May

Buddha Day

Buddha Day, also known as Vesak or Wesak, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, observed by Buddhists with prayer, meditation, and various ceremonial events.

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International Day of Families

This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

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June

Shavuot (Pentecost)

Shavuot is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and is celebrated with religious observances, studying of scriptures, and eating dairy foods.

Eid-al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam.

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Refugee Week

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

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Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day

Guru Arjan Dev’s martyrdom day commemorates the day when the fifth Sikh Guru was tortured and executed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir, marking a pivotal event in Sikh history and strengthening the community’s resolve.

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Windrush Day

Windrush Day is a commemoration in the United Kingdom held on 22 June to honour the contributions of migrants to the post-war economy.

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Islamic New Year (Al-Hijra)

Al-Hijra marks the Islamic New Year, commemorating the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

July

Ashura

Ashura is a significant religious observance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims, marking the tenth day of Muharram; Sunnis commemorate it as a day of atonement, while Shias mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala.

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Asalha Puja (Sharma Day)

Asalha Puja is a Theravada Buddhist festival that commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon and the inception of the Buddhist sangha (monastic community), observed with meditation, chanting, and religious ceremonies.

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August

World Breast Feeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week is an annual campaign to promote the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, emphasising its importance for global health and wellbeing.

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Fast of Tisha B’av

Tisha B’Av is a solemn Jewish fast day commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other tragedies in Jewish history, observed with fasting, prayer, and the reading of the Book of Lamentations.

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International Youth Day

International Youth Day is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the potential of young people, raising awareness of challenges they face, and promoting their active engagement in socio-economic and political processes.

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October

International Day of the Girl

On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

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World Menopause Day

World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th of October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing. We encourage professionals and women to participate in this global awareness raising campaign by printing and sharing these materials, organising events to engage their communities, and sharing World Menopause Day social media posts.

Learn more about World Menopause Day