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August 2009
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1 August |
Lughnasadh - Lammas (Pagan) |
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Saturday
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Lughnasadh (pronouced 'loo'nass'ah') comes at the beginning of August. It is one of the Pagan festivals of Celtic origin which split the year into four. |
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5 August |
Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) |
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Wednesday |
Raksha Bandhan is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love.
It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar.
The word Raksha means protection, whilst Bandhan is the verb to tie. Traditionally, during the festival sisters tie a rakhi, a bracelet made of interwoven red and gold threads, around their brothers' wrists to celebrate their relationship.
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5 August |
Lailat-ul-Bara'h - Night of forgiveness (Muslim) |
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Wednesday |
This is when Muslims seek forgiveness for their sins.
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6 August |
Transfiguration (Christian) |
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Thursday
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Orthodox Christian feast commemorating the sudden emanation of radiance from the person of Jesus that occurred on the mountain. |
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14 August |
Janmashtami - Krishna Jayanti (Hindu) |
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Friday
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The Janamashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most highly venerated God in the Hindu pantheon.
Krishna is perceived by most Hindus to be an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, who is regarded as the highest avatar. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher and philosopher by Hindus.
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16 August |
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian) |
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Sunday
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A largely Roman Catholic festival celebrating their belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven.
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17 August |
Birthday of Marcus Garvey (Rastafari) |
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Monday |
This day commemorates the Birthday of Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican politician born in 1887, who predicted the crowning of a King in Africa and instigated the 'Back to Africa' movement.
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17 August |
Paryushana (Jain) |
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Monday |
The most important Jain festival, it consists of eight (Swetambara) or ten (Digambara) days of intensive fasting and repentance. A time of reflection.
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22 August |
Ramadan - begins (Muslim) |
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Saturday
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This takes place during the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar and is the holiest of the 4 holy months. Muslims abstain from all food and drink between dawn and sunset, and from any traits of bad character.
Ramadan was the month in which the first verses of the holy Qur'an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The reason why Muslims fast during this time is about seeking proximity to God, so that it brings people close to their natural state and purifies thoughts and actions.
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23 August |
Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) |
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Sunday
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On this day Hindus all over the world will celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesh (Ganesh Chaturthi).
Ganesh is depicted with an elephant's head on a human body and in the Hindu tradition he is the son of Lord Siva and the Goddess Parvati. He is known as the Remover of Obstacles and is prayed to particularly when people are beginning a new enterprise or starting a new business. Ganesh is also known as the patron god of travelling.
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24 August |
Khordad Sal (Shenshai) (Zoroastrian) |
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Monday |
The birthday of Zoroaster, celebrated on this date in the Shenshai calendar. |
Further information
Natalie Hill
Equality and Diversity Officer
Telephone: 01743 260 200
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