Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
The Cultural Calendar Blog would be nothing without its student contributions and because of this, the project team have decided to run a competition for bloggers. The premise of this competition is pretty simple: every blog post will be entered in to a draw each semester for the chance to win a cultural prize in … Continue reading “Blog for a Chance to Win”
Contributed by Maxane Keogh ‘It’s that awkward time of year before Christmas when you’re not sure if you should start breaking out the scarves and fairy lights yet; however, it’s also getting very cold and Aldi is already selling Christmas chocolates sooooooo… I offer you a middle ground. A time of feasting before Christmas, to … Continue reading “Yet Another Brussels Sprout Riddled Celebration – Thanksgiving”
Thinking about helping us out as a Cultural Calendar Ambassador at one of our events such as our upcoming Chinese New Year Celebration? Want to know more about the ambassador experience? Answering both of these questions, Priyal Desai and Kajol Desai have kindly provided us with an overview of their experiences as Ambassadors during our … Continue reading “The Ambassador Experience (Diwali)”
Contributed by Jaspinder Mann As many across India celebrate Diwali, Sikhs also light Divas (candles) and set off fireworks for Bandi Chor Divas, day of liberation. The Sikh occasion for celebration is in remembrance of their history and the actions of their sixth Guru (spiritual leader) Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. The origin: Guru Sahib … Continue reading “The Sikh celebration of Bandi Chor Divas! (Diwali time)”
Interested in submitting a post to us, but unsure how to go about it? We’ve got some top tips for you! Formatting advice: Concerned about how to format your post before you submit to us? Please check out our four formatting tips below for guidance. Above all, don’t forget we’re a flexible project, so please … Continue reading “Blog Submissions Guidance”
With over 500 sweets, a lot of streamers and even more electric diyas, the Cultural Calendar’s first Diwali celebration was a success. We would like to thank everybody who took part, and who joined us in celebrating the day, as we couldn’t have done it without you! To summarise the day: the Cultural Calendar’s Diwali … Continue reading “Diwali – Thank You”
The 5th of November is one of the most notorious dates in British history. On this date a small group of Roman Catholic conspirators attempted to blow up the House of Lords, alongside King James 1 and the Protestant Government. Nowadays the day is remembered and celebrated more for its flashy fireworks displays, although it … Continue reading “Bonfire Night & Coughton Court”
Throughout October the University commemorated Black History Month. First celebrated in the UK in 1987, the month acts as a period to reflect on and remember important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora. At the University, colleges and departments host their own events throughout the month by inviting guest speakers, screening … Continue reading “Black History Month at the University”
Contributed by Priyal Desai Diwali—the festival of lights—is one of the most important festival in Hindu Culture. Signifying the symbolic victory of good over evil, Diwali is celebrated with fervor throughout India where different cultures honor it through varied rituals. In my culture, it is generally a four to five day festival where each day … Continue reading “The Festival of Lights and Joy, where Good Always Prevails”
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Dipavali is a festival of great significance to Indian Culture. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains each of which have their own reason for celebrating. There is however one common theme: the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is a … Continue reading “Diwali Celebrations – November 7th”
Halloween is famously an evening of tricks or treats, spooky costumes, and carved pumpkins (also neeps in some parts of Scotland), but the event has a rich history and cultural heritage which can be related back to the Gaelic festival of Samhain; an event marking the end of the harvest, and the beginning of winter. … Continue reading “Halloween: Samhain or Summer’s End”
