Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
Holi, also called the festival of sharing and love or the festival of colours, is a Hindu two-day festival in the Spring. This year Holi is on 25 March, with Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan being celebrated on 24 March. The holiday is officially celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Phalguna … Continue reading “Holi 25 March”
St. Patrick’s Day observes of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, music, dancing and drinking. He was born to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century and is believed to have died on March 17, around 460 … Continue reading “St Patrick’s Day 17 March”
Post contributed by Caitlin, Student Experience Ambassador Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, starts at different times across different hemispheres, but is generally marked by the first day of Spring. In 2010, the UN declared March 21st as International Nowruz Day. Nowruz is all about celebrating new beginnings: the start of the new year, the … Continue reading “Nowruz 20 March”
Post contributed by Lorna, Student Experience Ambassador Maslenitsa is a week-long celebration rooted in Slavic tradition that acknowledges thechange from Winter to Springtime; this year Maslenitsa is happening from 11-17 March. This festival originated in pagan times and is celebrated during the last week before the beginning of Lent in the Orthodox Christian calendar. Alternatively … Continue reading “Maslenitsa 11-17 March”
Post by Maariya, Student Experience Ambassador Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic (Lunar) calendar and is one of the five pillars of Islam. The month begins when the new moon is spotted and ends when the next new moon is spotted, meaning it lasts approximately 28-30 days. In Islam, the night comes before … Continue reading “What is Ramadan and why do Muslims celebrate it?”
Chinnappa, A. N. (2018) Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals in front of a statue of Lord Shiva at a temple in Bengaluru during the Maha Shivratri festival, Available at: https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1668134/maha-shivaratri.jpg Post contributed by Lorna, Student Experience Ambassador Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant festivals in India, which is known as ‘TheGreat Night … Continue reading “Maha Shivaratri”
Post by Caitlin, Student Experience Ambassador International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th. The day aims to put gender equality at the forefront, as well as celebrating the successes of women. The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is to inspire inclusion. This theme emphasises diversity, as well as creating inclusive spaces for all … Continue reading “International Women’s Day 8 March”
Hinamatsuri is an annual festival that takes place on March 3rd and is associated with the start of spring. It is known as ‘Girls Day’ in English. The festival prays for the growth and prosperity of young girls. One way it is celebrated is with the display of traditional Japanese dolls called hinaningyo at home. … Continue reading “Hinamatsuri 3 March”
St David’s Day celebrates the patron saint of Wales on the 1st March each year. Welsh people celebrate by wearing the national emblem of Wales, either a daffodil or a leek. St David’s date of birth is unknown but he lived around fifteen centuries ago. He became a monk at a young age and founded … Continue reading “St David’s Day 1 March”
Vasant Panchami, also called Saraswati Puja in honour of the Hindu goddess Saraswati, is a festival that marks the preparation for the arrival of spring. It is a Hindu and Sikh festival that marks preparations for the beginning of the spring season. Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for Holika and Holi, which take place … Continue reading “Vasant Panchami/Saraswati Puja 14 February”
