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.
