| Name of feast or season |
“Owner” |
Notes |
|
Al-Hihra |
Muslim |
Commemorates the Hijra or migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Medina in 622AD. The Muslim calendar numbers years from this date and they are termed AH (After the Hijrah). |
|
Diwali |
Hindu |
Festival of light coinciding with the darkest lunar month. Generally associated with Lakshmi, deity of wealth and prosperity or with the victorious return of Rama and Sita after exile. |
|
Eid-ul-Adha |
Muslim |
The Festival of sacrifice. It marks the end of the Hajj (compulsory pilgrimage to Makkah). Marking Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son an animal is sacrificed and meat distributed to the meat to the poor – sometimes by giving the monetary equivalent. |
|
Eid-ul-Fitr |
Muslim |
Sometimes known as Little Eid. Festival of breaking the fast at the end of Ramadan. It is also the time that Zakat (almsgiving) is paid. The traditional greeting is “Eid Mubarak” |
|
Holi |
Hindu |
The Spring festival which may last for a few days. |
|
Lailat-ul-Barah |
Muslim |
Night of forgiveness, two weeks before Ramadan, Muslims may spend the night in prayer seeking forgiveness. |
|
Lailat-ul-Isra |
Muslim |
Prophet’s Night journey and ascension. This celebrates the journey made by Muhammad from Makkah to Jerusalem through the heavens in the presence of God, all in one night. The rock in Jerusalem from which He ascended is now marked by the Dome of the Rock |
|
Lailat-ul-Qadr |
Muslim |
The Night of Power commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an |
|
Navaratri |
Hindu |
Festival of nine nights celebrating the victory of Rama over the demon king Ravana |
|
Passover |
Jewish |
Commemorates G D’s action in saving the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt |
|
Prophet Muhammad’s birthday |
Muslim |
Sometimes celebrated with processions. |
|
Ramadan |
Muslim |
Month of fasting (abstaining from food etc from dawn to sunset)
Fasting (sawm) is one of the five pillars (key elements) of Islam
|
