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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240826
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240827
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20231214T160743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231214T160743Z
UID:10000641-1724630400-1724716799@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Janmashtami
DESCRIPTION:Janmashtami\, Hindu festival celebrating the birth (janma) of the god Krishna on the eighth (ashtami) day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). The number eight has another significance in the Krishna legend in that he is the eighth child of his mother\, Devaki. \nThe occasion is observed especially in Mathura and Vrindavan (Brindaban)\, the scenes of Krishna’s childhood and early youth. On the preceding day\, devotees keep a vigil and fast until midnight\, the traditional hour of his birth. Then the image of Krishna is bathed in water and milk\, dressed in new clothes\, and worshipped. Temples and household shrines are decorated with leaves and flowers; sweetmeats are first offered to the god and then distributed as prasada (the god’s leftovers\, which carry his favour) to all the members of the household. The devotees of Krishna commemorate the events of his birth by preparing elaborate representations of Mathura\, where he was born\, the Yamuna River\, over which he was transported to safety\, and Gokul (ancient Vraja)\, the scene of his childhood\, using small images of the god\, the other participants\, and the animals and birds of the forest. Pots of milk are hung from tall poles in the streets\, and men form human pyramids to reach and break the pots—this in imitation of Krishna’s childhood play with the cowherd boys\, when they stole the curds hung out of reach by their mothers. The festival is also a time for group singing and dancing. \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Janmashtami
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/janmashtami/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Religious
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.interactiontraction.com/wp-content/uploads/sandip-karangiya-jbHJXI2Vi5Q-unsplash-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240826
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240827
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20230526T232934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230526T232934Z
UID:10000490-1724630400-1724716799@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Krishna Janmashtami 2024
DESCRIPTION:Janmashtami\, Hindu festival celebrating the birth (janma) of the god Krishna on the eighth (ashtami) day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). The number eight has another significance in the Krishna legend in that he is the eighth child of his mother\, Devaki. \n\nThe occasion is observed especially in Mathura and Vrindavan (Brindaban)\, the scenes of Krishna’s childhood and early youth. On the preceding day\, devotees keep a vigil and fast until midnight\, the traditional hour of his birth. Then the image of Krishna is bathed in water and milk\, dressed in new clothes\, and worshipped. Temples and household shrines are decorated with leaves and flowers; sweetmeats are first offered to the god and then distributed as prasada (the god’s leftovers\, which carry his favour) to all the members of the household. The devotees of Krishna commemorate the events of his birth by preparing elaborate representations of Mathura\, where he was born\, the Yamuna River\, over which he was transported to safety\, and Gokul (ancient Vraja)\, the scene of his childhood\, using small images of the god\, the other participants\, and the animals and birds of the forest. Pots of milk are hung from tall poles in the streets\, and men form human pyramids to reach and break the pots—this in imitation of Krishna’s childhood play with the cowherd boys\, when they stole the curds hung out of reach by their mothers. The festival is also a time for group singing and dancing. \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Janmashtami \n\n  \n 
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/krishna-janmashtami/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.interactiontraction.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Dhaniya-Panjiri-Is-A-Falahari-466869575-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240819
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240820
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20230526T232301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230526T232301Z
UID:10000489-1724025600-1724111999@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Raksha Bandhan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Originating from Sanskrit\, the term Raksha Bandhan translates as “bond of protection.” \nObserved on the full-moon day during Shravana (July-August)\, the 5th month in the Hindu lunar calendar\, Raksha Bandhan is a popular Hindu holiday celebrating the love between a brother and sister. \nOn this day\, a sister ties a threaded amulet\, known as a rakhi\, around a brother’s wrist\, honoring their relationship. The bracelet symbolizes the brother’s oath to protect his sister throughout her life\, and the sister’s prayers and blessings for protection and wellbeing of her brother. He then gives her a gift\, signifying his acceptance of this duty. \nThough Raksha Bandhan is specifically related to the bond of a brother and sister\, the holiday is ultimately a message of the universal brotherhood and sisterhood that can be recognized amongst all people. Because of this\, rakhi are often tied between spouses\, friends\, and even gurus. \nSourced from https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-raksha-bandhan
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/raksha-bandhan/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.interactiontraction.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Indian-Festival-Raksha-Bandhan-458878353-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240813
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240816
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20230526T152343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230526T152343Z
UID:10000469-1723507200-1723766399@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Obon (Ullambana)
DESCRIPTION:Urabon\, shortened as Obon is a Japanese term translated from the Sanskrit word ‘Ullambana’ which actually means ‘to hang upside down’. It is used to imply the excruciating suffering\, be it physical or spiritual\, when one is hung upside down. The festival is considered an Invitation to the Dead because it is believed to be the time the spirits revisit our world. Even though such dark imagery is associated with its name and meaning\, the Obon festival is actually a fun tradition celebrated with large gatherings\, family reunions\, and bright lanterns. \nSourced from https://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/buddhism/obon-festival-celebrate
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/obon-ullambana/
CATEGORIES:Festivals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.interactiontraction.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-The-Floating-Lamp-Is-A-Type-Of-455264525-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240808
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240818
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20240502T192926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T192926Z
UID:10000691-1723075200-1723939199@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Muktad (Fravardeghan Days)
DESCRIPTION:Zoroastrians following the Shenshai calendar observe Muktad during the last 10 days of the religious year. During this time\, they believe\, the fravashis (spirits) of the righteous departed return to Earth. Believers welcome them with special rituals and offerings. \nFamilies dress in white and cover their heads before visiting the fire temple. Each day\, they pour fresh water into silver or copper vases\, where departed ancestors are thought to stay. The families offer roses and other flowers\, fruit\, and vegetarian food\, while priests recite prayers and burn incense. \nSourced from https://theguibordcenter.org/zoroastrian-holy-days-and-observances/
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/muktad-fravardeghan-days/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Religious
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240802
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20230526T150403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230526T150403Z
UID:10000462-1722470400-1722556799@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Lammas/Lughnasadh
DESCRIPTION:Lammas\, also known as Lughnasad\, or Lughnassadh\, is a pagan holiday and one of the eight Wiccan sabbats during the year. Each sabbat marks a seasonal turning point. The sabbat occurs on August 1\, which is about halfway between the summer solstice (Litha) and the fall equinox (Mabon). This holiday celebrates the grain harvest. Grain is a very important crop for most civilizations. If the grain was left in the fields for too long\, or if the bread made from the grain was not baked in time\, families might starve. \nIn early Ireland\, it was not good to harvest grain before Lammas. If you did harvest before then\, that meant that that the harvest from the previous year ran out before the next harvest was ready. This meant that the farmers would have failed in providing for their community. On Lammas\, the first sheaves of grain were cut\, and by that night\, the first loaves of bread for the season would have been baked. The word Lammas comes from an Old English phrase that translates to “loaf mass.” In early Christianity\, the first loaves of the season were blessed by the church during mass. \nIn some traditions\, this day honors the Celtic god\, Lugh. This celebration of the god\, Lugh is referred to as Lughnasad (pronounced Loo-NAS-ah). Lugh is the god of craftsmanship; he is skilled in many things\, including blacksmithing\, wheel making\, and fighting. There is some discrepancy as to why Lugh is honored on this day. Some tales say that this is the date of Lugh’s wedding feat. Other stories say it is because he held a harvest fair in honor of his foster mother\, Tailtiu\, on this date. \nModern day pagans bake breads and cakes to celebrate the historical grain harvest (and subsequent bread making). Some observers celebrate with a harvest ritual. This ritual typically involves decorating an altar with symbols of the season. Some of these symbols include scythes (because they are used to cut the grain)\, corn\, grapes\, apples\, and/or any other crops that might be harvested at this time. Some of these rituals involve casting a circle\, and saying some words that symbolize their thanks to the earth for the harvest. After the ritual\, everyone there eats some bread together\, and may also drink wine to wash it down. To honor Lugh\, people make crafts and decorations for their house\, to represent his skills in those areas. And as with most sabbats\, there is feasting. This feast usually is prepared with one’s harvested crops at this time (if they have their own garden). \nSourced from https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-lammas-lughnasad
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/lammas-lughnasadh/2024-08-01/
CATEGORIES:Festivals
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240629
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240704
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20240502T192017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T192017Z
UID:10000686-1719619200-1720051199@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Maidyoi-shema
DESCRIPTION:Believers observe the midsummer festival of Maidyoi-shema on days 101 to 105 of the year\, typically June 29 to July 3. It celebrates the creation of water\, the spring harvest’s end\, and the start of the summer harvest. \nZoroastrians observe six seasonal festivals (Gahambar) that celebrate the sanctity of God’s universal creations. Each Gahambar lasts five days and honors the five material creations: earth\, water\, plants\, animals and humans. Believers spend the first four days reciting scriptures and come together on the last day for a feast. \nSourced from https://theguibordcenter.org/zoroastrian-holy-days-and-observances/
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/maidyoi-shema/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Religious
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240616T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240617T190000
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20231024T183036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231024T183036Z
UID:10000584-1718564400-1718650800@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Eid al Adha 2024
DESCRIPTION:Eid al-Adha\, (Arabic: “Festival of Sacrifice”) also spelled ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā\, also called ʿĪd al-Qurbān or al-ʿĪd al-Kabīr (“Major Festival”)\, Turkish Kurban Bayram\, the second of two great Muslim festivals\, the other being Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the hajj (pilgrimage) rites at Minā\, Saudi Arabia\, near Mecca\, but is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world. As with Eid al-Fitr\, it is distinguished by the performance of communal prayer (ṣalāt) at daybreak on its first day. It begins on the 10th of Dhū al-Ḥijjah\, the last month of the Islamic calendar\, and continues for an additional three days (though the Muslim use of a lunar calendar means that it may occur during any season of the year). During the festival\, families that can afford to sacrifice a ritually acceptable animal (sheep\, goat\, camel\, or cow) do so and then divide the flesh equally among themselves\, the poor\, and friends and neighbours. Eid al-Adha is also a time for visiting with friends and family and for exchanging gifts. This festival commemorates the ransom with a ram of the biblical patriarch Ibrāhīm’s (Abraham’s) son Ismāʿīl (Ishmael)—rather than Isaac\, as in Judeo-Christian tradition.
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/eid-al-adha-2024/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Religious
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240611T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240613T180000
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20231205T003030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231205T003030Z
UID:10000639-1718128800-1718301600@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Shavuot
DESCRIPTION:Shavuot\, (“Festival of the Weeks”)\, second of the three Pilgrim Festivals of the Jewish religious calendar. It was originally an agricultural festival\, marking the beginning of the wheat harvest. During the Temple period\, the first fruits of the harvest were brought to the Temple\, and two loaves of bread made from the new wheat were offered. This aspect of the holiday is reflected in the custom of decorating the synagogue with fruits and flowers and in the names Yom ha-Bikkurim (“Day of the First Fruits”) and Ḥag ha-Qazir (“Harvest Feast”). \nDuring rabbinic times the festival became associated with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai\, which is recounted in the Torah readings for the holiday. It became customary during Shavuot to study the Torah and to read the Book of Ruth. \n\nCelebration of Shavuot occurs on the 50th day\, or seven weeks\, after the sheaf offering of the harvest celebrated during Passover. The holiday is therefore also called Pentecost from the Greek pentēkostē (“50th”). It falls on Sivan 6 (and Sivan 7 outside Israel). \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shavuot
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/shavuot/
CATEGORIES:Festivals
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240502
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20230331T210200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230331T210200Z
UID:10000276-1714521600-1714607999@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Beltane
DESCRIPTION:Beltane\, also spelled Beltine\, Irish Beltaine or Belltaine\, also known as Cétamain\, festival held on the first day of May in Ireland and Scotland\, celebrating the beginning of summer and open pasturing. Beltane is first mentioned in a glossary attributed to Cormac\, bishop of Cashel and king of Munster\, who was killed in 908. Cormac describes how cattle were driven between two bonfires on Beltane as a magical means of protecting them from disease before they were led into summer pastures—a custom still observed in Ireland in the 19th century. Other festivities included Maypole dances and cutting of green boughs and flowers. \nIn early Irish lore a number of significant events took place on Beltane\, which long remained the focus of folk traditions and tales in Ireland\, Scotland\, and the Isle of Man. As did other pre-Christian Celtic peoples\, the Irish divided the year into two main seasons. Winter and the beginning of the year fell on November 1 (Irish: Samain) and midyear and summer on May 1 (Irish: Beltaine). These two junctures were thought to be critical periods when the bounds between the human and supernatural worlds were temporarily erased; on May Eve witches and fairies roamed freely\, and measures had to be taken against their enchantments. \n\n\nCormac derives the word Beltaine from the name of a god Bel\, or Bil\, and the Old Irish word tene\, “fire.” Despite linguistic difficulties\, a number of 20th-century scholars have maintained modified versions of this etymology\, linking the first element of the word with the Gaulish god Belenos (Irish: Belenus). \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Beltane
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/beltane/2024-05-01/
CATEGORIES:Festivals
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240430
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240505
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20240502T191624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T191624Z
UID:10000685-1714435200-1714867199@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Maidyozarem
DESCRIPTION:The mid-spring festival of Maidyozarem is the year’s first Gahambar (festival). It falls on the 41st to 45th days of the year\, usually April 30 to May 4.  Maidyozarem honors heaven and the creation of the stars. \nZoroastrians observe six seasonal festivals that celebrate the sanctity of God’s universal creations. Each Gahambar lasts five days and honors the five material creations: earth\, water\, plants\, animals and humans. Believers spend the first four days reciting scriptures and come together on the last day for a feast. \nSourced from https://theguibordcenter.org/zoroastrian-holy-days-and-observances/
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/maidyozarem/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Religious
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240417
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240418
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20231127T212354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231127T212354Z
UID:10000637-1713312000-1713398399@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Rama Navami
DESCRIPTION:Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated during the time of March-April (the 9th day of the first month of the Hindu calendar). Lord Rama\, who became king of Ayodhya\, was known for His exemplary qualities. He was popular\, brave\, kind\, just\, intelligent\, patient\, loving\, obedient and dutiful. Lord Rama is always worshiped with his consort Sita\, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman. The worship of Lord Rama is accompanied by the worship of the Sun god since Ram was considered to have descended from the sun\, or is in the Solar dynasty. Ram Navami celebrations include reading the great epic Ramayana and staging plays of the Ram Lila\, or the pastimes of the life of Lord Rama. \n\n\nSourced from https://www.brandeis.edu/spiritual-life/resources/guide-to-observances/ram-navami.html
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/rama-navami/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays,Religious
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240409T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240410T170000
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20201106T200928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201106T200928Z
UID:10000099-1712682000-1712768400@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Eid al-Fitr
DESCRIPTION:Eid al-Fitr\, (Arabic: “Festival of Breaking Fast”) also spelled ʿĪd al-Fiṭr\, also called al-ʿĪd al-Ṣaghīr\, Turkish Ramazan Bayramı (“Ramadan Festival”)\, first of two canonical festivals of Islam. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan\, the Muslim holy month of fasting\, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwāl\, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar (though the Muslim use of a lunar calendar means that it may fall in any season of the year). As in Islam’s other holy festival\, Eid al-Adha\, it is distinguished by the performance of communal prayer (ṣalāt) at daybreak on its first day. Eid al-Fitr is a time of official receptions and private visits when friends greet one another\, presents are given\, new clothes are worn\, and the graves of relatives are visited. \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eid-al-Fitr
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/eid-al-fitr/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays,Observance
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240406
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240407
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20231127T213028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231127T213028Z
UID:10000638-1712361600-1712447999@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Laylat al-Qadr
DESCRIPTION:Laylat al-Qadr\, (Arabic: “Night of Power”) Islamic festival that commemorates the night on which God first revealed the Qurʾān to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel (Jibrīl). It is believed to have taken place on one of the final 10 nights of Ramadan in 610 CE\, though the exact night is unclear. The date of the annual commemoration thus varies throughout the Islamic world but is most commonly observed on the 23rd night of Ramadan for Shiʿi Muslims and on the 27th for Sunni Muslims. \nAccording to Islamic tradition\, the Qurʾān (the literal word of God which was relayed to humanity through Muhammad) was first revealed to Muhammad after a period of habitual meditation in seclusion. During one of his retreats\, on Laylat al-Qadr\, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and commanded him: “Iqraʾ!” (“Recite!”) \n\nAside from the celebration of the Qurʾān’s revelation\, the annual observance of Laylat al-Qadr holds additional significance as a night in which angels descend to earth with a myriad of tasks\, leading to a night of peace\, blessings\, and divine guidance (qadar) until the dawn. It is thus commemorated with solemnity\, devotion\, and prayer\, and some observers spend the festival in a mosque in retreat (iʿtikāf). \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Laylat-al-Qadr
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/laylat-al-qadr-2/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays,Religious
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240326
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240327
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20231230T015835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231230T015835Z
UID:10000654-1711411200-1711497599@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Hola Mohalla
DESCRIPTION:Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet\, which usually falls in March. This\, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh\, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day; Hola is the masculine form of the feminine sounding Holi. The word “Mohalla” is derived from the Arabic root hal (alighting\, descending) and is a Punjabi word that implies an organized procession in the form of an army column. \nBut unlike Holi\, when people playfully sprinkle color\, dry or mixed in water\, on each other\, the Guru made Hola Mohalla an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. \nTogether the words “Hola Mohalla” stand for “mock fight.” During this festival\, processions are organized in the form of army type columns accompanied by war-drums and standard-bearers\, proceeding to a given spot or moving in state from one Gurdwara to another. \nThe custom originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh\, who held the first such mock fight event at Anandpur Sahib in February 1701. The foothills of the Shivaliks in Ropar district of Punjab’s north-eastern region\, especially around the historic townships of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib\, have\, since 1701 been playing host to Hola Mohalla. \nThe military exercise\, which was personally supervised by the Guru\, was carried out on the bed of the River Charan Ganga with the famous Hindu temple of Mata Naina Devi in the Shivaliks as the backdrop. \nThe Indian government eventually accorded it the status of a national festival. \nSourced from https://www.sikhdharma.org/the-sikh-festival-of-hola-mohalla
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/hola-mohalla/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Observance
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240325
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240327
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20201106T194805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201106T194805Z
UID:10000097-1711324800-1711497599@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Holi
DESCRIPTION:Holi has been celebrated in the Indian subcontinent for centuries\, with poems documenting celebrations dating back to the 4th century CE. It marks the beginning of spring after a long winter\, symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated in March\, corresponding to the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. \nThere are varying accounts of Holi’s origin mentioned in several works of ancient Indian literature. According to one popular version of the story\, an evil king became so powerful that he forced his subjects to worship him as their god. But to the king’s ire\, his son Prahlada continued to be an ardent devotee of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu. The angry king plotted with his sister\, Holika\, to kill his son. Holika\, who was immune to fire\, tricked Prahlada to sit in a pyre with her. When the pyre was lit\, the boy’s devotion to Lord Vishnu helped him walk away unscathed while Holika\, from whom the festival derives its name\, was burned to death despite her immunity.\nOn the eve of the festival\, large pyres are lit in many parts of India to signify the burning of evil spirits. People often throw wood\, dried leaves and twigs into bonfires. \n\n\nOn the day of Holi\, entire streets and towns turn red\, green and yellow as people throw colored powder into the air and splash them on others. Each color carries a meaning. Red\, for example\, symbolizes love and fertility while green stands for new beginnings. People also splash water on each other in celebration. Water guns are used to squirt water\, while balloons filled with colored water are also flung from rooftops. Later in the day\, families gather together for festive meals. It is also common to distribute sweets among neighbors and friends.\n\n\n\n\nSourced from https://time.com/5799354/what-is-holi
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/holi/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240224
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240225
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20231127T204547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231127T204547Z
UID:10000633-1708732800-1708819199@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Chinese Lantern Festival
DESCRIPTION:On the 15th day of the first lunar month\, two weeks after Chinese New Year\, another important traditional Chinese festival\, the Chinese Lantern Festival or Yuan Xiao Jie or Yuanxiao Festival (元宵节)\, is celebrated. It marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) period. Chinese Lantern Festival 2024 will be celebrated on February 24th in 2024. \nSourced from https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/lantern-festival.htm
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/chinese-lantern-festival/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240110
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240125
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20230119T075048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230119T075048Z
UID:10000133-1704844800-1706140799@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year / Spring Festival
DESCRIPTION:Chinese New Year\, annual 15-day festival in China and Chinese communities around the world that begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon. \nThe holiday is sometimes called the Lunar New Year because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival\, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. \nThe origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises\, bright lights\, and the colour red\, so those things were used to chase the beast away. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one\, therefore\, often include firecrackers\, fireworks\, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colourful red envelopes. In addition\, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members. Many traditions of the season honour relatives who have died. \nAmong other Chinese New Year traditions is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the resident of any lingering bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during the celebrations. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival\, during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime parade. Since the dragon is a Chinese symbol of good fortune\, a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations in many areas. This procession involves a long\, colourful dragon being carried through the streets by numerous dancers. \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/chinese-new-year-spring-festival/
CATEGORIES:Festivals
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240102
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20230119T072555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230119T072555Z
UID:10000125-1704067200-1704153599@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:New Year's Day
DESCRIPTION:New Year festival\, any of the social\, cultural\, and religious observances worldwide that celebrate the beginning of the new year. Such festivals are among the oldest and the most universally observed. \nThe earliest known record of a New Year festival dates from about 2000 BCE in Mesopotamia\, where in Babylonia the new year (Akitu) began with the new moon after the spring equinox (mid-March) and in Assyria with the new moon nearest the autumn equinox (mid-September). For the Egyptians\, Phoenicians\, and Persians the year began with the autumn equinox (September 21)\, and for the early Greeks it began with the winter solstice (December 21). On the Roman republican calendar the year began on March 1\, but after 153 BCE the official date was January 1\, which was continued in the Julian calendar of 46 BCE. \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/New-Year-festival
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/new-years-day/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231226
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240102
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20201106T194320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201106T194320Z
UID:10000096-1703548800-1704153599@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Kwanzaa
DESCRIPTION:Each December there are numerous inquiries about the festival Kwanzaa. This celebration is not a festival originating in any of the 55 African countries nor is it an “African” Christmas celebration. Kwanzaa is an African-Americans celebration of life from 26 December to 1 January.\nDr. Maulana Karenga introduced the festival in 1966 to the United States as a ritual to welcome the first harvests to the home. Dr. Karenga created this festival for Afro-Americans as a response to the commercialism of Christmas. In fact one might say that Kwanzaa has similarities with Thanksgiving in the United States or the Yam Festival in Ghana and Nigeria. The word “kwanza” is a KiSwahili (Kenya\, Uganda\, Tanzania) word meaning “first.”\nFive common sets of values are central to the activities of the week: ingathering\, reverence\, commemoration\, recommitment\, and celebration. The seven principles (nguzo saba) of Kwanzaa utilize Kiswahili words: unity (umoja)\, self-determination (kujichagulia)\, collective work and responsibility (ujima)\, cooperative economics (ujamaa)\, purpose (nia)\, creativity (kuumba)\, and faith (imani). Each of the seven candles signify the principles. Like the Jewish Hannakah\, candles are used to represent concepts of the holiday.\nThe symbols of Kwanzaa includes crops (mzao) which represents the historical roots of African-Americans in agriculture and also the reward for collective labor. The mat (mkeka) lays the foundation for self- actualization. The candle holder (kinara) reminds believers in the ancestral origins in one of 55 African countries. Corn/maize (muhindi) signifies children and the hope associated in the younger generation. Gifts (Zawadi) represent commitments of the parents for the children. The unity cup (Kkimbe cha Umoja) is used to pour libations to the ancestors. Finally\, the seven candles (mishumaa saba) remind participants of the severl pinciples and the colors in flags of African liberation movements — 3 red\, 1 black\, and 3 green.\nhttps://www.africa.upenn.edu/K-12/Kwanzaa_What_16661.html
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/kwanzaa/2023-12-26/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231216
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231225
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20231122T160114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231122T160114Z
UID:10000631-1702684800-1703462399@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Las Posadas
DESCRIPTION:Las Posadas\, (Spanish: “The Inns”) religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States between December 16 and 24. Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. When they were unable to find lodging in Bethlehem\, Joseph and Mary were forced to seek shelter in a stable\, where the Christ Child was born. \nLas Posadas is celebrated in cities and towns across Mexico. Each evening during the festival\, a small child dressed as an angel leads a procession through the streets of the town. The procession is primarily made up of children dressed in silver and gold robes carrying lit candles and images of Mary and Joseph riding a donkey. Adults\, including musicians\, follow the procession\, which visits selected homes and asks for lodging for Joseph and Mary. Traditionally\, the procession is always refused lodging\, though the hosts often provide refreshments. At each stop\, passages of scripture are read and Christmas carols are sung. \n\nMass is held each day after the procession\, and\, at the conclusion of the service\, children break open piñatas filled with candy\, toys\, and\, occasionally\, money. The piñatas are usually crafted in the form of a star\, which is said to have guided the three wise men of biblical tradition to the newborn Jesus. \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Las-Posadas
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/las-posadas/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Religious
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231207T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231215T235900
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20171023T121708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171023T121708Z
UID:10000009-1701907200-1702684740@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Chanukah
DESCRIPTION:Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day\, wintertime “festival of lights\,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting\, special prayers and fried foods.\nThe Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication\,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple (as you’ll read below). Also spelled Hanukkah (or variations of that spelling)\, the Hebrew word is actually pronounced with a guttural\, “kh” sound\, kha-nu-kah\, not tcha-new-kah.\nRead more at Chabad.org
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/chanukah/
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Holidays,Religious
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230801
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230802
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20230526T150403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230526T150403Z
UID:10000461-1690848000-1690934399@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Lammas/Lughnasadh
DESCRIPTION:Lammas\, also known as Lughnasad\, or Lughnassadh\, is a pagan holiday and one of the eight Wiccan sabbats during the year. Each sabbat marks a seasonal turning point. The sabbat occurs on August 1\, which is about halfway between the summer solstice (Litha) and the fall equinox (Mabon). This holiday celebrates the grain harvest. Grain is a very important crop for most civilizations. If the grain was left in the fields for too long\, or if the bread made from the grain was not baked in time\, families might starve. \nIn early Ireland\, it was not good to harvest grain before Lammas. If you did harvest before then\, that meant that that the harvest from the previous year ran out before the next harvest was ready. This meant that the farmers would have failed in providing for their community. On Lammas\, the first sheaves of grain were cut\, and by that night\, the first loaves of bread for the season would have been baked. The word Lammas comes from an Old English phrase that translates to “loaf mass.” In early Christianity\, the first loaves of the season were blessed by the church during mass. \nIn some traditions\, this day honors the Celtic god\, Lugh. This celebration of the god\, Lugh is referred to as Lughnasad (pronounced Loo-NAS-ah). Lugh is the god of craftsmanship; he is skilled in many things\, including blacksmithing\, wheel making\, and fighting. There is some discrepancy as to why Lugh is honored on this day. Some tales say that this is the date of Lugh’s wedding feat. Other stories say it is because he held a harvest fair in honor of his foster mother\, Tailtiu\, on this date. \nModern day pagans bake breads and cakes to celebrate the historical grain harvest (and subsequent bread making). Some observers celebrate with a harvest ritual. This ritual typically involves decorating an altar with symbols of the season. Some of these symbols include scythes (because they are used to cut the grain)\, corn\, grapes\, apples\, and/or any other crops that might be harvested at this time. Some of these rituals involve casting a circle\, and saying some words that symbolize their thanks to the earth for the harvest. After the ritual\, everyone there eats some bread together\, and may also drink wine to wash it down. To honor Lugh\, people make crafts and decorations for their house\, to represent his skills in those areas. And as with most sabbats\, there is feasting. This feast usually is prepared with one’s harvested crops at this time (if they have their own garden). \nSourced from https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-lammas-lughnasad
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/lammas-lughnasadh/2023-08-01/
CATEGORIES:Festivals
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230502
DTSTAMP:20261101T155516
CREATED:20230331T210200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230331T210200Z
UID:10000275-1682899200-1682985599@www.interactiontraction.com
SUMMARY:Beltane
DESCRIPTION:Beltane\, also spelled Beltine\, Irish Beltaine or Belltaine\, also known as Cétamain\, festival held on the first day of May in Ireland and Scotland\, celebrating the beginning of summer and open pasturing. Beltane is first mentioned in a glossary attributed to Cormac\, bishop of Cashel and king of Munster\, who was killed in 908. Cormac describes how cattle were driven between two bonfires on Beltane as a magical means of protecting them from disease before they were led into summer pastures—a custom still observed in Ireland in the 19th century. Other festivities included Maypole dances and cutting of green boughs and flowers. \nIn early Irish lore a number of significant events took place on Beltane\, which long remained the focus of folk traditions and tales in Ireland\, Scotland\, and the Isle of Man. As did other pre-Christian Celtic peoples\, the Irish divided the year into two main seasons. Winter and the beginning of the year fell on November 1 (Irish: Samain) and midyear and summer on May 1 (Irish: Beltaine). These two junctures were thought to be critical periods when the bounds between the human and supernatural worlds were temporarily erased; on May Eve witches and fairies roamed freely\, and measures had to be taken against their enchantments. \n\n\nCormac derives the word Beltaine from the name of a god Bel\, or Bil\, and the Old Irish word tene\, “fire.” Despite linguistic difficulties\, a number of 20th-century scholars have maintained modified versions of this etymology\, linking the first element of the word with the Gaulish god Belenos (Irish: Belenus). \nSourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Beltane
URL:https://www.interactiontraction.com/event/beltane/2023-05-01/
CATEGORIES:Festivals
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