July dates for your diary

5th – Birthday of Guru Hargobind, Sikh

This day is an important festival in northern India. Guru Hargobind created the Sikh army, allowing Sikhs to defend themselves during the Mughal Empire. For this reason, many celebrations in India feature displays of Sikh martial arts.

16th – Asalha Puja (Dharma Day), Buddhist

The wheel of Dharma is a Buddhist symbol representing the cycle of life and rebirth. Asalha Puja celebrates the birth of the religion, marking the moment when Buddha gave his first sermon. This is often described as the first turning of the wheel of Dharma. The day marks the start of a three-month long meditation and fasting.

23rd – Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie – Rastafari

Haile Selassie was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930, coinciding with a growing anti-colonial movement in Jamaica. He became integral to the founding of the Rastafarian religion. Some Rastafarians believe him to be their messiah; some see him as a human prophet. His birthday is a cause for celebration each year.

 

This month’s dates at a glance

5th     Birthday of Guru Hargobind – Sikh

7th     Hajj – Islam

Birthday of Guru Har Krishan – Sikh

8th     Waqf al Arafa – Islam

9th     Eid al-Adha – Islam

10th   Martyrdom of the Báb – Baha’i

11th   World Population Day

12th   Orangemen’s Day, Bank Holiday – Northern Ireland

13th   Asalha Puja (Dharma Day) – Buddhist

14th   International Non Binary People’s Day

15th   Saint Vladimir the Great Day – Orthodox Christian,

World Youth Skills Day

17th   World Day for International Justice

18th   Nelson Mandela International Day

22nd Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene – Christian

23rd   Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie – Rastafari

24th   Pioneer Day – Mormonism

25th   Saint James the Great Day – Christian

28th   World Hepatitis Day

30th   Al-Hijra/Muharram – New Year – Islam,

International Day of Friendship,

World Day against Trafficking Persons.