Rotherham Events and Celebrations -  July 2008

Important events and celebrations this month include:

9 Martyrdom of the Bab – Baha’i
At 12 noon the anniversary of the Bab's execution in 1850 in Tabriz, Iran is commemorated each year.

18 Dharma Day - Buddhist
The anniversary of the start of the Buddha's teaching following his enlightenment. The word “Dharma” may be translated as truth.

20 Tammuz
An important Jewish fast day that commemorates various tragedies that have happened on this day. It begins a three-week period of mourning for the destruction of the two Temples of Jerusalem.

23 Birthday of Haile Selassie
Haile Selassie was the Emperor of Ethiopia. Traditionally, Rastafarians believe Haile Selassie is God, and that he will return members of the black community who are living in exile to Africa.

26 Khordad Sal (Qadimi calendar)
The birthday of Zoroaster and considered one of the most important festivals in the Zoroastrian calendar. Zoroastrians gather in Fire temples for prayers and celebrate with feasting. Zoroastrian beliefs can be summed up by Zoroaster’s maxim – “Good thoughts, Good works, Good deeds”.

(This year it falls on 24 August in the Shensai calendar and 26 March in the Fasli calendar)

31 Lailat al Miraj - Islam
Islamic observance of Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) night journey from Makkah (Mecca) to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven.