Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
Celebrating Rama Navami: The Divine Birth of Lord Rama Post contributed by Lorna, Student Experience Ambassador As the spring season blooms with a sense of renewal, Hindus around the world begin tocelebrate Rama Navami — a dharmic religious festival commemorating the birth of Lord Rama,the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rama Navami falls on the … Continue reading “Rama Navami 17 April”
Post contributed by Caitlin, Student Experience Ambassador Vaisakhi is festival celebrated by Sikhs worldwide which commemorates the founding of the Sikh community, known as Khalsa, in 1699. It is celebrated each year on the 13th or 14th April. Beyond its religious roots, the festival embodies unity, equality and service. It also marks the harvest festival in the … Continue reading “Vaisakhi 13 April”
Post by Maariya, Student Experience Ambassador Eid Al Fitr celebrates the end of the month of Ramadan in which Muslims observe fasting and increased worship. This year, Eid al Fitr is expected to fall on either the 9th, 10th, or 11th of April, depending on when the new moon is sighted. It is a celebration … Continue reading “What is Eid Al Fitr and why is it celebrated?”
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”
