The start of the autumn season brings not only back-to-school and fall activities, but also a wealth of religious and spiritual holidays. At Interfaith America, we celebrate religious diversity as a treasure and know that faith can serve as a bridge of understanding. Read on to learn more about holidays observed throughout September and October:
September 3–4
Krishna Janmashtami: Commemorates the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, considered to be the eighth incarnation (avatar) of the Hindu God Vishnu. Worship of Krishna is characteristically expressed in song and dance. (Hinduism)
September 8-15
Paryushana: Meaning ‘to stay in one place’, is an eight-day festival signifying a time of fasting, reflection and repentance for nuns, monks and Jain practitioners from the Swetamber sect. (Jainism)
September 11
Coptic New Year: Also called Norouz, this is a feast day that commemorates martyrs and confessors in Coptic Orthodox Christianity. (Coptic Orthodox Church)
September 11-13
Rosh Hashanah: The two-day Jewish New Year that highlights rest and reflection is one of the most important Jewish holy days. In the immediately ensuing “days of repentance,” people make amends for all the misdeeds, mistakes, and harm caused in the previous year, knowingly or unknowingly. (Judaism)
September 21
Yom Kippur: This is one of the most significant days in the Jewish calendar. The central themes of Yom Kippur are atonement and repentance. (Judaism)
September 22
Mabon/Autumn Equinox: Pagan and Wiccan religious traditions use this day to mark the autumnal equinox, celebrating a day with equal light and darkness and the second harvest. To celebrate, some pagans might feast with friends and family. Some also pick apples, a common symbol of the second harvest. (Paganism, Wicca)
September 26
Sukkot: A 7-day holiday commemorating when Jews journeyed to the desert on the way to the promised land. (Judaism)
September 26 – October 10
Pitru Paksha: A period when members of the Hindu tradition pay homage to their ancestors, often through food offerings. (Hinduism)
October 3-4
Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah: Shemini Atzeret comes first and celebrates the end of Sukkot. Simchat Torah is the second day that marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings. (Judaism)
October 11-19
Navaratri: This annual Hindu festival honors Durga, a goddess also known as Adi Parashakti, who defeated a demon after a battle that lasted nine days and nights. Celebrations begin with worship, scripture readings, and dancing. It ends on the tenth day with Dussehra, which commemorates her victory. (Hinduism)
October 20
Dussehra: One of the significant Hindu festivals celebrated at the end of Navaratri, Dussehra holds different significance in various regions of India. For some, it represents the end of Durga Puja, commemorating Durga’s victory in restoring dharma. For others, it marks Rama’s victory over Ravana during Ramlila. The festivities include fireworks, music performances, and waterfront processions with Durga clay statues. (Hinduism)
October 20
Conferment of Guruship to Guru Granth Sahib: Celebrates Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s declaration in 1708 CE that, instead of having another human Guru, from now on Sikhs would regard the scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, as their Guru. (Sikhism)
October 25
Kathina: A Theravadan Buddhist festival which comes at the end of the three-month rainy season retreat (Vassa). (Buddhism)
October 31
Samhain and Halloween: Samhain was first observed by Celtic Pagans and marked the Celtic New Year, the end of summer, and the end of the harvest season. The Holiday signaled the beginning of winter, which Pagans associated with death. It was considered a time when the veil between the physical world and the Otherworld was thin, allowing spirits of the dead to visit the living. Rituals may include dancing, feasting, being in nature, and building altars to honor ancestors. Samhain is the origin of Halloween. (Paganism)
- Religion News Service
