Great Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter, traditionally a time of fasting and reflection. The 40 days represents the time Jesus spent in the desert overcoming temptation by Satan. In the Orthodox Church, Great Lent starts on Clean Monday and ends on the Friday before

Celebration of the presentation of teachings by the Buddha to a spontaneous gathering of 1250 arahants (holy men). Also known as ‘Great Assembly Day’ or ‘Sangha Day’.

Commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a young Jewish woman, Queen Esther. Preceded by the Fast of Esther, Purim is a joyous holiday.

A joyous Hindu festival that celebrates love, spring and the victory of good over evil. People throw colored water or colored powder in celebration. Holika Dahan, the burning of an effigy of a mythical demoness named Holika, is performed the night before.

Islamic event. On this night, God approaches the Earth to call humanity and to grant forgiveness of sins. Shia and Sunni interpretations may vary on the meaning of this date.

An annual festival started by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles.

Naw Ruz is the Baha’i New Year which coincides with the vernal equinox. The inception of the Baha’i calendar was on 21 March 1844 CE with the declaration of the Bab, the Prophet-Herald of the Baha'i Faith.

The holy month of Ramadan (23 March – 21 April) begins with the first light of dawn commemorating the revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad. Throughout this month Muslims fast during daylight hours, celebrate an evening meal with family and friends, pray fervently and show charity to the

Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu and hero of the religious epic poem ‘The Ramayana’. April Sun 2 – Sat 8 Holy Week C

Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankar (enlightened spiritual Master) in Jainism. Images of Lord Mahavira are paraded through the streets while performing rituals and preaching about Lord Mahavira’s teachings.

The Buddhist New Year depends on the country of origin or ethnic background of the people. In Theravadin countries (i.e., Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Lao) the new year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April.

An eight-day festival for families and communities to remember the time when Hebrew slaves were led by Moses out of Egypt to freedom. The festival begins with the Seder meal during which time the story of their deliverance is told. The first and last two days are holidays. Also known