Below you’ll find a small sampling of our August interfaith calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.
This month focuses on three different world religions. Every month, we will provide you with insightful information about different religious events. We hope it inspires you to share the post with your friends or colleagues and continue the discussion of these important topics of diversity and inclusion in your daily life.
Our 2023 Interfaith Calendar includes a more comprehensive account of all the religious holidays and holy days worldwide. Our monthly blog post is just a sampling of events occurring each month.
In our monthly samples, we aim to share August awareness days, August diversity days, August heritage months, August high holy days, August religious holidays, and religious festivals.
Please note that if a holiday begins the evening before, we will mark it with an asterisk (*).
August Religious Holidays
August 13* – Tisha B’av (Judaism)
Considered the saddest day in the Jewish Year, it is a day of mourning and fasting. It remembers the destruction of ancient Temples, including Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple. When night falls, the fast is broken.
What’s Forbidden on This Day
Based on the Laws of Mourning, certain practices are forbidden for Orthodox Jews on this holy day, including:
- Eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset (All except those physically ill or extremely weak and pregnant should partake in fasting.)
- Bathing
- Sexual intimacy
- Wearing leather footwear
- Studying the Torah (except passages that talk about the Temples destruction)
- Sit on a normal-height chair before midday
Learn more about Jewish holy days and religious holidays.
August 15 – Dormition of the Theotokos (Mary) (Greek Orthodox)
The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the “falling asleep” of the Mother of Jesus Christ, Mary. It also honors her ascension into heaven. When Jesus died on the cross, he called out “Woman, behold your son, and to John, he said: “Behold your mother!” From that point on, John took care of Mary as his own, and at the time of her death, the disciples of Jesus returned to Jerusalem to see the Theotokos.
Preparation for this day: On August 1, a fasting period begins, which prohibits meat, dairy, oil, or wine.
August 26 – Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism)
This day celebrates Lord Krishna’s birthday. Celebrated widely in India and other Hindu countries, this festival takes place on Ashtami of Krishna Paksh. His mission was to remove evil from the Earth and to spread positive messages of love and unity. This fasting day is celebrated by worshiping him with songs and aarti, a worship ritual using light. Temples are decorated with lights and flowers.
Learn more about Hinduism holy days and Hindy religious observances.
Did You Know?
When you set time aside to understand those around you, it helps perpetuate a sense of belonging for all. When we are understood, we are happier and more productive. This is especially valuable in the workplace. Our 2023 Diversity Calendar and 2023 Interfaith Calendar both are powerful resources to use to not only learn more about those around you but to provide inclusive scheduling for your employees. To learn more about our DEI calendar, enjoy a free trial of our interactive DEI Calendar.