Religion Holiday
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Synaxis of St. John the Baptist
Synaxis of St. John the Baptist honors St. John the Forerunner, who baptized Jesus Christ. It celebrates his role as a prophet, preacher of repentance and herald of spiritual renewal in Christian tradition.
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Orthodox New Year
The Orthodox New Year is also known as the Old New Year. This tradition is observed in many Orthodox Christian countries and communities, particularly those that continue to follow the Julian calendar for religious celebrations.
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Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Tamil Thai Pongal Day is a Tamil Hindu harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God. Celebrated with the cooking of sweet rice (Pongal), Kolam designs, and rituals of thanksgiving, it marks prosperity and cultural unity. In Sri Lanka, it is a national holiday honoring Tamil traditions.
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Isra and Mi'raj
Isra and Mi'raj is one of the most significant events in Islamic tradition, commemorating the miraculous night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of reflection and spiritual significance.
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Theophany
Theophany, celebrated primarily in Orthodox Christianity, is a feast that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It emphasizes the revelation of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) at the baptism.
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Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated predominantly by the Tamil community worldwide.Thaipusam is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the deity of youth, power and virtue, who is widely revered in Tamil culture.
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Navam Full Moon Poya Day
Navam Full Moon Poya commemorates the Buddha's appointment of his chief disciples Sariputta and Moggallana, and the establishment of the Vinaya (monastic code). In Sri Lanka, it is marked by religious observances and the grand Navam Perahera at Kelaniya temple, a spectacular cultural procession with monks, dancers, drummers and decorated elephants.
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St. Brigid's Day
St. Brigid's Day grew out of Imbolc, an ancient Celtic spring festival, and became tied to St. Brigid of Kildare after the spread of Christianity. Today, it honors both traditions and stands as a day of renewal, creativity and protection.
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St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day
St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day is a feast day celebrated in honor of the Apostles to the Slavs, Saints Cyril and Methodius. It commemorates their missionary work, cultural contributions and role in spreading Christianity among the Slavic peoples. This day is significant in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions, as well as in many Slavic countries.
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Maha Shivaratri Day
Maha Shivaratri Day, rooted in Vedic traditions and enriched through the Puranas, commemorates major legends of Lord Shiva, including his marriage to Parvati, the drinking of poison during the cosmic churning, and his Tandava dance.
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Shrove Monday
Shrove Monday is part of the Christian pre-Lenten period known as Shrovetide. While less well-known than Shrove Tuesday, it historically held significance in certain Christian traditions, especially in Europe and the UK.
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Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the end of the pre-Lenten season known as Shrovetide. It is traditionally a day of feasting, confession and preparation for the 40-day Lenten season.