On this day, the bonds between sisters and brothers are celebrated. Sisters of all ages tie an amulet, called the rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers, symbolically protecting them, receiving a gift in return, and traditionally investing the brothers with a share of the responsibility for the well-being of the sisters. More Information
The feast day of the Assumption of Mary celebrates the Christian belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into Heaven following her death. More Information
Most important annual holy events for Jains. It lasts 8-10 days. Jains increase their level of spiritual intensity, often with fasting and prayer/meditation. The five main vows are emphasized during this time. Students may be fasting. More Information
Al-Hijra is the Islamic New Year and the first day of the month of Muharram. It marks the Hijra in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina. The Muslim calendar counts dates from the Hijra, which is why Muslim dates have the suffix A.H. (After Hijra).
The festival celebrates the birth of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesh clay idols privately in homes, or publicly on elaborate pandals (temporary stages) with ornate statues. The festival ends on the tenth day with a public procession and immersion of the idols and statues; in Mumbai alone, […]
This day marks the migration Prophet Muhammad took from the cities of Mecca to Medina to protect the faith of Islam. This commemorates the Islamic New Year.
Today marks the first of ten days of commemoration, at the end of the Zoroastrian year. During this time, the community commemorates and remembers fravarshis (departed souls) with fresh flowers and a lighted oil lamp. Homes and temples are thoroughly cleaned; for it is believed that the fravashis visit the physical world during this time, […]
Also called Rakhi or Rakhi Purnima, this day celebrates the bonds between sisters and brothers. Sisters of all ages tie a sacred thread, called the rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers, symbolically protecting them, and in return they receive a gift from their brothers. Traditionally, brothers also promise to take a share of the […]
Pateti (literally: penitence) is the last day of the Parsi Zoroastrian year. It is a day for a person to reflect on their thoughts, words and deeds of the previous year and to repent for those that were not good. The repentance allows dedicating the new year to good thoughts, words and deeds in a […]
The feast day of the Assumption of Mary celebrates the Christian belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into Heaven, body and soul, following her death. More Information
"Everything you should do you will find in this: Do nothing to others that would hurt you if it were done to you."
- Mahabharata 5:1517
Hinduism
