Jashan-e Mihragan (Zoroastrian)
This autumnal community celebration involves prayers of thanksgiving and blessings of the community. More Information
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Erev (eve of) Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
This evening is the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This holiday begins the period of the High Holy Days, which are widely observed by Jews around the world. It is both a time of rejoicing and of serious introspection, a time to celebrate the completion of another year while also taking stock […]
Navaratri (Hindu)
The festival literally means “nine nights” in Sanskrit and occurs over ten days and nine nights. It is celebrated differently in various parts of India with prayer, elaborate pandals (platforms), fasting, folk dances, displays of dolls, sharing of sweets, and bonfires. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of righteousness, […]
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. This holiday begins the period of the High Holy Days, which are widely observed by Jews around the world. It is both a time of rejoicing and of serious introspection, a time to celebrate the completion of another year while also taking stock of one’s life. Traditions include eating apples dipped […]
Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (Catholic)
Today, Catholics celebrate Francis of Assisi, who abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christian poverty, interreligious dialogue and peacemaking. He is the founder of an order of priests, and it is Francis who originated the practice of commemorating the birth of Jesus with the nativity scene. He is the patron saint […]
Durga Puja (Vedanta)
Durga is one of the names of the Divine Mother -- the power of Brahman Absolute. Learn More: https://www.vedanet.com/the-meaning-of-durga/
Yom Kippur (Jewish)
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement. The focus of this holiday is on contemplation repentance. Jews are taught that sins between people can only be atoned for after personal reconciliation. It is considered to be the holiest and most solemn day of the year. Fasting begins at sundown and ends after nightfall the following day. […]
Ayathrem Gahambar (Zoroastrian)
Ayathrem (literally: bring home the herds) Gahambar celebrates getting ready for winter. It is considered a religious duty to participate in a communal jashan prayer ceremony; as well as, fraternize and share a simple meal with fellow co-religionists from all walks of life, rich and poor. More Information
Dussehra (Hindu)
Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami, Dasara, or Dashain) is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It specifically commemorates when Lord Rama killed Ravana, as told in the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is a gazetted holiday in India, which is marked on the 10th and last day of Navratri, according to the Hindu […]
Indigenous People’s Day
In 1977 participants at the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas proposed that Indigenous Peoples’ Day replace Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes that Native people are the first inhabitants of the Americas, including the lands that later became the United States of America. And it urges Americans to […]
