March Dates of Religious Significance 2021
2nd– 20th
Nineteen Day Fast
Fast to be observed by adult Baha’is in good health – sunrise to sundown – no food or drink. Baha’i
Sunday 7th
Meatfare (Judgement) Sunday
Orthodox Christian observance, two weeks before the start of the Great Lent, preparing the faithful for the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. This is the last day for eating of meat before the Great Lent. Orthodox Christian
Wednesday 10th
Lailat al Miraj
Islamic observance of Mohammed’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven. Islam
Friday 12th
Orthodox Sunday
First Sunday of Lent. Restoration of icons to the church is celebrated. Orthodox Christian
Maha Shivaratri
Festival in honor of Lord Shiva and his marriage to Goddess Parvati. Ceremonies involving prayers and hymns take place mostly at night. Special foods are not used. Hindu
Monday 15th
Clean Monday (Great Lent begins) – Orthodox Christian
Wednesday 17th
St. Patrick’s Day
Christian celebration of Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland in early days of the faith. Christian
Thursday 18th
Waqf al Arafa
Observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy. Islam
Sunday 21st
Norooz (New Year) – Persian/Zoroastrian
Naw-Rúz (New Year) – Baha’i
Ostara – Mabon
Wicca welcoming of spring and the goddess-as-maiden. Wicca/Neo Pagan
Orthodox Sunday
Orthodox Christian first Sunday of Lent. Restoration of icons to the church is celebrated. Orthodox Christian
Thursday 25th
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Christian celebration of Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary the coming birth of Jesus as the Incarnation of Creator God. Catholic Christian
Mahavir Jayanti
Festival honoring Lord Mahavira on the founder’s birthday. Shrines are visited. Teachings are reviewed and reflected upon. Jain
Friday 26th
Khordad Sal (Birth of Prophet Zaranthushtra). Zoroastrian
Sunday 28th
Lailat al Bara’ah
Night of Forgiveness. A night of prayer to Allah for forgiveness of the dead. Preparation for Ramadan through intense prayer. Islam
Magha Puja Day
Celebration of the presentation of teachings by Lord Buddha to and assembly of holy men. Buddhist
Palm Sunday
Celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches. Christian
28th – April 8th
Pesach
8-day celebration of the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. The story of the Exodus is recounted, and the ongoing struggle of all peoples for freedom from internal and external tyranny is celebrated. A special meal is a central feature. Also called Passover. Jewish
Monday 29th
Holi
Spring festival dedicated to the god of pleasure. It is observed in a colorful and boisterous manner. People shower each other with colored water and smear red and green powder on each other. Hindu
Adapted from https://www.interfaith-calendar.org/2021.htm