3 Apr
(Fri)
Rama Navami
The birthday of Rama, the seventh avatar (earthly incarnation of a god) of Vishnu. People normally perform Kalyanotsavam (marriage celebration) for small murtis (images of deities) of Rama and Sita in their houses, and at the end of the day the deity is taken on a procession through the streets.
5 Apr
(Sun)
Ch'ing Ming (Festival of Pure Brightness)
This festival is the first occasion of the New Year when people visit the graves of deceased family members. Traditionally, after sweeping the graves, offerings are made to the spirits of the dead. Often a picnic will be held by the graveside, "inviting" the spirits of ancestors to feast with the family. During this festival family togetherness plays an important part.
5 Apr
(Sun)
Palm Sunday
The Sunday before Easter, marking the beginning of Holy Week (i.e. the week which recalls the last week of Jesus' earthly existence). The day itself commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem prior to the passion. Many churches commemorate this event by holding processions, with symbolic branches of trees, or palm leaves folded in the form of crosses, being carried.
5 –
12 Apr
Holy Week
The week prior to Easter Day, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Holy Saturday. Holy Week is the most solemn period in the Christian calendar, remembering the events that led up to Jesus's arrest, his crucifixion, and his resurrection.
7 Apr
(Thu)
Mahavira Jayanti
This is the most important religious holiday in Jainism, celebrating the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara (or great teacher), the model for Jainas. His birth and the events surrounding it are re-enacted on this day. Jain temples are decorated with flags and an idol of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called the 'abhishek', placed in a cradle and carried in a procession around the neighbourhood. The devotees will make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the tirthankar. If there are monks or nuns present, they will read from the scriptures and teach about the rest of Mahavira's life, following which lay people return home to a celebratory feast. Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit the ancient Jain Temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on this day.
8 Apr
(Wed)
Hanamatsuri
Also known as Flower Festival, this is a festival celebrated by Japanese Buddhists and marks the birthday of Buddha Shakyamuni. The flowers accentuate the tradition that the Buddha was born in a garden, so floral shrines are made and an image of the infant Buddha is set in it and bathed. Note that Theravada Buddhists celebrate Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing away all on the same day latter in the year.
9 Apr
(Thu)
Maundy Thursday
Also known as Holy Thursday and, in the Orthodox Church, Great Thursday. This day commemorates the Last Supper, during which Jesus blessed bread and wine and ordered his disciples to remember him whenever they did this. In the past, it was traditional in Christian churches for the feet of twelve members of the congregation to be washed — symbolic of how Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper.
9 Apr
(Thu)
Hanuman Jayanti
Festival commemorating the birth of Hanuman, the monkey god. Hanuman was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and is worshipped for his unflinching devotion to the God. From sunrise devotees visit Hanuman temples to worship the monkey god.
9 - 16 Apr
(8 days)
Pesach (Passover)
Eight day festival commemorating the Jewish Exodus from Egypt. The highlight of Pesach is the Seder meal, which is held in family homes at the beginning of the festival, when the story of how the Jews were delivered from slavery is recounted. Matzah (unleavened bread), the symbol of Pesach, is eaten throughout the festival, as are other foods containing no leaven. There is a great spring clean of homes before the festival begins to ensure no trace of leaven remains during Pesach.
10 Apr
(Fri)
Good Friday
The date in the Christian calendar when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Christ. "Good" refers to the fact that Christians regard Jesus' crucifixion as the ultimate example of God's sacrifice. Meditative services are held in churches to mark the time that Jesus spent on the cross.
12 Apr
(Sun)
Easter Day
Also known as the Feast of the Resurrection, the Sunday of the Resurrection, or Resurrection Day, this day celebrates the resurrection of Jesus three days after he died on the cross and is considered the most important day in the Christian calendar. Easter Day marks the end of Lent.
14 Apr
(Tue)
Vaisakhi/Baisakhi
Sikh New Year festival. This day marks the date in 1699 when the Order of the Khalsa was founded by Guru Gobind Singh. On this day the Five Ks (the five outward symbols of Sikhism) were made obligatory and Sikh men took the name Singh and women Kaur. The initiation ceremony known as amrit was also introduced.
21 Apr
(Tue)
Yom Ha-Shoah
Holocaust Awareness Day. This is a day of remembrance for the victims of the Nazi Holocaust. Memorial candles are lit and special services held.
21 Apr -
2 May
(12 days)
Ridvan
Also referred to as the "Most Great Festival" and the "King of Festivals", Ridvan last for 12 days and is the holiest of all Bahá'í festivals. The 1st, 9th and 12th days of Ridvan are designated as holy days on which no work is done. The festival commemorates the twelve day period during which Baha'u'llah declared himself as the Promised One prophesied by the Bab and, hence, marks the commencement of Bahá'u'lláh´s prophethood.
23 Apr
(Thu)
St. George's Day
Feast day of St. George, patron saint of England, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Portugal. For England, St. George's Day also marks its National Day. Most countries who observe St. George's Day celebrate it on 23 April, the traditionally accepted date of Saint George's death in 303. Georgia, however, celebrates it on 23 November.
29 Apr
(Wed)
Yom Ha'atzma'ut
Also known as Israeli Independence Day, this day commemorates the declaration of independence of Israel in 1948. It is always preceded by Yom Hazikaron, the Israel Fallen Soldiers Remembrance Day. An official ceremony is held every year on Mount Herzl on the eve of Yom Ha'atzmaut. The ceremony includes a speech by the speaker of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), a dramatic presentation, a ritual march of soldiers carrying the Flag of Israel, forming elaborate structures (such as a Menorah, Magen David and a number which represents the age of Israel) and the lighting of twelve beacons (each for every one of the Tribes of Israel).
