Tisha B’av is a solemn Jewish fast day that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, along with other tragedies in Jewish history. It is observed with a 25-hour fast, mourning rituals, the reading of the Book of Lamentations, and sitting on the floor or low stools in grief. The day reflects themes of loss, exile, and the hope for future redemption and rebuilding.
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary honors the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is a major holy day in the Catholic Church and is often marked by attending Mass, processions, and prayers. The day reflects themes of hope, purity, and the promise of eternal life.
Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, who is revered for his wisdom, compassion, and divine playfulness. It is observed with fasting, devotional singing, reenactments of Krishna’s life, and midnight celebrations marking the time of his birth. The festival is filled with joy, dance, and prayer, reflecting love and devotion to Krishna.
Paryushan is one of the most important festivals in Jainism, observed over 8–10 days (depending on the sect), and focuses on spiritual reflection, nonviolence, and self-discipline. During this time, Jains engage in fasting, prayer, meditation, and reading of sacred texts, culminating in a day of forgiveness known as Samvatsari. The festival encourages introspection, ethical living, and seeking forgiveness from others with the phrase "Micchami Dukkadam", meaning "may all the wrongs done be forgiven.
Mawlid al-Nabi, also known as the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, is an Islamic holiday that commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, usually observed in the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Rabi' al-Awwal. Celebrations vary by community and can include special prayers, storytelling about the Prophet’s life, communal meals, and acts of charity. The day honors Muhammad’s teachings, character, and his role as the final messenger of Islam.
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, marking the beginning of the High Holy Days and a time of reflection, renewal, and hope. It is traditionally celebrated with festive meals, the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn), and prayers for a sweet and meaningful year ahead. The holiday invites introspection, setting intentions, and seeking forgiveness as the new year begins.
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and is dedicated to repentance, reflection, and forgiveness. It is observed with a 25-hour fast, prayer, and attending synagogue services, where individuals seek to atone for their sins and start the new year with a clean slate. The day emphasizes spiritual renewal, humility, and reconciliation with oneself, others, and God.
Sukkot is a week-long Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites' journey through the desert after the Exodus from Egypt, living in temporary shelters. It is celebrated by building and dwelling in a sukkah, a hut-like structure, and by waving the lulav and etrog, symbols of the harvest and unity. Sukkot is a joyful time that emphasizes gratitude, hospitality, and connection to nature and community.
Shemini Atzeret is a Jewish holiday that follows the seven days of Sukkot and is considered a separate yet connected festival. It is a time of spiritual reflection and prayer for rain (in Israel), marking the start of the agricultural season. While it lacks specific rituals like the sukkah or lulav, it emphasizes the intimate relationship between the Jewish people and God.
Simchat Torah is a joyful Jewish holiday that marks the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle. Celebrated immediately after Sukkot, it is filled with singing, dancing, and parading the Torah scrolls around the synagogue. The holiday expresses deep love and reverence for the Torah and the ongoing commitment to its teachings.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu celebration that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Observed with vibrant festivities, families light oil lamps, set off fireworks, exchange sweets, and decorate their homes to honor the goddess Lakshmi and welcome prosperity and new beginnings.
The Birth of the Báb is one of the two Twin Holy Birthdays celebrated by Bahá’ís, usually in October or November, based on the Bahá’í lunar calendar. The Báb, born in 1819 in Shiraz, Iran, was the forerunner and herald of Bahá’u’lláh, preparing the way for the Bahá’í Faith. The day is observed with joyful community gatherings, prayers, music, and reflection on the Báb’s life, mission, and message of spiritual renewal.
The Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í Faith, is celebrated on one of the Twin Holy Birthdays, usually in October or November, based on the Bahá’í lunar calendar. Born in 1817 in Tehran, Iran, Bahá’u’lláh is honored for his teachings on unity, peace, and the oneness of humanity. The day is marked with joyful gatherings, prayers, music, and reflection on his life and message.
All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1, is a Christian holiday honoring all known and unknown saints who have led holy lives and now dwell in the presence of God. It is a day to recognize the spiritual legacy and examples of these individuals across time and cultures. The celebration often includes attending church services, prayers, and reflections on living a life of faith and virtue.
All Souls Day is a Christian day of remembrance for all the faithful departed. It is a time to pray for the souls of loved ones who have passed away, especially those in purgatory, according to Catholic tradition. The day is marked by church services, visiting cemeteries, and lighting candles in honor of the dead.
The Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib, also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, celebrates the birth of the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. It usually falls in November and is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar. The day is marked with prayers, singing of hymns, processions, and community service, honoring Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, compassion, and devotion to one God.
The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib honors the ninth Guru of Sikhism, who sacrificed his life in 1675 to protect religious freedom. He was executed by the Mughal emperor for standing against the forced conversion of Hindus, symbolizing courage, spiritual strength, and the defense of human rights. Sikhs commemorate the day with prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and reflection on his legacy of selflessness and justice.
The Feast of Christ the King is a Christian celebration observed on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, just before Advent begins. It honors the sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all creation and emphasizes his role as a just and loving ruler. The day encourages reflection on Christ’s reign in our lives and calls believers to live in accordance with his teachings of peace, justice, and compassion.
The Day of the Covenant honors ʻAbdu’l-Bahá’s unique role as the appointed interpreter and center of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings in the Bahá’í Faith. It commemorates the covenant that ensures unity and guidance within the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh’s passing. The day is observed with joyful gatherings, prayers, and reflections on ʻAbdu’l-Bahá’s life of service and devotion.
The Ascension of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá is observed on November 28 and commemorates the passing of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, the son of Bahá’u’lláh and a central figure in the Bahá’í Faith. He is remembered for his life of service, humility, and efforts to promote peace and unity around the world. Bahá’ís mark the day with prayers, readings, and reflection on his teachings and legacy.
St. Andrew’s Feast Day is celebrated in honor of St. Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, and several other countries. The day is marked by religious services, cultural traditions, and, in Scotland, festive events that celebrate national heritage. It emphasizes faith, discipleship, and the importance of spreading the message of hope and compassion.
Advent is a season in the Christian calendar that begins four Sundays before Christmas and marks a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed with themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, often symbolized by the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath each week. Many Christians use this time for reflection, prayer, and acts of kindness as they await the celebration of Christmas.
The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated on December 3 and honors the Spanish Jesuit missionary known for his extensive work spreading Christianity in Asia during the 16th century. He was a co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and is considered the patron saint of missions. The day is marked by special prayers, Masses, and reflections on evangelism, service, and global faith outreach.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8, honors the Catholic belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. It is a holy day of obligation for Catholics, marked by attending Mass and reflecting on Mary’s purity and role in the story of salvation. The day emphasizes grace, divine favor, and the preparation for the birth of Jesus.
Bodhi Day, celebrated on December 8 by many Buddhists, honors the day Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. It is a time for reflection, meditation, and studying the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings). Observances often include chanting, acts of kindness, and quiet contemplation to deepen spiritual understanding and inner peace.
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12 and honors the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego in 1531 near Mexico City. It is a significant religious and cultural event, especially in Mexico and among Mexican communities worldwide. The day is marked with Masses, processions, traditional music, and vibrant celebrations that express devotion, gratitude, and cultural pride.
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Each night, a candle is lit on the menorah, and traditions include playing dreidel, eating foods fried in oil, and spending time with family. The holiday honors themes of faith, resilience, and light in times of darkness.
Yule is a winter solstice celebration with ancient roots in Germanic and Norse traditions, marking the longest night of the year and the return of the sun. Traditionally, it includes lighting the Yule log, feasting, and honoring nature and ancestral spirits. Today, Yule is celebrated by many in pagan and Wiccan communities as a time of renewal, reflection, and connection to the rhythms of the earth.
Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is marked by traditions such as gift-giving, decorating Christmas trees, sharing meals, and spending time with loved ones. The holiday also carries themes of joy, generosity, and peace.
