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[email protected]. Calendar of Holidays September 2016 - September 2017 September 1, 2016 Church year begins (Orthodox Christianity) This day marks the beginning of the Orthodox Christian liturgical calendar. September 5 [Moves] Ganesha Chaturthi (Hinduism) This day is celebrated as the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. Known as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and success, Ganesha bestows his presence on earth during this time. In some traditions, clay figures of Ganesha are made and worshiped for a period of two to ten days, then are thrown into the river as ritual departure back to Kailash, the sacred mountain on which he lives. September 5 [Moves] Samvatsari (Jainism) The last day of Paryushana is called Samvatsari, or the International Day of Forgiveness. Jains spend this day in prayer and contemplation, and seek forgiveness from friends, relatives and others whom they may have harmed or offended in any way. September 8 Nativity of Mary (Christianity) This feast originates in fifth century Jerusalem and celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. This is recognized in the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches. September 9-10 (Begins at sundown on the 9th) [Moves] Waqf al-Arafa - Hajj Day (Islam) Waqf al-Arafa is the Islamic observance day during Hajj in which pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy. Pilgrims stay awake at night to pray on the hill of Arafat, the site where Muhammad delivered his last sermon.