4 Jul
Independence Day (US)
Commonly known as "the Fourth of July", or simply "the Fourth", this day is a federal holiday in the USA. It celebrates America's declaration of independence from Great Britain on 4th July 1776. The day is commonly celebrated with parades, barbecues and picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777.
8 - 9 Jul
Muhammad's Night Journey to Jerusalem and Ascension
Day commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and thence through the heavens to the presence of God, all in one night. It was during this journey that the command to pray five times a day was given. The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem marks the place from where Muhammad is said to have ascended. Muslims celebrate this day by reading the Qur'an and saying additional prayers.
9 Jul
Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bab
Day on which Bahá'ís commemorate the execution of the Bab by firing squad at Tabriz, Persia, in 1850. The Bab's death, which occurred at noon on this date, is marked with noonday readings and prayers from the Bahá'í scriptures.
13 Jul
Ratha Yatra
This festival (whose name means "chariot journey") is observed most notably at Puri in Orissa, where processions of devotees push huge wagons (rathas) carrying images of Krishna, who is known under the name of Jagannath (Lord of the Universe), through the streets. The image of Krishna is accompanied by images of his brother and sister, Lord Balabhadra and Subhadra. The festival is celebrated in Britain with a procession through London on an appropriate Sunday.
14 Jul
Bastille Day (France)
French national holiday, celebrated annually on 14th July. In France, it is called Fête Nationale ("National Holiday") or Quatorze Juillet ("14th of July"). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 — the Fête de la Fédération was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern French "nation" following the French Revolution.
15 Jul
Chokhor
Also known as Cho Kor Du Chen, this Tibetan and Nepalese festival commemorates the first teaching (turning of the wheel of law) given by Buddha. Statues of Buddha and copies of the scriptures, engraved on narrow, rectangular wooden blocks, are carried round with music and jollity, symbolizing the promulgation of the Buddha's teaching. The whole community join in these processions and the picnic that follows.
20 Jul
Tisha B'Av
A day of great sadness in the Jewish calendar, marked by a full-day fast. The day mourns the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies in Jewish history. Traditionally, the Book of Lamentations is read.
23 Jul
Birthday of Haile Selassie
This is one of the holiest days in the Rastafarian religion. The day is celebrated with Nyahbinghi drumming, hymns and prayers.
26 Jul
Asalha Puja
Theravada Buddhist festival commemorating the Buddha’s first sermon in the Deer Park in Benares (which taught the Middle Way, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths) and the founding of the Buddhist sangha (temple). The day is observed by donating offerings to temples and listening to sermons.
26 - 27 Jul
Lailat-ul-Bara'h (Night of Forgiveness)
Occurring two weeks before Ramadan, this is a day on which Muslims seek forgiveness for their sins. Many Muslims believe that a person's destiny for the coming year is fixed on this night. The night is spent in prayer, asking God's guidance and forgiveness. In some Muslim countries believers visit the graves of relatives. Giving to charity is another tradition on this day, while in some places the night is marked with firework displays.
