February Religious Festivals and Dates

Imbolc / Candlemas

Paganism. A Gaelic spring festival, held halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox.

Feast of Mulk (Dominion)

Bahá'í Faith.

Sarasvati Puja / Vasant Panchami

Hinduism in India (North India). On the Panchami Tithi (5th day) of the Magha month of Hindu calendar. Celebrating the beginning of spring, causing people to dress in bright yellow clothes₁. Often given in the name of the goddess Saraswati.

St Valentine's Day

Parinirvana (Nirvana Day)

Buddhism. For the passing of Gautama Buddha. Observed by some on the 8th.

Shrove Tuesday

Christianity (Western Churches). Although it relates to absolution from sin, this day was pinned to an ancient day of feasting and consumption.

Maha Shivratri (Great Shiva Night)

Hinduism. 13th or 14th day of the dark half of Magh₁. The god Shiva performs the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Many Hindus fast. Can occur a day later depending on location. Before the new moon, offerings of flowers, grain, water and milk are made to Shiva₁.

Jashn-E Mehergan / Mihr Jashan

Zoroastrianism. Dedicated to Meher, or Mithra, symbols of the sun, and of justice.

Chinese New Year

Chinese religion in China. China uses the Gregorian calendar, but, the traditional Chinese New Year is still the basis for religious festivals and special days.

First day of Lent / Ash Wednesday

Christianity (Western churches). The first day of lent, enacted as Ash Wednesday in Catholic and some Anglican churches.

Ramadan

Islam. The 9th month of the Islamic calendar. The month in the Islamic Calendar when Mohammad received the first verses from the Qur'an.

Ava Mah Parab / Aban Jashan

Zoroastrianism. Celebration of Ava, guardian of fertility and water.

Magha Puja

Buddhism. On the full moon day of the third lunar month. Common in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Sri Lanka. In Myanmar, on a full moon in the 12th month of Burmese calendar (Tabaung).