Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
Krishna Janmashtami, also called Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Devotees keep fast on the day of Krishna Janmashtami and offer prayer to the deity for good health and happiness. Hindus believe that on this day, Lord Vishnu, the preserver or sustainer of life, was … Continue reading “Krishna Janmashtami 26 August”
George Stubbs ARA (1724-1806) was an English painter, best known for his paintings of horses. Self-trained, Stubbs learnt his skills independently from other great artists of the 18th century such as Reynolds and Gainsborough. Early clients for his sporting and racing paintings included many of the noblemen who founded the Jockey Club. Stubbs spent his … Continue reading “George Stubbs 300th anniversary”
Raksha bandhan (or Rakhi) is a Hindu festival, taking place on the full moon in the month of Sravana, which celebrates brotherhood and love. The word Raksha means protection, whilst Bandhan is the verb to tie. On this day, sisters tie rakhi (a bracelet made of interwoven red and gold threads) on the wrists of their brothers to … Continue reading “Raksha Bandhan 19 August”
International Left Handers’ Day is an international day observed annually on August 13 to celebrate the uniqueness and differences of left-handed individuals. Left Handers’ Day is celebrated on August 13th to represent the approx 13% of the population who are left handed. On 13th August 1992 the Left Handers’ Club launched International Left-Handers Day, an … Continue reading “International Left Handers’ Day 13 August”
Joseph Conrad (1857-1924), born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski, was a Polish-British novelist, regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language, although he did not speak English fluently until his twenties. He wrote novels and stories, many in nautical settings, that depict crises of human individuality in the midst of what he saw … Continue reading “Joseph Conrad – centenary”
