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| October 1 Eid-al-Fitr Islam People mark the end of Ramadan with an additional morning congregational prayer in the mosque. People of all ages celebrate the rest of the day visiting friends and relatives, and also make charitable donations. The precise date may vary and it is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. 6-9 Durga Pooja/Navaratri/Dassehra Hinduism A celebration lasting five days. The Goddess Durga is the Hindus’ most important female deity. She is worshipped in a colourful and dramatic festival celebrating Rama winning the freedom of his beloved wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. 9 Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Judaism The holiest day of the Jewish calendar, marked by a 25-hour fast and solemn prayer to repent for the previous year’s sins. 14 Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles) Judaism Commemorates the autumn harvest and the wandering of the Jews in the wilderness after their Exodus from Egypt. During these eight days, it is traditional to eat and sleep in sukkahs (makeshift shelters). 20 Birthday of The Báb Bahá’í Celebrates the birthday of The Báb, co-founder of the Bahá’í faith, who was born in 1819 in Shiraz, Persia. 20 Installation of Adi Granth Sahib Sikhism Sikhs honour their faith’s holy book, the Adi (first) Granth Sahib, which was installed in the Golden Temple at Amritsar in 1604. 21 Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Law) Judaism Celebrates the completion of the annual reading of the Torah (Five Books of Moses). A joyous festival when the Torah scrolls are taken from the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark) and danced around the synagogue seven times. 28 Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhism Sikhs celebrate the sixth Guru’s arrival at Amritsar on Diwali, following his release from Fort Gwallior. He also secured the release of 52 Hindu rajas from the same prison, after which he was called Bandi Chhor. This day also marks the martyrdom of Bhai Bani Singh. 28 Diwali and New Year Hinduism Jainism Sikhism Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Its main focus is Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Sikhs also celebrate this day (as Bhandi Chhor Divas) because the sixth Guru reached Amritsar on Diwali after his release from prison. Among Jains, this day is celebrated as the anniversary of Lord Mahavira’s death. 28 Kali Pooja Hinduism A festival to honour the great goddess Maha Devi in her role as Kali, Goddess of Death, Decay and Transformation. 30 Ascension (Gurughadi Divas) of Guru Granth Sahib Sikhism The Granth Sahib is the most revered of all Sikh scriptures and it is worshiped as the faith’s living word. It was given Guruship on this day in 1708. 31 Samhain Paganism Literally meaning 'summer’s end', this festival is a celebration of endings and transformation. Popularly known as Halloween, it is also for many Pagans a celebration of New Year. |
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