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January 2009
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7 January |
Christmas Day (Rastafarian) |
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Wednesday |
This event is marked by a large feast. The food eaten is vegetarian or vegan in keeping with Rastafari food laws. During the feast prophecy and readings take place, and a Nyabingi meeting will often follow.
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7 January |
Ashura (Muslim) |
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Wednesday
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Ashura has been a day of fasting for Muslims since the days of the early Muslim community. It marks two historical events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the Ark and the day that Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah.
Shi'a Muslims in particular use the day to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet (pbuh) in 680 CE (Common Era).
Every year in London Shi'a Muslims gather for a mourning procession and speeches at Marble Arch. The procession attracts up to 3000 men, women and children from many different ethnic backgrounds.
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26 January |
Yuan Tan - Chinese New Year (Chinese) |
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Monday
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This year is the year of the Ox
'Kung Hei Fat Choi' is a traditional greeting meaning 'wishing you prosperity'. This is a time when gifts, flowers and sweets are exchanged and debts paid before the New Year begins.
It is also known as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year and Chun Jie. On New Years Eve houses are brightly lit, and door and windows are sealed to keep in good luck. On New Years Day they break these seals.
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31 January |
Vasant Panchami (Hindu) |
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Saturday
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Vasant Panchami is the festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning. (Deepavali is dedicated to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, and Navaratri Durga is dedicated primarily to Kali, goddess of strength, might and power.)
Yellow colour is given special importance on this day. On Vasant Panchami, Saraswati is dressed in yellow garments and worshipped (with Puja, Havan etc.). Men and women try to wear yellow clothes on this day. Sweetmeats of yellowish hues are exchanged with relations and friends.
Vasant Panchami is also known as Shri Panchami. As Saraswati Puja, it is observed religiously almost in all parts of India especially in Bengal. As goddess Saraswati is pure and white and representing learning, no animal sacrifice is made to her. Idols of Saraswati are brought and worshipped.
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Further information
Natalie Hill
Equality and Diversity Officer
Telephone: 01743 260 200
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