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August 2008
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1 August |
Lughnasadh - Lammas (Pagan) |
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Friday
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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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6 August |
Transfiguration (Christian) |
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Wednesday
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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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9 August |
Lailat-ul-Bara'h - Night of forgiveness (Muslim) |
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Saturday |
This is when Muslims seek forgiveness for their sins.
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10 August |
Tish B'av (Jewish) |
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Sunday |
Tish B'av is the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av which usually falls in July or August in the western calendar.
It is a solemn occasion because it commemorates a series of tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the years, many of which have coincidentally happened on this day.
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15 August |
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian) |
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Friday
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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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16 August |
Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) |
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Saturday |
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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17 August |
Birthday of Marcus Garvey (Rastafari) |
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Sunday |
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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24 August |
Khordad Sal (Shenshai) (Zoroastrian) |
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Sunday |
The birthday of Zoroaster, celebrated on this date in the Shenshai calendar. |
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24 August |
Janmashtami - Krishna Jayanti (Hindu) |
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Sunday
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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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28 August |
Paryushana (Jain) |
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Thursday |
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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31 August |
Lailat al Miraj (Muslim) |
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Sunday |
The festival celebrates the Prophet Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem in a single night. From Jerusalem he ascended into heaven where he met the earlier prophets and eventually God.
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Further information
Natalie Hill
Equality and Diversity Officer
Telephone: 01743 260 200
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