1 Aug
Lammas
The festival of the first wheat harvest of the year. On this day it was customary to bring to church a loaf made from the new crop. In many parts of England, tenants were bound to present freshly harvested wheat to their landlords on or before the first day of August. The blessing of new fruits was performed annually in both the Eastern and Western Churches on the first, or the sixth, of August.
1 Aug
Lughnasadh (Pagan)
Pagan harvest festival, during which Pagans give thanks for the bounty of the Goddess as Queen of the Land. Lughnasadh is celebrated either on 1st August, at the time of the ripening of the local berry crop, or on the full moon nearest the midpoint between the summer solstice and autumnal equinox. The festival is generally marked by the lighting of bonfires, music and dancing.
5 Aug
Raksha-Bandhan
This festival takes place on the full moon of Shravana. During the festival, girls and married women in families from north India tie a rakhi (amulet) on the right wrist of brothers, wishing them protection from evil influences of various kinds.
6 Aug
Transfiguration Day
Also known as just the Transfiguration, this day commemorates when Jesus went up a mountain with the disciples Peter, James and John and they saw him transformed, together with Moses and Elijah, and heard a voice saying "This is my own dear Son with whom I am pleased — listen to him".
9 –
18 Aug
(10 days)
Farvardigan/Mukhtad
Ten-day festival during which the Fravashis, souls or spirits of the dead, are welcomed and entertained. The five Gathas (hymns composed by Zarathustra) are recited on the last five days of the festival.
12 Aug –
9 Sep
(28 days)
Ramadan
A period of fasting lasting for one lunar month. Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from all food, drink and smoking during daylight hours. Fasting (sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam, ensuring that everyone gains some experience of deprivation. It is customary to break each day's fast in the evening by consuming dates and water. Those who cannot fast are obliged to give to charity to compensate for the lost days. Children are not required to take part in the fast.
13 - 16 Aug
(4 days)
O-Bon
Japanese Buddhist festival honoring the departed spirits of dead ancestors. During this festival the spirits of these ancestors are welcomed back home with feasting and dancing. Fires are often lit to illuminate their arrival and departure. This festival has evolved into a family reunion holiday, during which people from the big cities return to their home towns and visit and clean their ancestors' graves.
16 Aug
Assumption Day
Catholic festival. Also known as the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, this day celebrates the taking up into heaven (assumption) of Mary, mother of Jesus. Most Catholic communities mark the festival with processions and fêtes.
19 Aug
Noruz (Shenshai)
Noruz, which can be spelt in a variety of ways, is New Year's Day (according to the Shensai calendar).
24 Aug
Khordad Sal (Shenshai)
This festival celebrates the birth (according to the Shensai calendar) of Zarathustra, the founder of Zoroastrianism. It is a day of rejoicing, when Zoroastrians and Parsis go to fire temples to pay homage and offer prayers. A feast is prepared, and Parsis in India decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli. Amongst the Parsi community, Khordad Sal is an occasion for gathering together and it is regarded as a time for individual believers to review their lives and make resolutions for the future.
