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Vaisaki,
Sikh: Annual procession through the streets to celebrate
the founding of the Sikh brotherhood. Processors and supporters
dress in traditional Sikh costume to see the Guru Granth Sahib
(the Sikh holy scriptures) carried on an adorned float.
Dhu
Al-Hajjah, Islam: The last month of the Muslim year, when
the pilgrimage to Mecca is made. This Haj, should be made
at least once in a lifetime. Ceremonies include discarding
old clothes and dressing in a seamless cloth, and making a
circuit around the Ka’bah, the house of Allah.
Eid
Ul Adha, Islam: Animals are sacrificed by Muslims on the
Haj and those at home. The day commemorates the obedience
of Ibrahim. Food from the sacrifices is shared with friends,
family and the poor.
Holi,
Hindu and Sikh: Celebrated in March by Indians - especially
those from Hindu and Sikh communities. Celebrated with a bonfire
to celebrate the death of Holika, the demon of winter. The next
day the festivities include throwing handfuls of coloured powder
or spraying people with coloured water, so all become equal in celebration.
A very noisy festival.
Naw-Ruz,
Baha’I: New year, which coincides with the spring equinox,
when the sun shines equally on the whole earth.
Purim,
Jewish: Celebrates the deliverance of the Jews of Persia
from Haman. A time for present giving and festivity.
Ching
Ming, Chinese: A festival honouring the dead. Offerings
of food, flowers and incense are made, tombs are swept and
trees are planted.
Bodhi
Day, Buddhist: (generally 8th April) According to the
Mahayana Buddhists this is the day to commemorate Buddha achieving
enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree.
Rama
Navami, Hindu: Birthday of the seventh incarnation of
Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama. Temples are decorated and the Ramayana
(the story of Rama) is told.
Baisakhi/Vaisakhi,
Sikh: Commemoration of the foundation day of the Sikh
brotherhood by Guru Gobind Singh. Sikhs wear five articles
of faith to symbolize obedience to God, recognition of God’s
universality, orderliness, modesty and protection of the weak.
Namdhari Sikhs celebrate their foundation on this day.
Palm
Sunday, Christian: Marks the beginning of Holy Week. Christians
remember Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem when he was welcomed
by crowds waving palm leaves.
Maundy
Thursday, Christian: Commemorates the Last Supper where
Jesus ate with his disciples and shared bread and wine.
Pessach/Passover,
Jewish: Commemorates the Jews' exodus from Egypt and slavery.
During the eight-day festival no leavened food is eaten -
to remind participants of the haste of the Jews' departure.
The special seder meal is eaten during this time.
Feast
of Ridvan, Baha’i: A celebration to mark Baha’u’llah’s
Declaration of his Revelation. This happened in the garden
of Ridvan (paradise). On the first day of Ridvan, Baha’i Spiritual
Assemblies are elected. On the ninth day and the 12th day,
Baha’u’llah’s exile is remembered.
Good
Friday, Christian: Commemorates the day Jesus was executed
on a cross. Known as ‘good’ Friday because of Jesus’s demonstration
of love, forgiveness, and obedience to God’s will.
Holy
Saturday, Christian: Many Christian churches hold midnight
services on this day. They re-light the Paschal candle, to
remind believers that Jesus is the light of the world.
Easter
Sunday, Christian: Marking the day that Jesus rose from
the dead after his crucifixion. Gifts of eggs, a reminder
of the stone rolled away from Jesus's tomb, are often exchanged
as a symbol of new life.
Wesak,
Buddhist: A triple celebration for western Buddhists -
the anniversary of Buddha’s birth and the day he achieved
enlightenment and attained nirvana.
Declaration
of the Bab, Baha’i: A descendant of the Prophet Mohammed,
the Bab declared himself a messenger of God and Herald of
One Greater. Baha’u’llah was first imprisoned for following
the teachings of The Bab.
Ascension
of Baha’u’llah, Baha’I Baha’i: Followers turn in prayer
to Bahji where Baha’u’llah was buried in 1892.
Ascension
Day, Christian: Commemorates the day when Jesus is said
to have left the earth and risen to God, his father.
Martydom
of Guru Arjan Dev, Sikh: The fifth Guru compiled the Sikh
Holy Scriptures and completed the work on the Golden Temple
at Amritsar.
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