Purim, one of the most joyous Jewish holidays, commemorates the events in the Book of Esther. It celebrates the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th century BCE, were marked for death by their Persian rulers. Traditions include costumes, retelling the story through skits and songs, festivals geared towards children, and giving care packages to […]
This is the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love." Holi signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest. People celebrate this day by meeting together and tossing colored powders or colored water on each other. More information can […]
Hola Mohalla takes place on the first day of the lunar month of Chet, which generally falls in March. This tradition was established by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1701 for Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in controlled battles. Hola Mohalla became an annual event and continues to be celebrated with martial […]
Commemoration and remembrance of all departed souls. Homes and temples are thoroughly cleaned; for it is believed that the souls of departed loved ones (fravashis) visit the physical world during this time, to bless and protect the living. More Information
This is the feast day of Joseph, a carpenter who was the stepfather of Jesus and husband of Mary. He is the patron saint of the Universal Church. Traditionally it is believed he died in the presence of Jesus and Mary, before Jesus began his public ministry. For this reason, St. Joseph is also the […]
Spring Equinox or Ostara is celebrated March 21st or 22nd. At the spring equinox, the hours of daylight are exactly equal to the hours of night. It is the middle of spring. This holiday celebrates the blooming of the earth. It was named after the German goddess of spring, Ostara, known to the Anglo Saxons […]
Wherever they live, Baha’is gather every 19 days for what we call a Feast. This is a members-only event comprising three parts: 1. A spiritual portion that’s the time for prayer and reflection; 2. A business portion for consultation about administrative issues (plans for forming classes, organizing to perform community service, observing holy days, or […]
Baha'i New Year coincides with spring equinox. Ancient Persian festival celebrating "new day". For Bahai's it marks end of the annual 19 day Fast. Starts at sundown on the 20th and ends at sunset on the 21st. Holiday Greeting: Happy Naw Ruz or Happy New Year Explanation of the Baha'i calendar. Baha'i dates begin and […]
The spring equinox festival celebrated by Parsi Zoroastrians with family and friends. Celebrations may also include the Sofreh-e-Haft Seen table. Holiday Greeting: Navroze Mubarak Children may miss school to celebrate with families More Information
The arrival of spring is celebrated by the coming together of family in new clothes. Weeks before Nowruz, homes are given a spring cleaning and festive foods are prepared. Also, the Sofreh-e-Haft Seen table is set up. (what follows is included in the detailed description) The Seen table is laid out with seven foods each […]