Nineteen Day Fast – Baha’i Baha’i Fast to be observed by adult Baha’is in good health from sunrise to sundown (along with mandatory prayer).

Maha Shivaratri – Hindu A Hindu festival in honor of Lord Shiva and his marriage to Goddess Parvati. Ceremonies involving prayers and hymns take place mostly at night. Special foods are not used.

Ramadan Begins – Islam Holiest period of the Islamic Year. Commemoration of Muhammad’s reception of the divine revelation recorded in the Qur’an. Authorities in Saudi Arabia sight the new moon of the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.

St. Patrick’s Day – Christian A day to celebrate the life of Saint Patrick (cultural and religious Holy Day).

Equinox-Ostara-Wiccan/Pagan Celebration of new life; a time of renewal and rebirth.

Nowruz (New Year) – Zoroastrian Celebrates the renewal of the world and the creation of fire. Zarathustra received his revelation on this day.

Palm Sunday – Christian (Western Church) Celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Note: The Eastern Church observes this holiday on April 17th.

Lord’s Evening Meal – Jehovah’s Witness Christians This was first observed by Jesus Christ on Jewish Passover in 33 C.E. It is observed only once per year.  Celebrants partake of bread and wine which are symbols of Christ’s body and blood

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.