ISO - September 2008 e-Newsletter
ISO is proud of the diversity of its member population! Here are some of the cultural
and religious festivals that are observed by our members in the month of October.
October
Boun Ok Pansa occurs at the end of the rainy season in October and marks the end
of Buddhist Lent.
October 1.
Eid ul Fitr ('Id al-Fitr) comes at the end of the month of Ramadan when the fasting
comes to stop. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is a very
important Islamic celebration. Following the last day of Ramadan, everyone joins
together for a short congregational prayer and the next few days are spent visiting
friends and family, exchanging gifts and thanking God for His blessings. Families
are also expected to dress in their finest clothing and perform the Eid prayer in
their place of worship.
October 9.
Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement," a solemn day devoted to prayer, fasting and
repentance. Yom Kippur is one of the most important holidays of the Jewish year.
It is a complete Sabbath, a day to set aside to atone for the sins of the past year.
October 20
Bahá'ís around the world celebrate the Birth of the Báb, one of the Holy Days in
the Bahá'í calendar. The Báb is often referred to as the Herald of the Bahá'í Faith,
because it was His mission to prepare the way for Bahá'u'lláh, the Founder of the
Bahá'í Faith. In most communities the celebration consists of social gatherings
with prayers and devotional readings.
October 14 – 20.
Sukkot or the Feast of Booths is a Jewish thanksgiving for the fruit harvest. It
celebrates the harvest and the protection of the people of Israel as they wandered
in the wilderness dwelling in tents. During this time many Jews build temporary
dwelling called “sukkahs” in their yards to commemorate the years spent in the wilderness
after leaving Egypt.
October 21
The two-day festivals of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah come immediately following
the seven-day festival of Sukkot. The second day of Shemini Atzeret is called Simchat
Torah ("Rejoicing of the Torah"). For Jews, this day concludes and begins a new
annual Torah reading cycle. The event is marked with great rejoicing and there is
singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls around the reading table in the synagogue.
October 28
Diwali marks one of the biggest and grandest celebrations in India for followers
of Hinduism. It is known as the 'Festival of lights' and symbolizes the triumph
of good over evil. It commemorates the return of Sri Ram, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya
in India. People celebrate Diwali by lighting up their houses with diyas or other
lamps and bursting firecrackers. It is also customary for people to exchange gifts
and sweets with each other.
References