Having Faith in Tower Hamlets  Support  Contact  About the Forum     Home Faith Directory Inter Faith Calender Events & Meetings Inter Faith Projects Hate Crime National Perspectives Faith Links December 6-9 Hajj Islam The fifth pillar of Islam is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Makkah during 8-13 of Dhul-hijjah, the month of Hajj. It is the largest gathering of Muslims anywhere in the world. 10-11 Eid-ul-Adha Islam Marks the sacrifice made by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). People celebrate this festival with an Eid prayer on the morning of the first day, and share meat with their relatives and the poor. 21 Midwinter/Yule Paganism This celebration of light takes place on the shortest day of the year. Followers gather in a show of faith that the sun’s warmth will return. Among other rituals, Druids cut mistletoe from oak trees and distribute it as a blessing. 22 Chanukah (Festival of Lights) Judaism Celebrates the rededication of Jerusalem’s Second Temple and the miracle of its menorah (nine-stem candelabrum),which was kept alight for eight days with one day’s oil. The lighting of the menorah on each night of the festival commemorates this miracle. 25 Christmas Day Christianity Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely celebrated by the exchanging of gifts. 26 January Kwanzaa Inter Faith Originally celebrated by African American communities in the US, Kwanzaa is now observed by a growing number of people worldwide. It is a celebration of the traditional African values of family and community, responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. The term Kwanzaa comes from the African language Kiswahili, and means 'first fruits of the harvest'. 26 Zarthost-No-Diso Zoroastrianism The symbolic anniversary of the Prophet Zarathushtra’s death. Special prayers are recited and traditionally all Zoroastrians go to the Fire Temple as a mark of respect and remembrance to the prophet. © 2008 Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum   Privacy   Editorial web design by enabledlondon.com