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Home , Ashtami, Bagalamukhi, Malcolm X Day, Sankashti Chaturthi

EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVE CALENDAR - 2021

MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES:

 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks on the project were Chinese immigrants.

 Jewish American Heritage Month Which recognizes the diverse contributions of the Jewish people to American culture. Established on April 20, 2006 by former President George W. Bush to recognize the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to our culture.

May 1: An ancient Celtic festival celebrated on , signifying the beginning of summer.

May 1: Maharashtra Day On this day in 1960, Maharashtra gained statehood after the division from the Bombay State. It was on this day in 1960 when the state was formed on linguistic grounds.

May 2: Orthodox Also called Pascha. A later Easter date than observed by many Western churches.

May 3: Saints Philip and James A Roman Rite feast day for the anniversary of the dedication of the church to Saints Phillip and James in Rome.

May 3: Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Bhairav and is observed every Hindu lunar month on the ‘ Ashtami ’ (8th day during the waning phase of moon). The ‘Ashtami Tithi’ (8th day) after ‘’ (full moon) is considered to be most suitable day to propitiate Lord Kaal Bhairav. On this day, Hindu devotees worship Lord Bhairav and keep a fast to please Him. There are a total of 12 Kalashtami observances in a year.

May 5: Originating from Mexico. It marks the defeat of the French army during the Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in Mexico on May 5, 1862, but is actually considered to be relatively minor to native Mexican history, and is really only celebrated in the Mexican state of Puebla. In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to commemorate Mexican culture and heritage, chiefly in cities and towns with large Mexican populations, such as Denver, CO, Portland, OR, and Chicago, IL, and is recognized with parades, food, music, and dancing. (Note: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, as many Americans believe. Mexican Independence Day is September 16, one of their most important national holidays.)

May 6: A day of observance in the United States when people are asked to “turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

May 7: Jamat Ul Vida meaning The Friday of farewell. The last Friday of the month of is dubbed as Jamat Ul Vida holiday. It symbolizes the beginning of Eid-al-Fitr festival and the day is very auspicious to the Islamic community.

May 8: Pradosh Vrat Observed by all irrespective of the age and gender. People in different parts of the country observe this vrat with full devotion and dedication. This Vrat is observed in honour of Lord and . In some parts of India, disciples worship the Nataraj form of Lord Shiva on this day. As per the Skanda Puran there are two different methods of fasting on the Pradosh vrat. In the first method, the devotes observe strict fast for whole day and night, that is, 24 hours and which also includes keeping a vigil at night. In the second method the fasting is observed from the sunrise until sunset, and the fast is broken after worshipping Lord Shiva in the evening. The word ‘pradosh’ in Hindi means 'belonging or relating to the evening' or 'first part of the night'. As this sacred vrat is observed during the ‘Sandhyakaal’ that is the evening twilight, it is called as the Pradosh vrat. According to the , it is believed that on the auspicious day of Pradosh, Lord Shiva together with Goddess Parvati feels extremely delighted, pleased and generous. Therefore, the followers of Lord Shiva keep a fast and worship their deity on this chosen day to seek divine blessings.

May 9: Laylat al-Qadr The holiest night of the year for Muslims, is traditionally celebrated on the 27th day of Ramadan. It is known as the Night of Power and commemorates the night that the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad. It is one of the odd nights within the last 10 days of Ramadan. Devotees offer extra prayers (particularly the night prayer) reading the Quran, and those who can afford it spend the night in the mosque, praying.

May 10: Dia de las Madres Mothers’ Day, observed on this date in Mexico and other Latin-American countries. The first official Mother’s’ Day celebration in Mexico was held on May 10, 1922.

May 11: Bhaumvati Hindi - Is dedicated to worshipping planet Mars (Mangal) and is therefore very apt for remedying any Mangal Dosh, in one’s kundli. This day is also propitious for performing ‘Daan’ and ‘Punya’ activities. Bhaumvati Amavasya is celebrated with great fervor and devotion in all parts of the country.

May 12 - 13 (sundown to sundown): Eid al-Fitr The first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutuba (sermon), and give Zakat al-Fitr (charity in the form of food) during Eid al-Fitr. It is a festival of thanksgiving to Allah for enjoying the month of Ramadan. It involves wearing one’s finest clothing, saying prayers, and nurturing understanding of other religions.

May 13: Ascension of Jesus or Ascension Day Is celebrated as the ascension of Christ from Earth in the presence of God within most of the Christian faith.

May 13: Rohini Vrat Occurs once every 27 days, and it is an important day for the Jain community. Women who want a long, fulfilling life for their husbands observe it, and it begins when the Rohini Nakshatra rises in the sky after sunrise. The fasting ends with the rising of the Mrigashirsha Nakshatra, and it is believed that any devotee who observes this vrat will be free from all kinds of sorrows and poverty in their lives. In addition, as per the Hindu and Jain calendar, Rohini is one of the twenty-seven Nakshatras.

May 16 - 18 (sundown to sundown): The “Festival of Weeks,” the second of three major Jewish festivals that focus on historical and agricultural importance. A Jewish holiday that has double significance. It marks the all- important wheat harvest in Israel and commemorates the anniversary of the day when God gave the Torah to the nation of Israel assembled at Mount Sinai. Agriculturally, it commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple, and is known as Hag ha-Bikkurim (the Festival of the First Fruits). Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is known as Hag Matan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah). Work is not permitted during Shavu’ot. It is customary to stay up the entire first night of Shavu’ot and study Torah, and then pray as early as possible in the morning. It is also customary to eat a dairy meal at least once during Shavu’ot.

May 16: “ Day” An American holiday in honor of civil rights leader Malcolm X, celebrated on either his birthday (May 19, 1925) or the 3rd Sunday of May. The commemoration was proposed as an official state holiday in the State of in 2015. As of present, only the city of Berkeley, observes the holiday with city offices and schools closed. An American holiday in honor of civil rights leader Malcolm X, whose real name is El- Malik El-Shabazz. Some choose to celebrate either on his birthday (May 19, 1925), or on the 3rd Sunday of May.

May 16: Surdas Jayanti Is celebrated to commemorate the birth of poet Surdas who was renowned for his poems and songs adulating lord Krishna. He is believed to have been blind from birth. Because of his unwavering faith in Lord Krishna and the soulful poetry dedicated to him, Surdas, in popular reference, is also addressed as Bhakt Kavi Surdas (Devotee and poet Surads)

May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia A global celebration of sexual orientation and gender diversities.

May 20: Bagalamukhi Jayanti Celebrated as Ma Bagalamukhi Jayanti as she is believed to have been born on this day.. A person should keep a fast on this day and should worship Ma Bagalamukhi. This day is celebrated with a lot of excitement all around the country. Many Yagyas and other religious practices are also organized on this day. Devotees offer prayers in the daytime and the night is used for a Bhagvati Jagran. Ma Bagalamukhi relieves a person from problems related to his enemies and negative energies. Ma Bagalamukhi is also known as Pitambara. It is believed that she loves yellow colour and hence, material that is yellow in colour is used for her puja etc. Ma Bagalamukhi’s complexion is also a shade of yellow and a person should wear yellow coloured clothes while worshipping Ma Bagalamukhi.

May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development A day set aside by the United Nations in 2001 as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better.

May 22: Mohini Observed on the ekadashi (11th day) during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) in the Hindu month of ‘’ that falls during the months of April-May, according to the Gregorian calendar. All followers observe this ekadashi as it helps in washing away all the sins committed by a person, including those from his/her previous births. In Hindu mythology, Mohini is the name given to the disguised form of Lord and since the lord appeared in this form on the ekadashi tithi, the day began to be celebrated as ‘Mohini Ekadashi’ from then onwards. This Ekadashi is celebrated in the month of ‘Vaisakha’ in Northern India and adjoining regions, however according to the Tamil calendar, it falls during the month of ‘Chithirai’, in the ‘Jyestho’ month of the Bengali calendar and in the Malayalam calendar, Mohini Ekadashi falls during the month of ‘Edava’. Hindu devotees observe this ekadashi to seek divine blessings for living a happy and prosperous life.

May 22 - 23 (sundown to sundown): Declaration of the Báb The day of declaration of the Báb, the forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith.

May 23: The celebration of the giving of the Ten Commandments by God at Mount Sinai.

May 23: Parashuram Dwadasi The sixth Vishnu is known to be that of Parasuram, and the day of Third Shukla Paksha of the month Viashaka mark the stentorian birthday. Renuka’s son in the period, he lived during the Treta and Dvapara Yugas. Hailed to the last Chiranjivi or immortals within the Hindu context he underwent a terrible penance pleasing Shiva to receive his famous axe. As a mark of reward one of the martial form, Kalaripayattu was taught by Lord to the sixth incarnation. The two giant epics Maharabrata and , which taught men to preach Dhamma defined his important roles as the mentor for Bhishma, Drona, and Karna. A great warrior, the Bhargavastra used to be his personal belonging earned from Lord Shiva, from whom he came to learn the tricks of warfare. The rising Sun welcomes the start of the Parasuram Dwadasi which continues to end on the next morning rise. The process of fast is started by dipping on the water to sanctify them. The purpose is to mean purification of water. Soon afterwards, the Idol of Parasuram is worshipped with flower’s petals. To mark the rites properly devotees need to Buy Puja Idol. The best way of taking things in its place is by offering flowers as well as puja articles to the deity. Since a long period, Lord Vishnu is prayed with flowers and other puja items. At the time of praying to the Lord Parashuram, it is these flowery stuffs and ornaments are offered. Indians, especially the Hindu believers are found appealing to the Lord Parashuram with the substances of Lord Vishnu. Quite an obvious thing as Lord Vishnu appeared in its sixth incarnation as the Lord Parashuram. An ardent follower of Parashuram will continues to perform with his or her fast until the next morning, remaining awake the entire night.

May 25: African Liberation Day. Also known as African Freedom Day, it is a day to “mark, each year, the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolize the determination of the People of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.”

May 26: Buddha Day ( or Visakha Puja) A Buddhist festival that marks Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. It falls on the day of the full moon in May and it is a gazette holiday in India.

May 28: Sankashti Celebrations are prevalent in both northern and southern states of India. In the state of Maharashtra, the festivities are even more elaborate and grandeur. The word ‘sankashti’ has a origin and it implies ‘deliverance during difficult times’ whereas ‘chaturthi’ means ‘fourth day or the day of Lord ’. Therefore, on this propitious day devotees worship Lord Ganesha to help them overcome all the obstacles in life and come out victorious in every tough situation. On the day of Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees get up early and dedicate the day worshipping Lord Ganesha. They observe a strict fast in the honour of their deity. Some people can also keep a partial fast. The observer of this fast can only devour fruits, vegetables and roots of plants. The staple Indian diet on this day comprises of peanuts, potatoes and sabudana khichadi.

May 29: Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh Commemorates the ascension of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith.

May 30: Trinity Sunday Observed in the Western Christian faith as a feast in honor of the Holy Trinity.

May 30: All Saints’ Day Celebrated by many Eastern Christian churches on the first Sunday after Pentecost, in recognition of all known and unknown saints.