of his disciples before his crucifixion.
  • 22 (27 Rajab) — Laylat al-Miraj (Islamic): celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's miraculous night-journey to Masjid al-Aqsa and his tour of heaven.
  • 25 (1 Elul) — New Year for Tithes (Jewish): the traditional date when tithes were reckoned. The age of animals was often reckoned by how many times they had seen 1 Elul.
  • 28 (15 August Julian) — Dormition of the Theotokos (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): the equivalent of western Assumption.
  • 28 (4 Bhadrapada) — Ganesha Chaturthi (Hindu): festival of Ganesha, god of prosperity and frugality.
  • 28 (3 Sha'aban) — Birth of Husayn ibn Ali (Shi'a): celebration of the birthday of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Muhammad, son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and third (or second) Imam in Shi'a Islam.
  • 29 — Beheading of John the Baptist (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): commemoration of the martyrdom of John the Baptist by King Herod.
  • 29 (4 Sha'aban) — Birth of Abbas ibn Ali (Shi'a).
  • 30 (5 Sha'aban) — Birth of Ali bin Husayn (Shi'a): the birthday of the fourth Imam, Zayn al-Abidin.
  • 30 (15 Bhadon) — Mela Baba Bakala (Sikh).

July

  • 01 (6 Ashalha) — Garbh Sri Mahavir Swami (Jain): celebration of the conception, or descent into the womb, of Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and final Tithankara of this age.
  • 01 (13 Tir) — Jashan-e Tiragan or Tishtar Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of Tishtar, the yazad who presides over the star Sirius and the pre-harvest rains.
  • 03 — Saint Thomas' Day (Western Christian): celebration of the apostle who doubted, and yet believed.
  • 05 (21 Harh) — Parkash Guru Hargobind Sahib or Birth of Guru Hargobind (Sikh): celebration of the birthday of the sixth Guru in 1595.
  • 07 (24 June Julian) — Birth of John the Baptist (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the birth of John the Baptist.
  • 08 (12 Tammuz) — Yud-Beis Tammuz (Chasidic): celebration of the Previous Rebbe's release from Soviet prison in 1927.
  • 09 (16 Rahmat) — Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá'í).
  • 09 (25 Harh) — Shaheedi Bhai Mani Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 10 (15 Sixth month) — Festival of Guan Gong (Taoist): festival of the God of Virtue and Loyalty.
  • 11 — Saint Benedict's Day (Western Christian): celebration of the father of western monasticism.
  • 12 (29 June Julian) — Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 13 (17 Tammuz) — Tzom Tammuz or Tammuz Fast (Jewish): a dawn-to-dusk fast in remembrance of the Roman destruction of the outer wall of Jerusalem, the cessation of Temple sacrifices and Moses' breaking the stone tablets of the law. Tzom Tammuz also starts a three-week fast leading up to Tisha b'Av.
  • 14 (19 Sixth month) — Enlightenment of Guān Yīn (Chinese Buddhism).
  • 20 (23 Jumada al-Ahira) — Birthday of Aga Khan IV (Ismaili).
  • 21 (6 Sawan) — Miri-Piri Guru Hargobind Sahib (Sikh): the commemoration of Guru Hargobind Sahib's wearing of two swords to signify spiritual and temporal power.
  • 22 — Saint Mary Magalene's Day (Western Christian): celebration of the woman who is called Apostle to the Apostles.
  • 24 — Pioneer Day (Mormonism).
  • 25 — Saint James the Great's Day (Western Christian).
  • 26 (1 Av) — Beginning of the Nine Days (Jewish): the beginning of nine days of mourning, leading into Tisha b'Av.
  • 26 (8 Sawan) — Parkash Guru Har Krishan Sahib or Birth of Guru Har Krishan (Sikh): celebration of the birthday of the eighth Guru in 1656.
  • 30 (5 Shravana) — Naga Panchami (Hindu): the day of the snake festival.
  • 31 (7 Seventh month) — Qīxì or the Night of Sevens (Chinese): romantic evening on which the tale of the cowherd and the spinster is told, and girls show of their domestic skills.

June

  • 01 (40 days after Easter) — Ascension Day (Eastern Christian): commemoration of Jesus' ascent into Heaven.
  • 01 — Saint Justin Martyr's Day (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): commemoration of the Christian philosopher who was martyred in Rome in 166.
  • 02 (6 Sivan) — Shavuot or Pentecost (Judaism): the end of the counting of Omer, and seven weeks after Pesach.
  • 02 (5 Jumada al-Ula) — Declaration of the Báb alternative date (Eastern Bahá'í): Middle Eastern Bahá'í's celebrate this day on its date in the Islamic Calendar, whereas others celebrate on 23 May.
  • 04 (50 days after Easter) — Pentecost or Whitsunday (Western Christian): celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
  • 04 (21 Jeth) — 1984 Ghallughara (Sikh): commemoration of the 1984 attack on Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
  • 06 (10 Jyaistha) — Ganga Dussehra (Hindu): the annual celebration of the sacred river Ganga, or Ganges.
  • 06 (23 Jeth) — Shaheedi Sant Baba Jarnail Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 10 (day before Pentecost) — Saturday of Souls (Eastern Christian): preparation for Pentecost.
  • 11 (28 Jeth) — Gurgadi Guru Hargobind Sahib (Sikh): the installation of the sixth Guru in 1606.
  • 11 (50 days after Easter) — Pentecost (Eastern Christian): celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
  • 11 (Sunday after Pentecost) — Trinity Sunday (Western Christian): festival of the doctrine of the Trinity.
  • 12 (transferred from 11 June) — Saint Barnabas' Day (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the apostle, missionary and companion of Saint Paul. Eastern churches usually celebrate Saint Bartholomew as well today.
  • 14 (1 June Julian) — Saint Justin Martyr's Day (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): commemoration of the Christian philosopher who was martyred in Rome in 166.
  • 15 (60 days after Easter) — Corpus Christi (Western Christian): thanksgiving for the institution of the Eucharist.
  • 16 (2 Harh) — Martyrdom of Guru Arjun Sahib (Sikh): commemoration of the death of the fifth Guru in 1606 whilst imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Jehangir.
  • 18 (Sunday after Pentecost) — All Saints' Sunday (Eastern Christian): festival of all the saints.
  • 19 (day after All Saints') — First day of the Apostles' Fast (Eastern Christian).
  • 19 — New Church Day (Swedenborgian Christian): annual commemoration of Emanuel Swedenborg's The True Christian Religion in 1770.
  • 21 — Litha (Pagan): Pagan midsummer festival.
  • 23 (12 days after Trinity Sunday) — Sacred Heart of Jesus (Roman Catholic): reflection on the sacrificial love of Jesus.
  • 24 — Midsummer's Day (Northern Europe): this is an ancient celebration of the Summer Solstice in Nordic and Baltic countries. It is often linked with the feast of John the Baptist, see below.
  • 24 — Birth of John the Baptist (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of John the Baptist's birth.
  • 24 — Saints Bartholomew and Barnabas' Day (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the apostles.
  • 24 (day after Sacred Heart of Jesus) — Immaculate Heart of Mary (Roman Catholic).
  • 25 (11 Harh) — Shaheedi Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur (Sikh).
  • 27 — Saint Cyril of Alexandria's Day (Christian).
  • 28 — Saint Irenaeus' Day (Christian).
  • 29 (11 Tir) — Maidyoshahem or Midsummer Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration summer and Hordad, creator of water and patron of wholeness and health. The celebration continues for five days, until 3 July.
  • 29 — Saints Peter and Paul's Day (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): combined celebration of the two best known apostles. Sometimes Saint Peter is celebrated alone.
  • 29 (15 Harh) — Barsi Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji (Sikh).

May

  • 01 — Saints Philip and James's Day (Western Christian): joint celebration of two apostles.
  • 01 — Beltane (Pagan): celebration of the beginning of summer and the sacred marriage of the God and Goddess.
  • 02 (5 Jamál) — Twelfth Day of Ridván (Bahá'í): the twelfth and last day of the feast of Ridván, celebrating the prophethood of Bahá'u'lláh.
  • 02 (day before Yom haAtzmaut) — Yom haZikaron or Memorial Day (Jewish): day of remembrance for soldiers and civilians who have died in and for Israel.
  • 03 (5 Iyyar) — Yom haAtzmaut or Independence Day (Jewish): annual commemoration of the declaration of the independence of Israel in 1948.
  • 05 (8 Fourth month) — Birth of the Buddha (Eastern Buddhism).
  • 09 — Anniversary of the Publication of Dianetics (Scientologist): annual commemoration of the date of publication of Dianetics in 1950.
  • 12 (14 Iyyar) — Pesach Sheni or Second Passover (Jewish): little celebrated day that provides an alternative night to celebrate Pesach for those who could not do so on the proper night.
  • 14 — Saint Matthias' Day (Western Christian): celebration of the apostle who replaced Judas Iscariot.
  • 16 (18 Iyyar) — Lag ba'Omer or 33rd of the Omer (Jewish): the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer from Pesach; it is a day when bonfires are lit and celebrations are permitted.
  • 17 (3 Jeth) — Chhota Ghallughara (Sikh).
  • 21 (5th Sunday after Easter) — Rogation Sunday (Western Christian): Sunday for praying for the land and a good harvest.
  • 23 (7 Azamat) — Declaration of the Báb (Bahá'í).
  • 23 (9 Jeth) — Parkash Guru Amar Das Sahib or Birth of Guru Amar Das (Sikh): celebration of the birthday of the third Guru in 1479.
  • 24 — Aldersgate Day (Methodist): commemoration of the conversion of John Wesley in 1738 in a meeting room on Aldersgate Street in London.
  • 25 (40 days after Easter) — Ascension Day (Western Christian): commemoration of Jesus' ascent into Heaven.
  • 26 (28 Iyyar) — Yom Yerushalayim or Jerusalem Day (Jewish): commemoration of the reunification of the city of Jerusalem in 1967 after the Six-Day War.
  • 29 (13 Azamat) — Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í).
  • 30 — Saint Joan of Arc's Day (Western Christian).
  • 31 (5 Fifth month) — Dragon Boat Festival (Chinese): marks the beginning of the summer with dragon-boat races and eating of rice cakes.
  • 31 — Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Mary, Mediatrix of all Graces (Western Christian): commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary's visit to Elizabeth.

April

  • 02 (3rd Sunday before Easter) — Saint John Climacus' Day (Eastern Christian).
  • 07 (9 Chaitra) — Rama Navami or Rama's Birthday (Hindu): celebrating both the birthday of Rama and his marriage to Sita.
  • 07 (25 March Julian) — Annunciation (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the Angel Gabriel's announcement to the Theotokos that she will conceive Jesus.
  • 09 (Sunday before Easter) — Palm Sunday (Western Christian): celebration of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week.
  • 09 (2nd Sunday before Easter) — Saint Mary of Egypt's Day (Eastern Christian).
  • 11 (12 Rabi al-Awwal) — Mawlid an-Nabi or the Prophet's Birthday (Sunni Islamic): Shi'a celebrate five days later.
  • 11 (13 Chaitra) — Mahavir Jayanti (Jain): celebration of the birthday of Mahavira in 599 or 615 BCE.
  • 12 approx. (14 Nisan) — Memorial of Christ's Death or Lord's Evening Meal (Jehovah's Witnesses): the only festival kept by Jehovah's Witnesses, in memorial of Christ's death. Bread and wine are taken and eaten by the minority anointed. This festival falls immediately after the equinox, and not necessarily according to the Hebrew calendar.
  • 12 (14 Nisan) — Ta'anit Bechorim or Fast of the Firstborn (Jewish): a minor fast day in remembrance that the Exodus from Egypt was bought at the cost of the lives of the firstborn. If Pesach is on a Sunday, Ta'anit Bechorim is moved to the Thursday before to avoid fasting on Shabbat.
  • 13 (15 Nisan) — Pesach, Passover or the Feast of Unleavend Bread (Jewish): the major festival of the Hebrew calendar. Jewish families hold a ritual meal, a Seder, and commemorate the Exodus of Israel from Egypt.
  • 13 (Thursday before Easter) — Maundy Thursday (Western Christian): commemoration of Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples, at which he washed their feet, gave them the commandment to love and instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion. The day ends with the remembrance of Jesus' betrayal and arrest.
  • 14 (Friday before Easter) — Good Friday (Western Christian): solemn commemoration of Jesus' death on the Cross.
  • 14 (1 Vaisakh) — Vaisakhi or Khalsa Day (Sikh): some Sikhs also celebrate this as Parkash Guru Nanak Dev Sahib.
  • 14 1 Baishakh) — Pohela Baishakh (Bengali and Nepali): Bengali and Nepali New Year's Day.
  • 15 (day before Palm Sunday) — Lazarus Saturday (Eastern Christian): the beginning of Great and Holy Week.
  • 16 (Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon) — Easter (Western Christian): the most important day in the Christian calendar. Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after his death by crucifixion.
  • 16 (Sunday before Easter) — Palm Sunday (Eastern Christian): commemoration of Jesus' triumphal entrance into Jerusalem.
  • 16 (17 Rabi al-Awwal) — Mawlid an-Nabi or the Prophet's Birthday (Shi'a Islamic): Sunnis celebrate five days before.
  • 16 (3 Vaisakh) — Jotijot of Guru Angad and Harkrishan Sahib and Gurgadi of Guru Amar Das and Tegh Bahadur Sahib (Sikh): commemoration of two events. Firstly, it commemorates the death of Guru Angad Sahib and the guruship of Guru Amar Das Sahib in 1552. Secondly, it commemorates the death of Guru Harkrishan Sahib and the guruship of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib in 1664.
  • 18 (5 Vaisakh) — Parkash Guru Angad and Tegh Bahadur Sahib (Sikh): joint commemoration of the birthdays of the second and ninth Gurus in 1504 and 1621 respectively.
  • 19 (21 Nisan) — End of Pesach (Jewish): the time of [[Pesach come to an end.
  • 20 (Thursday before Easter) — Great and Holy Thursday (Eastern Christians): the washing of the disciples' feet, the institution of the Eucharist and Jesus' prayer and betrayal.
  • 20 (23 Third month) — Festival of Māzŭ (Taoist): birthday festival of the Heavenly Empress and Sea Goddess, protector of fishermen, sailors and immigrants.
  • 21 (Friday before Easter) — Great and Holy Friday (Eastern Christian): solemn commemoration of Jesus' death on the [[Cross].
  • 21 (13 Jalál) — First Day of Ridván (Bahá'í): the first day of the twelve-day feast of Ridván, commemorating Bahá'u'lláh's proclamation of prophethood.
  • 23 (Sunday after Julian Paschal Full Moon) — Easter or Pascha (Eastern Christian): the most important festival of the church, celebrating Jesus' resurrection.
  • 23 (Sunday after Easter) — Low Sunday or Divine Mercy Sunday (Western Christian): for the entirety of Easter Week the resurrection is celebrated. Although this continues for the fifty days until Pentecost it is only exclusive until Low Sunday. Since 2000, this is Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the Roman Catholic Church.
  • 24 (26 Nisan) — Yom haShoah or Holocaust Day (Jewish): day of remembrance for those who were killed in the Holocaust.
  • 24 (trans. from 23 April) — Saint George's Day (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 25 — Saint Mark's Day (Western Christian): celebration of the companion of Saint Paul and writer of the second Gospel.
  • 29 (2 Jamál) — Ninth Day of Ridván (Bahá'í): the ninth day of the twelve-day feast of Ridván, commemorating Bahá'u'lláh's proclamation of prophethood.
  • 30 (11 Ardibehesht) — Maidyozarem or Mid-Spring Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the traditional mid-spring festival, continuing for five days, until 4 May. Maidyozarem is associated with Shahrevar, creator of the sky and patron of power and might.
  • 30 (Sunday after Easter) — Saint Thomas' Sunday (Eastern Christian).

March

  • 01 (46 days before Easter) — Ash Wednesday (Western Christian): the first day of the Lenten fast. Some worshippers receive a cross in ash on their foreheads to symbolize their fast.
  • 02 (1 Ala) — Beginning of the Fast of Ala (Bahá'í): the first day of the nineteenth month of the Bahá'í calendar, through which Bahá'ís fast. The month ends on 20 March.
  • 04 (day before Cheese-Fare Sunday) — Second Saturday of Souls (Eastern Christian).
  • 05 (6th Sunday before Easter) — Quadragesima Sunday (Western Christian): the first Sunday of Lent is often a day of reflection on Jesus' fasting in the wilderness before taking up his ministry.
  • 05 (7th Sunday before Easter) — Cheese-Fare Sunday or Forgiveness Sunday (Eastern Christian): the last day before Lent begins, and the last day on which dairy products, fish, wine and oil may be consumed.
  • 06 (48 days before Easter) — Clean Monday (Eastern Christian): the first day of the Lenten fast.
  • 11 (day before Orthodoxy Sunday) — Feast of St Theodore (Eastern Christian).
  • 12 (6th Sunday before Easter) — Orthodoxy Sunday (Eastern Orthodox): commemoration of the restoration of icons to the church in 843.
  • 13 (13 Adar) — Ta'anit Esther (Jewish): fast day on the day before Purim. This is the day that Haman planned the destruction of the Jews. If Purim falls on a Sunday, Ta'anit Esther moves to the Thursday before.
  • 13 — L. Ron Hubbard's Birthday (Scientologist): celebration of the birthday of the founder of Scientology in 1911.
  • 14 (1 Mesha) — Vaisakhi, Sovramana Ugadi or Indian Solar New Year (Hindu and Sikh).
  • 14 (15 Phalguna) — Holi (Hindu).
  • 14 (14 Adar) — Purim or Feast of Lots (Jewish): festival commemorating the victory of Esther and Morechai over the evil Haman.
  • 14 (1 Chet) — Nanakshahi New Year (Sikh): celebration of the new year in the Nanakshahi calendar. This day is celebrated as Holla Mohalla by some Sikhs, and is also the Gurgadi Guru Har Rai Sahib, or the attainment of guruship by Guru Har Rai in 1644.
  • 15 (15 Adar) — Shushan Purim (Jewish): the day after Purim. Walled cities have traditionally celebrated Purim on 15 Adar. This is because Susa, a walled city, was not relieved until a day later than the rest of the Persian Empire. If it falls on a Saturday, it is postponed until the Sunday.
  • 15 (2 Chet) — Conquest of Delhi (Sikh): commemoration of the conquest of Delhi by Sri Baghel Singh.
  • 17 — Saint Patrick's Day (Western Christian): commemoration of the patron saint of Ireland.
  • 19(5th Sunday before Easter) — Saint Gregory Palamas' Day (Eastern Orthodox).
  • 20 (transferred from Sunday 19 March) — Saint Joseph of Nazareth's Day (Western Christian): celebration of the life of the earthly step-father of Jesus. In some places, this day is celebrated as a Father's Day.
  • 19 (6 Chet) — Jotijot Guru Hargobind Sahib or Death of Guru Hargobind (Sikh): commemoration of the death of the sixth Guru in 1644.
  • 21 (1 Farvardin) — Nawruz or Persian New Year (Shi'ite and Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the vernal equinox is a traditional Iranian holiday, celebrated by Shi'a and Zoroastrians alike.
  • 21 (1 Bahá) — Naw-Rúz or Bahá'í New Year (Bahá'í): modelled on the Persian New Year.
  • 21 (20 Safar) — Arba'in or the Fortieth (Shi'ite): the end of the period of mourning for Husayn ibn Ali that began on Ashura. Karbala is the main focus for this observance.
  • 25 — Annunciation or Lady Day (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the Angel Gabriel's announcement to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she will conceive Jesus.
  • 25 (12 Chet) — Shaheedi Bhai Subeg Singh, Bhai Shahbaz Singh (Sikh).
  • 26 (3rd Sunday before Easter) — Laetare Sunday, Refreshment Sunday or Mothering Sunday (Western Christian): this day is considered to be the middle of Lent, and the obligation of the fast is relaxed for one day. In Britain, this day is kept as a celebration of mothers.
  • 26 (4th Sunday before Easter) — Adoration of the Cross (Eastern Christian).
  • 30 (1 Nisan) — Shenat Hamelachim or New Year for Kings (Jewish): not a real festival, but it marks the fact that the Hebrew calendar anciently began on this day for some practices.
  • 30 (1 Chaitra) — Chandramana Ugadi or Indian Lunar New Year (Hindu): the first day of the lunisolar calendar.

February

  • 01 — Saint Brigid's Day (Western Christian): celebration of the life of the Irish saint and Abbess of Kildare.
  • 01 (2 Muharram) — Birth of Bahá'u'lláh alternative date (Eastern Bahá'í): celebration of Bahá'u'lláh's birthday as fixed in the Islamic calendar, used by Middle Eastern Bahá'ís. Other celebrate the same event on 12 November.
  • 02 — Candlemas or the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Western Christian): on the fortieth day after Christmas, this festival commemorates Jesus' parents bringing him into the Jerusalem Temple.
  • 02 — Hypapante or the Meeting in the Temple (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): on the fortieth day after Christmas, this festival commemorates Jesus' parents bringing him into the Jerusalem Temple.
  • 02 — Imbolc (Pagan): festival of light at the beginning of spring, usually celebrated on 1 or 2 February.
  • 03 (5 Magha) — Vasant Panchami (Hindu).
  • 06 (25 Magh) — Mela Kottha Sahib (Sikh).
  • 08 (27 Magh) — Sikh Great Holocaust (Sikh).
  • 08 (10 Shevat) — Yud Shevat (Chasidic): commemoration of the yahrzeit, or anniversary of death, of the Previous Rebbe.
  • 09 (10 Muharram) — Ashura (Islamic).
  • 11 (30 Magh) — Parkash Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 12 (10th Sunday before Easter) — Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican (Eastern Christian): also known as Triodion.
  • 12 (30 January Julian) — Feast of the Three Great Hierarchs (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 12 (9th Sunday before Easter) — Septuagesima Sunday (Western Christian): the third Sunday before Lent.
  • 13 (15 Shevat) — Tu b'Shevat or the New Year for Trees (Jewish): celebration of the life of trees and their fruit. The Ashkenazim would traditionally eat fifteen different types of fruit on this day. It is a day of rejoicing over the fertility of the land.
  • 14 — Saint Valentine's Day (Western Christian): although this day commemorates a third-century Christian martyr, Saint Valentine's Day is a day of celebration of romantic love.
  • 15 (2 February Julian) — Hypapante or the Meeting in the Temple (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): on the fortieth day after Christmas, this festival commemorates Jesus' parents bringing him into the Jerusalem Temple.
  • 15 (16 Muharram) — Imamat Day (Ismaili Khoja).
  • 19 (8th Sunday before Easter) — Sexagesima Sunday (Western Christian): the second Sunday before Lent.
  • 19 (9th Sunday before Easter) — Sunday of the Prodigal Son (Eastern Christian).
  • 21 (10 Phagun) — Saka Nankana Sahib and Jaito Morcha (Sikh).
  • 25 (day before Meat-Fare Sunday) — First Saturday of Souls (Eastern Christian).
  • 26 (8th Sunday before Easter) — Meat-Fare Sunday or Sunday of the Last Judgement (Eastern Christian): this is the last day on which meat can be eaten before Easter.
  • 26 (7th Sunday before Easter) — Quinquagesima Sunday (Western Christian): the Sunday next before Lent.
  • 27 (29 Magha) — Mahashivaratri or Great Day of Shiva (Hindu): celebration of the God Shiva. Devotees usually fast, meditate and sing mantras. Lingas are bathed in milk.
  • 28 (day before Ash Wednesday) — Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras (Western Christian): a day of celebration before Lent begins. Traditionally, food that is forbidden during Lent is all consumed during this one night.

January

2005

December

  • 02 (19 Maghar) — Shaheedi Baba Gurbakhsh Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 04 (21 November Julian) — Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 06 — Saint Nicholas' Day (Western and New Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 07 — Saint Ambrose's Day (Western Christian).
  • 08 — Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 11 (11 Margasirsha) — Vaikunta Ekadashi (Hindu): festival in honour of Vishnu.
  • 12 (29 Maghar) — Parkash Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 13 — Saint Lucy's Day (Western Christian).
  • 13 (30 Maghar) — Shromani Akali Dal Foundation Day (Sikh).
  • 19 (6 December Julian) — Saint Nicholas' Day (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian).
  • 20 (19 Kislev) — Yud-Tes Kislev (Chasidic): celebrating the cancellation of the death sentence passed against the Alter Rebbe by the Russian Tsar, and his release from prison.
  • 21 (8 Poh) — Shaheedi of the Elder Sahibzadas (Sikh): the martyrdom of the older children of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh.
  • 21 — Yule or Midwinter Festival (Pagan).
  • 25 — Christmas (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the birth of Jesus.
  • 26 (25 Kislev) — Chanukkah or Feast of Lights (Jewish): Jewish midwinter festival commemorating the restoration of the Jerusalem Temple to Jewish worship. The festival last eight day in total.
  • 26 — Saint Stephen's Day (Western Christian): commemoration of the deacon and first martyr of the church.
  • 26 (13 Poh) — Shaheedi of the Younger Sahibzadas (Singh): the martyrdom of the younger children of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Mata Gujri Ji.
  • 27 — Saint John the Evangelist's Day (Western Christian).
  • 28 — Childermas or Holy Innocents (Western Christian).
  • 31 (16 Dey) — Maidyarem or Mid-Winter Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the traditional mid-winter festival, continuing for five days, until 4 January. Maidyarem is holy to Vahman, creator of cattle and patron of good intentions.

November

  • 01 — All Saints' Day or Hallowmas (Western Christian): a celebration of all saints, known and unknown.
  • 01 (18 Katik) — Punjabi Suba Day (Sikh).
  • 02 (1 Kartika) — Divali (Hindu, Jain and Sikh).
  • 02 — All Souls' Day or Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (Western Christian): a commemoration of all who have died in the faith of Jesus' salvation.
  • 03 (1 Shawwal) — Id al-Fitr (Islamic): the first day of Shawwal marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Id al-Fitr is a great cause for celebration among Muslims.
  • 10 — Saint Leo the Great's Day (Western Christian).
  • 11 — Saint Martin's Day (Western Christian).
  • 13 (30 Katik) — Shaheedi Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed (Sikh).
  • 14 (1 Maghar) — SGPC Foundation Day (Sikh).
  • 15 (15 Kartika) — Parkash Guru Nanak Dev Sahib or Birth of Guru Nanak (Sikh): celebration of the birtday of the first Guru in 1469.
  • 15 (15 Kartika) — Karthikai Deepam (Hindu).
  • 15 — Beginning of Advent (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): the beginning of the season of preparation for Christmas.
  • 21 — Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple (New Calendarist Eastern Christians).
  • 22 — Saint Cecilia's Day (Western Christian).
  • 23 — Saint Clement's Day (Western Christian).
  • (5th Sunday before Christmas) — Feast of Christ the King (Western Christian).
  • 24 (11 Maghar) — Shaheedi Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and Gurgadi Guru Gobind Singh Sahib (Sikh): commemoration of the martyrdom of the ninth Guru and the passing of leadership to the tenth in 1675. Also the martyrdom of Bhai Mati Das Ji and Bhai Sati Das Ji.
  • 24 (9 Adar — Adar Jashan (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the yazad of fire.
  • 26 (4 Qawl) — Day of the Covenant (Bahá'í): commemorating the day when `Abdu'l-Bahá became the Center of the Covenant.
  • 27 (4th Sunday before Christmas) — Advent Sunday (Western Christian): the beginning of the season of preparation for Christmas.
  • 28 (15 November Julian) — Beginning of Advent (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): the beginning of the season of preparation for Christmas.
  • 28 (15 Maghar) — Parkash Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 28 (6 Qawl) — Ascension of `Abdu'l-Bahá (Bahá'í).
  • 29 — Day of Prayer for the Mission of the Church (Western Christian).
  • 30 — Saint Andrew's Day (Western Christian).

October

  • 01 (17 Asu) — Singh Sabha Foundation Day (Sikh): commemoration of the founding of the Singh Sabha in Amritsar in 1873.
  • 02 (28 Sha'aban) — Martyrdom of the Báb (Eastern Bahá'í): Middle Eastern Bahá'ís observe this day on its date in the Islamic calendar, whereas others observe it on 9 July.
  • 02 (16 Mihr) — Jashan-e Mihragan or Mithra Feast (Fasli Zoroastrian): festival of Mithra, the ancient yazad of light.
  • 03 — New Moon 10:28 UCT.
  • 04 (1 Ramadan) — Beginning of the Ramadan month-long fast (Islamic).
  • 04 (1 Tishri) — Rosh Hashanah or Jewish New Year (Judaism): The Jewish year 5766 begins. This begins a ten-day period of penitence before Yom Kippur.
  • 04 (1 Asvina) — Navaratri Dusserha begins (Hindu): festival of the goddess Durga, but also observed as a festival of the life of Krishna.
  • 04 — St Francis of Assisi (Western Christian): celebration of the life of St Francis, particularly associated with the blessing of animals.
  • 05 (21 Asu) — Mela Beerh Baba Buddha Ji (Sikh).
  • 08 (Saturday between 1-10 Tishri) — Shabbat Shuvah or the Shabbat of Return (Jewish): the Shabbat in the middle of the Yamim Noraim, or Days of Awe.
  • 09 (25 Asu) — Parkash Guru Ramdas Sahib (Sikh): celebration of the birthday of the fourth Guru in 1534.
  • 11 (9 Ninth month) — Double Ninth Festival (Chinese): a day for warding off evil spirits by climbing mountains and drinking chrysanthemum wine.
  • 12 (10 Ninth Month) — Birth of Confucius (Chinese).
  • 12 (9 Asvina) — Dassera (Hindu): celebration of the victory of Rama, and end of Navaratri Dusserha.
  • 13 (10 Tishri) — Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement (Judaism):the holiest and most solemn day in the Jewish year: a day of penitence.
  • 14 (28 Mihr) — Ayathrem or Homing Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): traditional celebration of the return of the flocks from their summer pasture. This festival is devoted to Mordad, creator of plants and patron of long life. The festival continues for five days, until 18 October.
  • 17 — Full Moon 12:14 UCT.
  • 18 (15 Tishri) — Sukkot or Tabernacles (Judaism): commemoration of the nomadic history of Israel, begins a period of remembrance.
  • 20 (6 Katik) — Gurgadi Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh): the Adi Granth is installed as eternal scripture and Guru in 1708. The day is also the Jotijot of Guru Har Rai Sahib and the Gurgadi of Guru Harkrishan Sahib in 1661.
  • 21 (7 Katik) — Jotijot Guru Gobind Singh Sahib or Death of Guru Gobind Singh (Sikh): commemoration of the death of the tenth Guru in 1708.
  • 21 (19 Ninth month) — Death of Guān Yīn (Chinese Buddhism).
  • 22 (22 Katik) — Khalsa Darbar (Sikh).
  • 24 (21 Tishri) — Hoshana Rabba (Judaism): the seventh day of Sukkot.
  • 25 (22 Tishri) — Shemini Atzeret (Judaism): the eighth day of Sukkot, which ends the period in Israel, but not elsewhere.
  • 26 (23 Tishri) — Simchat Torah (Judaism): the ninth day of Sukkot, which ends the period outside of Israel.
  • 26 (10 Aban) — Aban Jashan or Water Feast (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the yazad Aban, who is lord of water.
  • 28 — Milvian Bridge Day (Christian): day commemorating the victory Emperor Constantine at Milvian Bridge in the year 321, and the establishment of Christianity as the state religion in the Roman Empire. Reflection on the often difficult ties between Christian faith and civil power is usually the focus of this day.
  • 28 (last Friday in Ramadan) — Jum'at al-Wada' or Farewell Friday (Islamic): although not strictly a true religious observance, the last Friday of Ramadan is considered to be an important day of prayer and reflection on the fast.
  • 28 (14 Katik) — Chief Khalsa Diwan Foundation Day and Saka Panja Sahib (Sikh).
  • 29 (11 Tir) — Maidyoshahem (Qadimi Zoroastrian): celebration of Hordad, creator of water and patron of wholeness and healing. The festival continues for five days, until 2 November.
  • 30 (27 Ramadan) — Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power (Islamic): celebration of the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammad. Muslims pray extra prayers, especially at night prayer.
  • 31 (29 Asvina) — Rupa Chaturdashi (Jain): solemn celebration of the last sermon of Mahavira: the night before Divali.
  • 31 — All Hallows' Eve (Western Christian): the day before All Saints' Day.
  • 31 — Reformation Day (Protestant Christian): annual commemoration of the beginning of Protestantism in 1517.
  • 31 — Samhain (Pagan): Pagan new year festival.
  • 31 (13 Tir) — Jashan-e Tiragan or Tishtar Festival (Qadimi Zoroastrian): festival of Tishtar, yazad of the star Sirius and rain.

September

  • 01 (27 Rajab) — Laylat al-Miraj (Islamic): celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's miraculous night-journey to Masjid al-Aqsa and his tour of heaven.
  • 01 — Beginning of the Church Year (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): this day marks the beginning of the annual round of church observances. In recent years, it has become a day of prayer for the environment among Eastern Orthodox who observe the Reformed Julian calendar.
  • 01 (17 Bhadon) — First Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh).
  • 03 — New Moon 18:45 UCT.
  • 05 (1 Elul) — New Year for Tithes (Jewish): the traditional date when tithes were reckoned. The age of animals was often reckoned by how many times they had seen 1 Elul.
  • 07 (4 Bhadrapada) — Ganesha Chaturthi (Hindu): festival of Ganesha, god of prosperity and frugality.
  • 07 (4 Bhadrapada) — Samvatsari (Jain): a day of general confession of transgressions of the past year, ending the Paryushana retreat.
  • 07 (3 Sha'aban) — Birth of Husayn ibn Ali (Shi'a): celebration of the birthday of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Muhammad, son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and third (or second) Imam in Shi'a Islam.
  • 08 — Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Nativity of the Theotokos (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the birth of the mother of Jesus.
  • 08 (4 Sha'aban) — Birth of Abbas ibn Ali (Shi'a).
  • 09 (5 Sha'aban) — Birth of Ali bin Husayn (Shi'a): the birthday of the fourth Imam, Zayn al-Abidin.
  • 11 (1 Thoout) — Coptic New Year (Coptic Christian): begins year 1722.
  • 11 (1 Maskaram) — Enkutatash or Ethiopian New Year (Ethiopian Christian and Rastafarian): begins year 1998.
  • 11 (29 August Julian) — Beheading of John the Baptist (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): commemoration of the martyrdom of John the Baptist by King Herod.
  • 13 (27 Shahrevar) — Paitishahem or Ingathering Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of the ingathering of the harvest. The celebration continues for five days, until 17 September. These days are particularly associated with Spendarmad, creator of earth and patron of piety.
  • 14 — Holy Cross (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the power of the Cross: the symbol of painful execution is that of joyful salvation to Christians.
  • 14 (1 September Julian) — Beginning of the Church Year (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): the round of church observances begins each year on this date.
  • 16 (2 Asu) — Jotijot of Gurus Amar Das and Ramdas Sahib and Gurgardi of Guru Ramdas and Arjun Sahib (Sikh): this day recalls the passing of authority from the third to the fourth Guru, in 1552, and from the forth to the fifth, in 1581.
  • 18 — Full Moon 02:01 UCT.
  • 18 (15 Eighth month) — Mid-Autumn Festival (Chinese): harvest festival accompanied by the eating of fresh fruit and mooncakes.
  • 18 (4 Asu) — Gurgadi Guru Angad Sahib (Sikh): commemoration of the installation of the second Guru in 1539.
  • 19 (15 Sha'aban) — Laylat al-Bara'a or the Night of Forgiveness (Islamic): in preparation for Ramadan, a night prayer seeking forgiveness is said.
  • 19 (15 Sha'aban) — Birth of Muhammad al-Mahdi (Shi'a): celebration of the birth of the twelfth Imam.
  • 21 (8 September Julian) — Nativity of the Theotokos (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the birth of the mother of Jesus.
  • 22 — Autumnal Equinox (northern hemisphere)/Vernal Equinox (southern hemisphere) 22:23 UCT.
  • 22 — Mabon (Pagan): harvest festival.
  • 22 (8 Asu) — Jotijot Guru Nanak Sahib (Sikh): commemoration of the death of Guru Nanak Sahib in Kartarpur in 1539.
  • 22 (18 Elul) — Chai Elul (Chasidic): celebration of the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov (1698) and the Alter Rebbe (1745).
  • 25 (2nd Sunday before Rosh Hashanah) — Selichot or Penitence (Jewish): on this day, special prayers of penitence begin and continue through to Yom Kippur.
  • 27 (14 September Julian) — Holy Cross (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the power of the Cross: the symbol of painful execution is that of joyful salvation to Christians.
  • 29 (11 Ardvahisht) — Maidyozarem or Shahrevar Festival (Shenshai Zoroastrian): festival of Shahrevar, creator of the sky and patron of might and power. The festival continues for five days, until 3 October.
  • 29 — St Michael and all Angels (Western Christian): celebration of Michael, the prince of the angels, and of all angels.

August

  • 01 — Lammas (Western Christian): a European festival of the first fruits of the harvest. The very first ears of grain are plucked to make bread used for the eucharist this day.
  • 01 — Lughnasadh (Pagan): the pagan version of Lammas, celebrating the beginning of the harvest season.
  • 01 — Dormition Fast begins (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): fast in preparation for the Dormition begins.
  • 04 (15 Daula) — End of Mandaean New Year Prohibitions (Mandaean): the holy time of the New Year is counted to have finished, and animals may be slaughtered and meat eaten once again.
  • 05 — New Moon 03:05 UCT.
  • 06 — Transfiguration of the Lord (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the Jesus being revealed as glorious, transfigured, to some of his disciples before his crucifixion.
  • 06 (1 Av) — Beginning of the Nine Days (Jewish): the beginning of nine days of mourning, leading into Tisha b'Av.
  • 08 (24 Sawan) — Morcha Guru Ka Bagh (Sikh).
  • 11 (7 Seventh month) — Qīxì or the Night of Sevens (Chinese): romantic evening on which the tale of the cowherd and the spinster is told, and girls show of their domestic skills.
  • 13 (9 Seventh month) — Beginning of Ullambana, Obon or Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (Eastern Buddhism): festival of the dead, which involves lighting bonfires, meals, dancing and paper lanterns.
  • 14 (9 Av) — Tisha b'Av (Judaism): fasting observance of the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, one of the saddest days in Judaism.
  • 14 (1 August Julian) — Dormition Fast begins (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): fast in preparation for the Dormition begins.
  • 15 — Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Western Christian): observance of the end of the Blessed Virgin's earthly life, which some believe was her bodily assumption into heaven. Its eastern equivalent is Dormition.
  • 15 — Dormition of the Theotokos (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): the equivalent of western Assumption.
  • 15 (1 Gatha) — Hamaspathmaidyen, Muktad or All Souls' Festival (Shenshai Zoroastrian): commemoration of dead ancestors in the five days before Noruz. These days are devoted especially to Spenta Mainyu, the Holy Spirit of Ahura Mazda, creator of human beings, and to fire.
  • 18 (13 Rajab) — Yawm Ali or Birth of Ali bin Abi Talib (Shi'ite): celebration of the birthday of the first Imam.
  • 19 — Full Moon 17:53 UCT.
  • 19 (6 August Julian) — Transfiguration of the Lord (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the Jesus being revealed as glorious, transfigured, to some of his disciples before his crucifixion.
  • 19 (15 Sravana) — Raksha Bandhan (Hindu): celebration of brothers and sisters.
  • 19 (15 Seventh month) — End of Ullambana or Obon (Eastern Buddhism).
  • 20 (1 Fravardin) — Noruz or New Year's Day (Shenshai Zoroastrian): the holiest day of the year for Zoroastrians who follow the Shenshai calendar. Noruz is particularly associated with Ardvahisht, creator of fire and patron of truth and righteousness.
  • 20 (15 Av) — Tu b'Av (Jewish): an auspicious day for new beginnings, and a popular day for weddings.
  • 27 (23 Sravana) — Krishna Jayanti (Hindu): celebration of the birthday of Krishna.
  • 28 (15 August Julian) — Dormition of the Theotokos (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): the equivalent of western Assumption.
  • 29 (25 Sravana) — Paryushana begins (Digambara Jain): beginning of the ten-day holy retreat for Digambaras.
  • 29 — Beheading of John the Baptist (New Calendarist Eastern Christian): commemoration of the martyrdom of John the Baptist by King Herod.
  • 30 (11 Ardvahisht) — Maidyozarem or Shahrevar Festival (Qadimi Zoroastrian): festival of Shahrevar, creator of the sky and patron of might and power. The festival continues for five days, until 3 September.
  • 30 (15 Bhadon) — Mela Baba Bakala (Sikh).
  • 31 (27 Sravana) — Paryushana begins (Svetambara Jain): the beginning of the eight-day holy retreat for Svetambaras.

July

  • 01 (13 Tir) — Jashan-e Tiragan or Tishtar Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration of Tishtar, the yazad who presides over the star Sirius and the pre-harvest rains.
  • 05 (21 Harh) — Parkash Guru Hargobind Sahib or Birth of Guru Hargobind (Sikh): celebration of the birthday of the sixth Guru in 1595.
  • 06 — New Moon 12:02 UCT.
  • 06 — Birth of the Dalai Lama (Tibetan Buddhism): the seventieth birthday of Tanzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama.
  • 09 (16 Rahmat) — Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá'í).
  • 09 (25 Harh) — Shaheedi Bhai Mani Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 16 (1 Gatha) — Hamaspathmaidyen, Muktad, Farvardigan, Panje or All Souls' Festival (Qadimi Zoroastrian): five day commemoration of dead ancestors, leading up to Noruz. These days are associated with Spenta Mainyu, the Holy Spirit of Ahura Mazda, who created human beings, and with fire.
  • 16 (1 Sawan) — Shaheedi Bhai Taru Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 19 (12 Tammuz) — Yud-Beis Tammuz (Chasidic): celebration of the Previous Rebbe's release from Soviet prison in 1927.
  • 20 (30 Gedya) — Kanisa Uzahila or Mandaean New Year's Eve (Mandaean): its name means sweepin and cleaning, and it is a day of busy preparation for the New-Year period.
  • 20 (15 Sixth month) — Festival of Guan Gong (Taoist): festival of the God of Virtue and Loyalty.
  • 21 — Full Moon 11:00 UCT.
  • 21 (15 Asalha) — Asala or Asalha Puja (Southern Buddhism): beginning of the vasa retreat of the rainy season. Commemorating the first proclamation of Gautama Buddha, and the beginning of Buddhism.
  • 21 (1 Fravardin) — Noruz or New Year (Qadimi Zoroastrian): the New Year's Day for followerers of the Qadimi calendar.
  • 21 (1 Daula) — Dahwa Rba or New Year (Mandaean): its Mandaic name means great feast.
  • 21 (6 Sawan) — Miri-Piri Guru Hargobind Sahib (Sikh): the commemoration of Guru Hargobind Sahib's wearing of two swords to signify spiritual and temporal power.
  • 23 (3 Daula) — `Id al-Kabir or Great Feast (Mandaean): it Arabic name means great feast. This day begins four days of New-Year's ceremonies.
  • 24 (19 Sixth month) — Enlightenment of Guān Yīn (Chinese Buddhism).
  • 24 — Pioneer Day (Mormonism).
  • 24 (17 Tammuz) — Tzom Tammuz or Tammuz Fast (Judaism): a dawn-to-dusk fast in remembrance of the Roman destruction of the outer wall of Jerusalem, the cessation of Temple sacrifices and Moses' breaking the stone tablets of the law.
  • 26 (6 Daula) — Nauruz Zota or Little New Year (Mandaean): the end of `Id al-Kabir, and the first of the two days of Dahwa d-Sisham Rba.
  • 26 (6 Fravardin) — Hordad Sal or Old New Year (Qadimi Zoroastrian).
  • 26 (8 Sawan) — Parkash Guru Har Krishan Sahib or Birth of Guru Har Krishan (Sikh): celebration of the birthday of the eighth Guru in 1656.

June

  • 01 (16 Dey) — Maidyarem (Shenshai Zoroastrian): celebration of Vahman, creator of cattle and patron of good purposes. The festival continues for five days, until 5 June.
  • 01 — Saint Justin Martyr's Day (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): commemoration of the Christian philosopher who was martyred in Rome in 166.
  • 03 (12 days after Trinity Sunday) — Sacred Heart of Jesus (Roman Catholic): reflection on the sacrificial love of Jesus.
  • 04 (day after Sacred Heart of Jesus) — Immaculate Heart of Mary (Roman Catholic).
  • 04 (21 Jeth) — 1984 Ghallughara (Sikh): commemoration of the 1984 attack on Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
  • 05 (29 Vaisakha) — Janam Tap Moksh Sri Shantinath Ji (Jain): commemoration of the birth, renunciation of the world and liberation from the world of Shantinatha.
  • 06 — New Moon 21:55 UCT.
  • 06 (28 Iyyar) — Yom Yerushalayim or Jerusalem Day (Judaism): commemoration of the reunification of the city of Jerusalem in 1967 after the Six-Day War.
  • 06 (23 Jeth) — Shaheedi Sant Baba Jarnail Singh Ji (Sikh).
  • 09 (40 days after Easter) — Ascension Day (Eastern Christian): commemoration of Jesus' ascent into Heaven.
  • 11 (5 Fifth month) — Dragon Boat Festival (Chinese): marks the beginning of the summer with dragon-boat races and eating of rice cakes.
  • 11 (28 Jeth) — Gurgadi Guru Hargobind Sahib (Sikh): the installation of the sixth Guru in 1606.
  • 11 — Saint Barnabas' Day (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the apostle, missionary and companion of Saint Paul. Eastern churches usually celebrate Saint Bartholomew as well today.
  • 12 (6 Ashadha) — Garbh Sri Mahavir Swami or Conception of Mahavira (Jain): commemoration of the conception, or descent into the womb, of Mahavira.
  • 12 (5 Jumada al-Ula) — Declaration of the Báb alternative date (Eastern Bahá'í): Middle Eastern Bahá'í's celebrate this day on its date in the Islamic Calendar, whereas others celebrate on 23 May.
  • 13 (6 Sivan) — Shavuot or Pentecost (Judaism): the end of the counting of Omer, and seven weeks after Pesach.
  • 14 (1 June Julian) — Saint Justin Martyr's Day (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): commemoration of the Christian philosopher who was martyred in Rome in 166.
  • 16 (2 Harh) — Shaheedi Guru Arjan Sahib (Sikh): commemoration of the death of the fifth Guru in 1606 whilst imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Jehangir.
  • 16 (9 Jyaistha) — Ganga Dussehra (Hindu).
  • 18 (day before Pentecost) — Saturday of Souls (Eastern Christian): preparation for Pentecost.
  • 19 (50 days after Easter) — Pentecost (Eastern Christian): celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
  • 19 — New Church Day (Swedenborgian Christian): annual commemoration of Emanuel Swedenborg's The True Christian Religion in 1770.
  • 20 (5 Spendarmad) — Spendarmad Festival (Qadimi Zoroastrian).
  • 21 — Summer Solstice (northern hemisphere)/Winter Solstice (southern hemisphere) 06:46 UCT.
  • 21 — Litha (Pagan): Pagan midsummer festival.
  • 22 — Full Moon 04:14 UCT.
  • 23 (16 Jyaistha) — Buddha Jayanti.
  • 24 — Midsummer's Day (Northern Europe): this is an ancient celebration of the Summer Solstice in Nordic and Baltic countries. It is often linked with the feast of John the Baptist, see below.
  • 24 — Birth of John the Baptist (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of John the Baptist's birth.
  • 24 — Saints Bartholomew and Barnabas' Day (Old Calendarist Eastern Christian): celebration of the apostles.
  • 25 (11 Harh) — Shaheedi Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur (Sikh).
  • 26 (Sunday after Pentecost) — All Saints' Sunday (Eastern Christian): festival of all the saints.
  • 26 — Johannes Döparens dag (Day of John the Baptist) (Northern Europe Christian).
  • 27 (day after All Saints') — First day of the Apostles' Fast (Eastern Christian).
  • 27 — Saint Cyril of Alexandria's Day (Christian).
  • 28 — Saint Irenaeus' Day (Christian).
  • 29 (11 Tir) — Maidyoshahem or Midsummer Festival (Fasli Zoroastrian): celebration summer and Hordad, creator of water and patron of wholeness and health. The celebration continues for five days, until 3 July.
  • 29 — Saints Peter and Paul's Day (Western Christian and New Calendarist Eastern Christian): combined celebration of the two best known apostles. Sometimes Saint Peter is celebrated alone.
  • 29 (15 Harh) — Barsi Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji (Sikh).

May

  • 01 (Sunday after Julian Paschal Full Moon) — Easter or Pascha (Eastern Christian): the most important festival of the church, celebrating Jesus' resurrection.
  • 01 (23 Third month) — Festival of Māzŭ (Taoist): birthday festival of the Heavenly Empress and Sea Goddess, protector of fishermen, sailors and immigrants.
  • 01 — Beltane (Pagan): celebration of the beginning of summer and the sacred marriage of the God and Goddess.
  • 01 (5th Sunday after Easter) — Rogation Sunday (Western Christian): Sunday for praying for the land and a good harvest.
  • 02 (16 Dey) — Maidyarem (Qadimi Zoroastrian): celebration of Vahman, creator of cattle and patron of good purposes. The festival lasts for five days, ending on 6 May.
  • 02 (5 Jamál) — Twelfth Day of Ridván (Bahá'í): the twelfth and last day of the feast of Ridván, celebrating the prophethood of Bahá'u'lláh.
  • 02 (19 Vaisakh) — Parkash Guru Arjun Sahib or Birth of Guru Arjun (Sikh): celebration of the birthday of the fifth Guru in 1563.
  • 05 (40 days after Easter) — Ascension Day (Western Christian): commemoration of Jesus' ascent into Heaven.
  • 05 (26 Nisan) — Yom haShoah or Holocaust Day (Judaism): day of remembrance for those who were killed in the Holocaust.
  • 08 — New Moon 08:45 UCT.
  • 11 (3 Vaisakha) — Aksay Tritya (Jain): commemoration of the day on which Rsabha broke his year-long fast with sugar-cane juice. Therefore this is a day for fast breking in a similar way.
  • 11 (day before Yom haAtzmaut) — Yom haZikaron or Memorial Day (Judaism): day of remembrance for soldiers and civilians who have died in and for Israel.
  • 12 (Thursday before 5 Iyyar) — Yom haAtzmaut or Independence Day (Judaism): annual commemoration of the declaration of the independence of Israel in 1948.
  • 15 (50 days after Easter) — Pentecost or Whitsunday (Western Christian): celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
  • 15 (8 Fourth month) — Birth of the Buddha (Eastern Buddhism).
  • 15 (7 Fourth month) — Birth of Shakyamuni Buddha (Tibetan Buddhist): celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha's birthday during the sacred month of Saka Dawa.
  • 17 (3 Jeth) — Chhota Ghallughara (Sikh).
  • 18 (10 Vaisakha) — Gyan Sri Mahavir or the Omniscience of Mahvira (Jain): commemoration of Mahavira's achievement of omniscience.
  • 22 (Sunday after Pentecost) — Trinity Sunday (Western Christian): festival of the doctrine of the Trinity.
  • 22 (1 Hettya) — Dahwa Yemana (Mandaean).
  • 23 — Full Moon 20:18 UCT.
  • 23 (15 Fourth month) — Saka Dawa Düchen (Tibetan Buddhist): anniversary of Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment and passing into Nirvana.
  • 23 (7 Azamat) — Declaration of the Báb (Bahá'í).
  • 23 (9 Jeth) — Parkash Guru Amar Das Sahib or Birth of Guru Amar Das (Sikh): celebration of the birthday of the third Guru in 1479.
  • 23 (14 Iyyar) — Pesach Sheni or Second Passover (Jewish): little celebrated day that provides an alternative night to celebrate Pesach for those who could not do so on the proper night.
  • 24 (16 Vaisakha) — Vesak, Visakha Puja or Buddha Day (Southern Buddhism): celebration of the enlightenment of Gautama Buddha.
  • 26 (60 days after Easter) — Corpus Christi (Western Christian): thanksgiving for the institution of the Eucharist.
  • 27 (18 Iyyar) — Lag ba'Omer or 33rd of the Omer (Judaism): the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer from Pesach; it is a day when bonfires are lit and celebrations are permitted.
  • 29 (13 Azamat) — Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í).
  • 31 — Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Mary, Mediatrix of all Graces (Western Christian): commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary's visit to Elizabeth.
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