Festivals

Religion and politics are two of the few topics that can transform an otherwise pleasant conversation into a heated argument. The majority of us have been well-advised to avoid bringing up either subject at social gatherings, in the workplace, or in any other informal setting.

Festival Monday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom; schools and most enterprises are closed and the general public has the day off.

Greek Mythology plays a significant role in the August Moon Festival celebrations. As with most celebrations, locals and visitors leave their hectic lives behind for a day, or in this case, a night, of enjoyment.

The Faroe Islands celebrate St. Olav's Eve in Norway on July 28, the day before St. Olav's Day on July 29. St. Olav's Day, or lavska, is the Faroe Islands' national holiday.

Ashura commemorates the tragic 'Battle of Karbala' in which revolutionary leader Husayn ibn Ali was slain in the 7th century. Across the globe, millions of Muslims observe the day of Ashura to commemorate Husayn's sacrifice and commitment to social justice.

'Kharchi' is derived from the words 'khar,' which means sin, and 'chi,' which means cleansing. After 15 days of Ama Pechi, the cleansing of the earth and worship of the fourteen gods is performed as part of Kharchi Puja.