Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
Simchat Torah or Simhat Torah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. The main celebrations of Simchat Torah take place in the synagogue during evening and morning services. In Orthodox, as well as many conservative congregations, this is the only time of year … Continue reading “Simchat Torah 24-25 October”
Navaratri (meaning ‘nine nights’) is a Hindu festival celebrated every autumn. It is usually held at harvest time. Lasting for nine days, Navaratri celebrates good triumphing over evil. During the festival, three goddesses are worshipped: Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The first three nights are dedicated to Durga (the mother goddess representing power), the next three … Continue reading “Navatri 3-12 October”
The theme for this year’s National Poetry Day is ‘Counting’. National Poetry Day is the annual mass celebration on the first Thursday of October that encourages everyone to make, experience and share poetry with family and friends. Each year we come together because voices, words and stories help to bridge understanding in our community. 66.5% … Continue reading “National Poetry Day 3 October”
The theme for this year’s Black History Month ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. The main aims of Black History Month are to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people throughout the world and to educate all on black history. At the … Continue reading “Black History Month”
International Translation Day is a day recognising translation professionals. It is celebrated every year on 30 September, which is the day of the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator who is considered the patron saint of translators. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important … Continue reading “International Translation Day 30 September”
Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi (15-16 September) is an Islamic event that commemorates the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is commemorated by Muslims during the month of Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month of the Muslim calendar. Also called Maulud Nabi in Malaysia, the day is commonly marked by religious lectures and readings of … Continue reading “Muhammad’s birthday”
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”
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”
Post submitted by Akshita, one of our Student Experience Ambassadors Asalha Puja (20 July 2024), also known as Dharma Day, is one of the most significant Buddhist holidays, celebrated annually on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, typically in July. This day marks the Buddha’s first sermon, which set the wheel of … Continue reading “Asalha Puja: Celebrating the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma”
