Spiritual Development and Faith Awareness

Current Religious Events

This week remembers a Guru killed for his faith in 1605. The day is commemorated as a celebration of his life by reading the Sikh holy book from cover to cover.

In some years, processions are held where sweets are distributed to people after a day of worship. It is important to note that this day is not just about sadness or remorse; it’s also about the celebration of the Guru’s life, as well as the lives that lived because of him.

Sikhism is a predominantly Indian Religion that originated in the Indian Punjab region, commencing around the end of the 15th century.

The religion's beliefs are based on the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak (1469–1539) and his succeeding nine Gurus who lived till 1708. Sikhs believe in one God and their teachings emphasis living an active, creative and practical life of truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity.

Important cultural and religious holidays
October

• September 30 – October 8 | Succot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah (Jewish) – Biblical holidays that require various practices including living outside in temporary booths for a week
• October 2 | Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday anniversary – not a religious holy day, but it is a significant day to remember someone who made peaceful, non-violence and religious tolerance important.
• October 8 | White Sunday (Samoan Christian) – celebrate childhood
• October 15-24 | Dashain (Nepal) – celebrates good beating evil also known as Vijay Dashami (Hindu)
• October 16-17 | Birth of the Bab and Naha’u’llah (Bahai)
• October 20-24 | Durga Puja (Hundu) – revering the Hindu goddess Durga
• October 27 | Inauguration of Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh) – acceptance of the Sikh holy scripture Scouts Own - A workshop for how to run a Scouts owns is being organised for early November to be facilitated in Castlemaine.

For more information, to join the team or to learn more contact Peter Moore at sl.faithawareness@scoutsvictoria.com.au

PAST Religious Events

• Vietnamese Hung Vuong Festival | April 19 - May 1
  Held annually on days 8 - 11 of the 3rd lunar month, this festival commemorates the Hung dynasty of circa 2524 before the common era (ie around 4547 years ago).

  The Hung dynasty is recognised as the founders of Vietnamese civilisation and a source of national pride. It is celebrated as part of ancestral veneration and pilgrimages are made to the Hung king’s temple in Vietnam.

• June 1 | Ascension of Jesus (Orthodox)
• June 16 | Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib (Sikh)
• June 26 - July 1 | The Hajj - Pilgrimage to Mecca (Muslim)
• June 28 - July 2 | Eid al Adha (Muslim)

• September 15 | Marks the beginning of the first Spring (Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere) new moon.  In some religions this new moon heralds a new month and for some a new year

• September 12 | Ethiopian, Eritrean (Enkutatash) and Coptic Christian New Year (Nayrouz)

• September 15 | Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah)

Harvest Moon | In natural religions like Wicca this new moon is the harvest moon, so called because it aligns with the northern hemisphere late harvest, specifically grapes and hops.

• September 16 | Oktoberfest (Germany)

• September 28 | Chuseok (Korean)

• September 29 | Tsukimi (Japan) and Asia generally - Mid-autumn moon festival

• September 7 | Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu) - One of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna, who gave the Hindu guiding principles of the Bhagwat Gita.
• September 25 | Yom Kippur (Jewish) – Holiest day in the year for the Jewish religion
• September 26 | Birthday of Mohamad (Muslim)