September 30: Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a holiday and festival in Hindu culture that celebrates the Mother Goddess, who was a victorious warrior Goddess who beat the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. The dates of the festival are celebrated based on the lunar calendar, and it is primarily celebrated in West Bengal, specifically in Kolkata. It is the largest festival there, and it is also celebrated in other Bengali communities, like Mumbai and Delhi.

 The festival begins with statues of the Goddess Durga appearing in homes, accompanies by podiums that are constructed all around the city. When the festival draws to the end, the statues are paraded around the city, with music and dancing, before they are immersed in water. The week before the festival, the goddess is invited to earth, and prayer occurs nightly for the time of the festival.

 Food is a large part of the celebration as well, and the streets are lined with food stalls and people each evening. People come out to see the lights, enjoy the food, for dancing, and to see the various statues of Goddess Durga.

September 26: Manit Day

Cultural values and customs in the Marshall Islands are known as manit. Manit Day, a day of cultural celebration in the Marshall Islands,

 is part of a greater festival known as Lutok Kobban Alele, which takes place in the last week of September. This event takes place specifically on the last Friday of the month of September. The festival's main purpose is to promote and preserve Marshallese culture by spreading education and embracing the past. Artifacts are brought out from museums and products made by island natives are shown. Children are encouraged to partake in the festivities by performing dances, sing songs, perform skits, as well as telling stories and folklores. Towns also hold contests and local events that vary from coconut husking to basket weaving.

September 22: Mabon

In Wicca and Norse tradition, the Autumn Equinox is celebrated under the name of Mabon. Symbolizing balance and harmony, the festivities surrounding the equinox are largely centered around contemplation and growth. At this festival, it is appropriate to wear your finest clothing and to dine in a formal and lavish setting. It is a preparation for the end of one season/year and is to finish the old business and to become ready for the new year. It is also to celebrate aging deities and the spirit world of Wicca tradition. It is sometimes connected with the greek myth of Persephone,

who descends to Hades' realm in the season leading into winter, sharing half of her time on Earth and the other half with him. The event is also sometimes called "the witches thanksgiving," as it is reflective and symbolic to appreciation for life and all that the world has to offer. It is sometimes celebrated with an alter, decorated with gourds and candles.

September 21: International Day of Peace

This is a holiday I hope people are celebrating world wide! The International Day of Peace is today, as established by the UN in 1981 with the goals of "strengthening peace within and among all nations and peoples." Each year, there is a theme for the festivities, and this year the theme is the "Right of Peoples to Peace," which reaffirms the United Nations' commitment to the purposes of the organization itself. In order to exercise human rights, peace is necessary and vital, and should be promoted through many outlets. Today is celebrated with discussions and education sessions, which serve as ways to spread the message of goodwill and peace to people internationally. Ban Ki-moon gave this address:

 "Today is the International Day of Peace. Each year, on this day, the United Nations calls for a global ceasefire. We ask combatants to put down their arms so all can breathe the air of peace. Armed conflict causes untold grief to families, communities, and entire countries. Too many are suffering today at the brutal hands of warmongers and terrorists. Let us stand with them in solidarity. Peace and security are essential foundations for social progress and sustainable development. That is why, three decades ago, the United Nations affirmed the right of peoples to peace. Throughout the coming year, we will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. Our organization is founded on the pledge to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. We have made much progress. But much remains to be done. We must douse the fires of extremism and tackle the root causes of conflict. Peace is a long road that we must travel together- step by step, beginning today. Let us all observe a minute of silence, at noon. Let us all reflect on peace- and what it means for our human family. Let us hold in our hearts and minds and tenderly nurture it so it may grow and blossom.

September 18: Fiestas Patrias

Farther south than Costa Rica sits Chile, and this holiday embraces Chilean culture in all it's glory. Fiestas Patrias, translated to national holiday, is a celebration of the proclamation of the first governing body in 1810, which sparked movements for independence in Chile. Depending on when the holiday falls, the festivities can last as long as a week, but always begin on the 18th.

Many activities happen on this day, and traditionally there is a rodeo, dancing of the cueca, attendance at fondas, and large barbecues. Fondas are temporary structures, mostly tents, that are decorated for the holiday and house lots of food. They prominently serve empanadas, which are a bread pastry with an array of fillings.

The Cueca is the national dance of Chile, and is thought of having both Spanish and Indigenous influences.

September 15: Costa Rican Independence Day

Dancing in the streets? Colorful garb accompanied by red, white, and blue striped flags? It must be Costa Rica's celebration of Independence Day! This day marks the anniversary of independence for the entirety of Central America, and is met with great joy. When Central America declared its independence from Spain in 1821, Costa Rica was one of the first countries to adopt a new constitution, and held it's first elections by that December. Today, denizens of Costa Rica can be found dancing in parades, lighting lanterns,

as well as singing the national anthem and hoisting the flag for all to see. The lanterns are much like the freedom torch, which is carried through towns the evening before the day of festivities as a symbol of freedom and liberation.

September 11: Jeûne genevois

What could this beautiful dessert be? It's a plum pie! Plum pies are just one of the ways in which Switzerland celebrates Jeûne genevois, translated into "Geneva Fasting." Traditionally celebrated on Thursday following the first Sunday of September, this holiday began in 1567 in remembrance of the repression against Protestants in Lyons, France. Geneva, having a high number of Protestants, celebrates their proud identity today with this holiday. Why the plum pies though? Plum pies were the main diet of 16th century Genevans. While people no longer fast, the plum pie is still gifted and consumed in remembrance of identity and solidarity.

September 8: Mid-Autumn Festival

What is it about Autumn that's so lovely? According to China, there's a lot to love! The Mid-Autumn festival is celebrated on September 8th this year, and has been since the North Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD). Sometimes called the Moon Festival, this day celebrates the coming of a new moon, and it is largely surrounded by giving thanks to the moon and the impending harvest. In one story, the festival is said to commemorate Chang E, who in order to protect her beloved husband's elixir, ate it herself and flew to the moon. People celebrate by eating moon cakes and sending messages to family and friends that live far away. Lanterns are also lit, and dances accompany crowds who turn out to see beautiful lighting displays. Overall, the festival is one of great merriment and celebration amongst various Chinese communities worldwide. 

September 7: Onam

Take a trip to Kerala today, and you'll find some beautiful celebrations. It is time to celebrate Onam, which falls during the Malayali month of Chingam, and is celebrated by Hindu practicers from Kerala. The celebration is also special because it marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, who was one of the most loved and respected rulers of the Kerala region. People celebrate by the wearing of new clothing, the decoration of their houses with flower carpets called "Pookalam" (pictured above), and the consumption of a feast with over twenty homemade curries and sweet payasam on a plantain leaf (called Sadhya). The government of Kerala also throws parades, fireworks, boat races, and encourages citizens to partake in the famous Kathakalli dance. The festivities begin on Onam and continue for 10 days traditionally.

September 2: Transnistrian Independence Day

 

Our first holiday comes from Transnistria, a small European region separating eastern Moldova from Ukraine. Though unrecognized as an official country, the state maintains independence under the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, and has since 1990. It was created in 1990 by pro-Soviet separatists who hoped to remain attached to the Soviet Union when it became clear that Moldova wished to break away. War broke out in November 1990 between Transnistria and Moldova surrounding language and law disputes, as well as the impending separation. Moldova expressed a desire to align itself with Romania instead of the USSR, which Transnistria and the USSR opposed. A ceasefire was reached in 1992. Transnistra, wishing to remain aligned with Russia, was granted that opportunity, despite lacking official recognition and statehood. Independence day is celebrated with parades, one of officials and soldiers followed by a celebration through the streets by residents of the region.