Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, commerarating the rededication of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem. This 8 day holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts. Source: Chabad.Org. (2022). What is Hanukkah? Chabad.Org.
Diwali is a major Hindu holiday sometimes known as the Festival of Lights and it signifies new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali is is observed by praying, celebrating, and social gatherings (observance varies by region). Source: McKeever, A. (2021, November 5). Diwali is India’s most important holiday—and a celebration of good over evil. History. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/diwali-history-customs-indian-festival-of-lights
Tihar is a five day long festival, similar to Diwali, and is celebrated primarily by the Nepali community. Tihar is a celebration of good over evil and on the third day, honors the Goddess Lakshmi This holiday is also called the festival lights and is celebrated through prayers, food, and family gatherings. Source: C. (2022, March 24). Tihar 2022: the 5 Days of Tihar Celebrations in Nepal. Asia Highlights - Since 2016! https://www.asiahighlights.com/india/tihar-diwali-in-nepal
Halloween, contraction of All Hallows’ Eve, a holiday observed on October 31, the evening before All Saints’ (or All Hallows’) Day. The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide, which lasts three days and concludes with All Souls’ Day.
Dia de los Muertos is a day of honoring ancestors and deceased family members. This is a holiday celebrated primarily in Mexico and can include evening activities (ofrenda, prayers, family gatherings). Source: History.com Editors. (2021, November 16). Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead
November is Native American Heritage Month to honor the experiences and contributions of Native Americans. Source: National Congress of American Indians. (2022). Native American Heritage Month | NCAI. National Congress of American Indians. https://www.ncai.org/initiatives/native-american-heritage-month
Dashain, also known as Dussehra, is a 15 day long Hindu holiday observed by members of the Hindu community, as well as members of the Buddhist and Nepali community. It starts on September 26th and ends on October 8th, but one of the most important days is the tenth day, where a special custom (tika) is done to bless the younger generation with abundance. This holiday also celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated through family gatherings, prayers, and food.
Navratri is a Hindu holiday that is celebrated for 9 nights, honoring Durga, her nine avatars, and the victory of good over evil. Navratri is observed by fasting (avoiding specific foods) and prayers. Source: Times of India. (2021, October 7). When is Navratri 2021?
As enacted by HB 174, the Last Friday of September is American Indian Heritage Day to recognize the historic, cultural, and social contributions American Indian communities and leaders have made in Texas. Source: American Indian Heritage Day in Texas – Welcome to Our Interpretation. (2022). American Indian Heritage Day.
The Harvest Moon or Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival that honors the full moon and typically includes a family reunion under the moonlight to share food, givethanks, and pray for longevity and good future. The Mid-Autumn Festival is referred to as Zhong Qiu Jie in Mandarin,Tết Trung Thu in Vietnamese, and Hangawi or Jungchujeol in Korean. This day is often celebrated by family and social gatherings and offerings of mooncake for some communities. Source: Tan, Bonny. (2005, January 13). Mid-autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie) | Infopedia.
