Interfaith Calendar

Holi – Hindu A colorful and joyous festival that welcomes Spring. Referred to as the Festival of Colors, it is celebrated with people throwing colorful powder and colored water. Generally celebrated over two days.

Hola Mohalla – Sikh A three-day festival following Holi; the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, started it as a time for military preparedness exercises. Today, mock battles are followed by music competitions and festivities.

March ICGS Board Meeting Open to all, email secretary@sacramentointerfaith.org for further information.

Holy (Maundy) Thursday –Christian (Western Church) The Thursday before Easter commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as described in the gospels. Mass or services may include the symbolic washing of the feet. Note: The Eastern Church observe this holiday on April 21st.

Easter – Christian (Western Church) Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year and includes a joyous celebration of Mass or a Service of Christ’s Resurrection. Note: The Eastern Church observes this holiday on May 2nd.

Lalat ul Qadr – Islam Islamic Night of Destiny. First revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Mohammed. Observed during the last ten days of Ramadan. Prayers to Allah for a good destiny.

Eid al Fitr – Islam Islamic event marking the close of Ramadan. It is a festival of thanksgiving to Allah for enjoying the month of Ramadan. It involves wearing the finest clothing, saying prayers, and fostering understanding with other religions.

Vaisakhi – Sikh The anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa and is important for Sikhs because on this day in 1699, the clerical system was removed from Sikhism.

Rama Navami – Hindu Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, the hero of the religious epic poem, The Ramayana. It involves telling stories and going to the temple.

First day of Ridvan – Baha’i Baha’i commemoration of the twelve-day period in 1863 when Baha’u’llah declared that he was God’s messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

Mahavir Jayanti – Jain Festival honoring Lord Mahavira on the founder’s birthday. Shrines are visited and teachings are reviewed and reflected upon.

Pesach  (Passover) – Jewish Pesach, which means to pass through, commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the Holy One passing over the Jewish homes when the first-born Egyptians were slain.