Calendar of Religious Holidays
April 2012
1
Ramanayami (Hindusim)
This day marks the birth of Rama, a divine figure in Hinduism who is referred to as Maryada Purushottama, or "the perfect man." Rama's birthday is celebrated with evening processions of murtis, Hindu symbolic figures, and drinking Panakam, a sweet drink made of jaggery and pepper. Ceremonial weddings are also often staged in houses and temples, using murtis of Rama and his wife Sita.
1
Palm Sunday
(Christianity / Orthodox Christianity)
Falling on the Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is said that a crowd greeted Jesus by carpeting his path with palms, as the palm is a symbol of triumph and victory. In many churches, palm leaves are distributed to all worshipers.
5
Quingming (Chinese Traditional)
Quingming is a celebration to remember ancestors and to tend to their gravesites. Some leave offerings at graves, such as food, tea and other libations. Willow branches are often carried or hung outside doors to ward off evil spirits.
5
Maundy Thursday (Christianity)
Also known as "Holy Thursday," this Thursday before Easter commemorates the "last supper" that Jesus shared with his Apostles. It was on this night that the Christian sacrament known as Holy Eucharist was introduced. Maundy Thursday observances include reading the account of the Last Supper from the Gospel.
6-9
Theravadin New Year (Buddhism)
On the first three days after the full moon in April, the Theravada Buddhists of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, celebrate the New Year. This is a time to reflect on one's karma, focus on cleansing, and offer good wishes to others.
6
Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism)
Mahavir Jayanti, the most important holiday in Jainism, celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. A Tirthankara is a human being who achieves enlightenment and becomes a role-model and teacher. On this day, Jain temples are decorated with flags, and lectures are often held to discuss the path to virtue. Special ceremonies and processions are also performed, and devotees will make offerings of rice, fruit, milk, and other items to those participating in the procession.
6
Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism)
Hanuman Jayanti is the birthday of Hanuman, a monkey god and devotee of Rama. Seen as a symbol of physical strength and perseverance, Hindus often perform special chants to Hanuman when they are faced with obstacles. On this day, worshippers fast and visit temples, where they apply a tilak of sindhoor (vermillion) from Hanuman's body to their forehead for good luck.
6
Lord's Evening Meal (Jehovah's Witness Christianity)
The Lord's Evening Meal, a memorial to commemorate Christ's death, is the only holiday in which the Jehovah's Witnesses participate. They believe it is the only holiday that the Bible commands Christians to observe. On this day, a service is held and unleavened bread and wine is offered, though a very small minority partake in this offering; only those who believe they have a heavenly hope will partake.
6
Good Friday (Christianity)
The Friday preceding Easter Sunday, known as "Good" or "Holy" Friday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. Some Christian denominations fast on this day, and many hold special church services.
7-14
Pesach / Passover Begins (Judaism)
Pesach, or Passover, commemorates God "passing over" the houses of the Jews—sparing them—during the tenth plague of Egypt. In some traditions, Passover lasts for seven days, with major feasts on the first and last days. The first night of Passover is celebrated with a seder, a special dinner where the story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold. The last day, celebrated with prayer services and special meals, commemorates the day the Children of Israel reached the Red Sea and found safety. Different traditions call for varying levels of diet restriction at this time, but generally all Jews abstain from eating chametz (leavening and fermenting agents) as it is commanded in the Torah.
7
Black Saturday / Holy Saturday (Christianity)
Holy Saturday, the final day of Holy Week and the last day of Lent, commemorates the day that Jesus's body lay entombed in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In the Western Church, this is a time to quietly reflect on Christ's death and burial, and no Masses are held.
7
Lazarus Saturday (Orthodox Christianity)
Celebrated the day before Palm Sunday, this holiday celebrates the resurrection of Lazarus, as told in The New Testament Gospel of John. Though this day is still a fast day, some cultures celebrate with special permitted foods, like caviar in Russia, and a special spice bread called Lazarakia in Greece.
8
Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christianity)
8
Easter (Christianity)
Christians believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead on Easter Sunday, on the third day after his crucifixion. This day is celebrated in different ways among the many Western and Eastern Christian traditions, including Vigils, readings, reenactments, and the eating of special foods. The egg is a significant symbol of Easter, as it represents the resurrection: it is dormant, but contains a new life. Easter traditions involving eggs include egg hunts, egg games, and the gifting of candy eggs.
13
Holy Friday (Orthodox Christianity)
14
Baisakhi (Sikhism)
1
Ramanayami (Hindusim)
This day marks the birth of Rama, a divine figure in Hinduism who is referred to as Maryada Purushottama, or "the perfect man." Rama's birthday is celebrated with evening processions of murtis, Hindu symbolic figures, and drinking Panakam, a sweet drink made of jaggery and pepper. Ceremonial weddings are also often staged in houses and temples, using murtis of Rama and his wife Sita.
1
Palm Sunday
(Christianity / Orthodox Christianity)
Falling on the Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is said that a crowd greeted Jesus by carpeting his path with palms, as the palm is a symbol of triumph and victory. In many churches, palm leaves are distributed to all worshipers.
1
Ramanayami (Hindusim)
This day marks the birth of Rama, a divine figure in Hinduism who is referred to as Maryada Purushottama, or "the perfect man." Rama's birthday is celebrated with evening processions of murtis, Hindu symbolic figures, and drinking Panakam, a sweet drink made of jaggery and pepper. Ceremonial weddings are also often staged in houses and temples, using murtis of Rama and his wife Sita.
1
Ramanayami (Hindusim)
This day marks the birth of Rama, a divine figure in Hinduism who is referred to as Maryada Purushottama, or "the perfect man." Rama's birthday is celebrated with evening processions of murtis, Hindu symbolic figures, and drinking Panakam, a sweet drink made of jaggery and pepper. Ceremonial weddings are also often staged in houses and temples, using murtis of Rama and his wife Sita.
1
Palm Sunday
(Christianity / Orthodox Christianity)
Falling on the Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is said that a crowd greeted Jesus by carpeting his path with palms, as the palm is a symbol of triumph and victory. In many churches, palm leaves are distributed to all worshipers.
5
Quingming (Chinese Traditional)
Quingming is a celebration to remember ancestors and to tend to their gravesites. Some leave offerings at graves, such as food, tea and other libations. Willow branches are often carried or hung outside doors to ward off evil spirits.
5
Maundy Thursday (Christianity)
Also known as "Holy Thursday," this Thursday before Easter commemorates the "last supper" that Jesus shared with his Apostles. It was on this night that the Christian sacrament known as Holy Eucharist was introduced. Maundy Thursday observances include reading the account of the Last Supper from the Gospel.
6-9
Theravadin New Year (Buddhism)
On the first three days after the full moon in April, the Theravada Buddhists of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, celebrate the New Year. This is a time to reflect on one's karma, focus on cleansing, and offer good wishes to others.
6
Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism)
Mahavir Jayanti, the most important holiday in Jainism, celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. A Tirthankara is a human being who achieves enlightenment and becomes a role-model and teacher. On this day, Jain temples are decorated with flags, and lectures are often held to discuss the path to virtue. Special ceremonies and processions are also performed, and devotees will make offerings of rice, fruit, milk, and other items to those participating in the procession.
6
Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism)
Hanuman Jayanti is the birthday of Hanuman, a monkey god and devotee of Rama. Seen as a symbol of physical strength and perseverance, Hindus often perform special chants to Hanuman when they are faced with obstacles. On this day, worshippers fast and visit temples, where they apply a tilak of sindhoor (vermillion) from Hanuman's body to their forehead for good luck.
6
Lord's Evening Meal (Jehovah's Witness Christianity)
The Lord's Evening Meal, a memorial to commemorate Christ's death, is the only holiday in which the Jehovah's Witnesses participate. They believe it is the only holiday that the Bible commands Christians to observe. On this day, a service is held and unleavened bread and wine is offered, though a very small minority partake in this offering; only those who believe they have a heavenly hope will partake.
6
Good Friday (Christianity)
The Friday preceding Easter Sunday, known as "Good" or "Holy" Friday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. Some Christian denominations fast on this day, and many hold special church services.
7-14
Pesach / Passover Begins (Judaism)
Pesach, or Passover, commemorates God "passing over" the houses of the Jews—sparing them—during the tenth plague of Egypt. In some traditions, Passover lasts for seven days, with major feasts on the first and last days. The first night of Passover is celebrated with a seder, a special dinner where the story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold. The last day, celebrated with prayer services and special meals, commemorates the day the Children of Israel reached the Red Sea and found safety. Different traditions call for varying levels of diet restriction at this time, but generally all Jews abstain from eating chametz (leavening and fermenting agents) as it is commanded in the Torah.
7
Black Saturday / Holy Saturday (Christianity)
Holy Saturday, the final day of Holy Week and the last day of Lent, commemorates the day that Jesus's body lay entombed in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In the Western Church, this is a time to quietly reflect on Christ's death and burial, and no Masses are held.
7
Lazarus Saturday (Orthodox Christianity)
Celebrated the day before Palm Sunday, this holiday celebrates the resurrection of Lazarus, as told in The New Testament Gospel of John. Though this day is still a fast day, some cultures celebrate with special permitted foods, like caviar in Russia, and a special spice bread called Lazarakia in Greece.
8
Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christianity)
8
Easter (Christianity)
Christians believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead on Easter Sunday, on the third day after his crucifixion. This day is celebrated in different ways among the many Western and Eastern Christian traditions, including Vigils, readings, reenactments, and the eating of special foods. The egg is a significant symbol of Easter, as it represents the resurrection: it is dormant, but contains a new life. Easter traditions involving eggs include egg hunts, egg games, and the gifting of candy eggs.
13
Holy Friday (Orthodox Christianity)
14
6-9
Theravadin New Year (Buddhism)
On the first three days after the full moon in April, the Theravada Buddhists of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, celebrate the New Year. This is a time to reflect on one's karma, focus on cleansing, and offer good wishes to others.
6
Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism)
Mahavir Jayanti, the most important holiday in Jainism, celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. A Tirthankara is a human being who achieves enlightenment and becomes a role-model and teacher. On this day, Jain temples are decorated with flags, and lectures are often held to discuss the path to virtue. Special ceremonies and processions are also performed, and devotees will make offerings of rice, fruit, milk, and other items to those participating in the procession.
6
Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism)
Hanuman Jayanti is the birthday of Hanuman, a monkey god and devotee of Rama. Seen as a symbol of physical strength and perseverance, Hindus often perform special chants to Hanuman when they are faced with obstacles. On this day, worshippers fast and visit temples, where they apply a tilak of sindhoor (vermillion) from Hanuman's body to their forehead for good luck.
6
Lord's Evening Meal (Jehovah's Witness Christianity)
The Lord's Evening Meal, a memorial to commemorate Christ's death, is the only holiday in which the Jehovah's Witnesses participate. They believe it is the only holiday that the Bible commands Christians to observe. On this day, a service is held and unleavened bread and wine is offered, though a very small minority partake in this offering; only those who believe they have a heavenly hope will partake.
6
Good Friday (Christianity)
The Friday preceding Easter Sunday, known as "Good" or "Holy" Friday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. Some Christian denominations fast on this day, and many hold special church services.
7-14
Pesach / Passover Begins (Judaism)
Pesach, or Passover, commemorates God "passing over" the houses of the Jews—sparing them—during the tenth plague of Egypt. In some traditions, Passover lasts for seven days, with major feasts on the first and last days. The first night of Passover is celebrated with a seder, a special dinner where the story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold. The last day, celebrated with prayer services and special meals, commemorates the day the Children of Israel reached the Red Sea and found safety. Different traditions call for varying levels of diet restriction at this time, but generally all Jews abstain from eating chametz (leavening and fermenting agents) as it is commanded in the Torah.
7
Black Saturday / Holy Saturday (Christianity)
Holy Saturday, the final day of Holy Week and the last day of Lent, commemorates the day that Jesus's body lay entombed in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In the Western Church, this is a time to quietly reflect on Christ's death and burial, and no Masses are held.
7
Lazarus Saturday (Orthodox Christianity)
Celebrated the day before Palm Sunday, this holiday celebrates the resurrection of Lazarus, as told in The New Testament Gospel of John. Though this day is still a fast day, some cultures celebrate with special permitted foods, like caviar in Russia, and a special spice bread called Lazarakia in Greece.
6
Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism)
Mahavir Jayanti, the most important holiday in Jainism, celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. A Tirthankara is a human being who achieves enlightenment and becomes a role-model and teacher. On this day, Jain temples are decorated with flags, and lectures are often held to discuss the path to virtue. Special ceremonies and processions are also performed, and devotees will make offerings of rice, fruit, milk, and other items to those participating in the procession.
6
Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism)
Mahavir Jayanti, the most important holiday in Jainism, celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. A Tirthankara is a human being who achieves enlightenment and becomes a role-model and teacher. On this day, Jain temples are decorated with flags, and lectures are often held to discuss the path to virtue. Special ceremonies and processions are also performed, and devotees will make offerings of rice, fruit, milk, and other items to those participating in the procession.
6
Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism)
Hanuman Jayanti is the birthday of Hanuman, a monkey god and devotee of Rama. Seen as a symbol of physical strength and perseverance, Hindus often perform special chants to Hanuman when they are faced with obstacles. On this day, worshippers fast and visit temples, where they apply a tilak of sindhoor (vermillion) from Hanuman's body to their forehead for good luck.
6
Good Friday (Christianity)
The Friday preceding Easter Sunday, known as "Good" or "Holy" Friday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. Some Christian denominations fast on this day, and many hold special church services.
7-14
Pesach / Passover Begins (Judaism)
Pesach, or Passover, commemorates God "passing over" the houses of the Jews—sparing them—during the tenth plague of Egypt. In some traditions, Passover lasts for seven days, with major feasts on the first and last days. The first night of Passover is celebrated with a seder, a special dinner where the story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold. The last day, celebrated with prayer services and special meals, commemorates the day the Children of Israel reached the Red Sea and found safety. Different traditions call for varying levels of diet restriction at this time, but generally all Jews abstain from eating chametz (leavening and fermenting agents) as it is commanded in the Torah.
7
Black Saturday / Holy Saturday (Christianity)
Holy Saturday, the final day of Holy Week and the last day of Lent, commemorates the day that Jesus's body lay entombed in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In the Western Church, this is a time to quietly reflect on Christ's death and burial, and no Masses are held.
8
Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christianity)
Baisakhi (Sikhism)
One of the most significant holidays on the Sikh calendar, Baisakhi marks the day that Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa: a military order of saint-soldiers. Today, the term Khalsa is used to refer to all baptized Sikhs. Baisakhi is celebrated with worship and offerings in gurdwaras, processions, and reflection.
15
Easter / Pascha (Orthodox Christianity)
The Orthodox sect of Christianity uses the Julian Calendar, and therefor celebrates Easter on a different date than the Christians who follow the Gregorian calendar.
19
Yom HaSho'ah (Judaism)
Commencing in 1951, Yom HaSho'ah is a remembrance day for the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Many Jewish communities hold solemn ceremonies on this day. In Israel, Yom HaSho'ah is a national memorial day, and a state ceremony is held.
15
Easter / Pascha (Orthodox Christianity)
The Orthodox sect of Christianity uses the Julian Calendar, and therefor celebrates Easter on a different date than the Christians who follow the Gregorian calendar.
19
Yom HaSho'ah (Judaism)
Commencing in 1951, Yom HaSho'ah is a remembrance day for the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Many Jewish communities hold solemn ceremonies on this day. In Israel, Yom HaSho'ah is a national memorial day, and a state ceremony is held.
15
Easter / Pascha (Orthodox Christianity)
The Orthodox sect of Christianity uses the Julian Calendar, and therefor celebrates Easter on a different date than the Christians who follow the Gregorian calendar.
19
Yom HaSho'ah (Judaism)
Commencing in 1951, Yom HaSho'ah is a remembrance day for the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Many Jewish communities hold solemn ceremonies on this day. In Israel, Yom HaSho'ah is a national memorial day, and a state ceremony is held.
15
Easter / Pascha (Orthodox Christianity)
The Orthodox sect of Christianity uses the Julian Calendar, and therefor celebrates Easter on a different date than the Christians who follow the Gregorian calendar.
19
Yom HaSho'ah (Judaism)
Commencing in 1951, Yom HaSho'ah is a remembrance day for the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Many Jewish communities hold solemn ceremonies on this day. In Israel, Yom HaSho'ah is a national memorial day, and a state ceremony is held.
21 - May 2
21 - May 2
Ridvan (Baha'ism)
On April 21, 1863, Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i faith, declared his mission. To celebrate the commencement of his prophethood, Baha'is hold a twelve-day festival called Ridvan, named after the Garden of Rivdan where Baha'u'llah stayed for twelve days in exile. The first, ninth, and twelfth days of Rivdan are special holy days, marking Baha'u'llah's arrival to the garden, his family's arrival, and his departure respectively. On these days, work is prohibited and time is spent in prayer and celebration.
23
Saint George's Day (Christianity)
This day commemorates Saint George, one of the most prominent military saints. As patron saint of England, Greece, Russia, Ethiopia, Palestine and Portugal (among others), Saint George's Day is observed throughout the world and in different fashions, including flying Saint George's Cross Flag and participating in parades.
24
Akshaya-Tritiya (Jainism)
This day celebrates the breaking of the year-long fast by the first Jain teacher, Tirthankara Rshabhdeva. It is believed that any meaningful activity started on this day will be successful.
27
Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Judaism)
Yom Ha'Atzmaut is the national independence day of Israel, commencing in 1948. Many celebrate the holiday with picnics, singing and dancing, and Hallel, a Jewish prayer, is often recited.
28
Buddha Day/Visakha Puja (Buddhism)
Visakha Puja celebrates the day the Buddha was born, and the day he reached his enlightenment some thirty-five years later, and the day of his death, some forty-five years after that. Buddhists believe that all three of these events took place on the day in May when the moon is full. It is an extremely important day in the Buddhist tradition, Buddhists tend to observe the day by being generous, because of their gratitude for what the Buddha did, and perhaps also by listening to speeches about the Buddha. In contrast to many other celebrations, on this day Buddhists tend to dress much more simply than they might otherwise, and they cut down on the amount and kind of food they might eat. Offering flowers, and burning candles and incense to the Buddha is also common.
29
23
Saint George's Day (Christianity)
This day commemorates Saint George, one of the most prominent military saints. As patron saint of England, Greece, Russia, Ethiopia, Palestine and Portugal (among others), Saint George's Day is observed throughout the world and in different fashions, including flying Saint George's Cross Flag and participating in parades.
24
Akshaya-Tritiya (Jainism)
This day celebrates the breaking of the year-long fast by the first Jain teacher, Tirthankara Rshabhdeva. It is believed that any meaningful activity started on this day will be successful.
27
Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Judaism)
Yom Ha'Atzmaut is the national independence day of Israel, commencing in 1948. Many celebrate the holiday with picnics, singing and dancing, and Hallel, a Jewish prayer, is often recited.
24
Akshaya-Tritiya (Jainism)
This day celebrates the breaking of the year-long fast by the first Jain teacher, Tirthankara Rshabhdeva. It is believed that any meaningful activity started on this day will be successful.
27
Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Judaism)
Yom Ha'Atzmaut is the national independence day of Israel, commencing in 1948. Many celebrate the holiday with picnics, singing and dancing, and Hallel, a Jewish prayer, is often recited.
28
Buddha Day/Visakha Puja (Buddhism)
Visakha Puja celebrates the day the Buddha was born, and the day he reached his enlightenment some thirty-five years later, and the day of his death, some forty-five years after that. Buddhists believe that all three of these events took place on the day in May when the moon is full. It is an extremely important day in the Buddhist tradition, Buddhists tend to observe the day by being generous, because of their gratitude for what the Buddha did, and perhaps also by listening to speeches about the Buddha. In contrast to many other celebrations, on this day Buddhists tend to dress much more simply than they might otherwise, and they cut down on the amount and kind of food they might eat. Offering flowers, and burning candles and incense to the Buddha is also common.
29
Ninth day of Rivdan (Baha'ism)
As noted above for the first day of Ridvan, this day, the ninth of the days Baha'u'llah spent in the Ridvan garden, marks the day his family arrived.
30
St. James the Great Day (Orthodox Christianity)
This day celebrates St. James, one of the Twelve Apostles and the Patron Saint of Spain. St. James was one of the first men to follow Jesus, and one of the three Apostles that witnessed his Transfiguration. James was said to have a fiery temper, and it is speculated that this is what brought him to execution by sword at the hands of Agrippa I in 44 AD.
30
Ghambar Maidyozarem (Zoroastrianism)
This is the first of six annual Ghambar festivals celebrated by Zoroastrians. The word Ghambar is derived from "gahanbar" meaning time-storage in Persian, and alludes to the division and storage of food. As the name indicates, these five-day festivals are observations of the different seasons and harvests. They are celebrated through joyous feasts and the recognition of the seven acts of goodness: generosity of the spirit, sharing, selfless help toward those in need, community participation and inclusion, honesty, pity, and remembrance of one's ancestors. Today's Ghambar - Ghambar Maidyozarem - celebrates the sky and the winter crop harvest.