The anniversary of the Buddha’s preaching of his first sermon. It marks the beginning of Buddha’s ministry.

July 9 The Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i)

Anniversary of the execution of the Bab (founder of the faith) in 1850. It is said that a miracle occurred when a huge firing squad failed to kill him. He was killed by a second firing squad.

July 23 Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia (Rastafarian)

Rastafarians believe that Black people are the chosen race and that Emperor Haile Selassie was the Messiah. Called Ras Tafari in the 1920s, this name was taken by his followers.

August 3 Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)

Brthers and sisters mark their link with each other - sisters tie a special symbol (rakhi) round their brothers’ wrists as a sign of protection, and brothers give their sisters gifts and money.

August 6 Transfiguration (Christian).

Marks an incident described in Luke, in which Jesus was seen “transfigured” between Heaven and Earth, talking to Moses and Elijah.

August 12 Janamashtami (Hindu)

Celebrates the birth of the Lord Krishna. Krishna’s arrival is welcomed at midnight with dancing and singing.

August 15 The Assumption (Christian)

Commemorates a tradition (not biblical) that the Virgin Mary was “assumed” body and soul into Heaven.