AWARENESS DAY CALENDAR - April 2023

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ victorious entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted by people waving palm branches. The palm branch symbolises victory, peace and eternal life. It reminds Christians of the welcoming of Jesus into their hearts.

Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important religious festivals in Jainism, marking the birth of the last Tirthankara (or Saviour), Lord Mahavir, who founded Jainism. The celebrations observe peace and harmony, as well as spread the teachings of Mahavira.

Passover celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It commemorates the angel of death passing over their houses and sparing their firstborns. A traditional Passover meal known as a seder is typically held on the first night.

Maundy Thursday (sometimes known as Holy Thursday or Sheer Thursday) is the day of Jesus' final Passover, known as the Last Supper. Jesus notably washed his disciples’ feet and was later betrayed by one of them (Judas) in the Garden of Gethsemane.

April 7th marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO (World Health Organisation). The day brings global attention to the urgent actions needed to keep people healthy around the world whilst promoting wellbeing within our societies.

Good Friday is a day of remembering the death of Jesus. Often a solemn day, churches generally hold an evening service of hymns and prayers, and will observe the Last Supper. It is also commemorated by some with fasting.

Easter is one of the most important holidays in Christianity. It celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, 3 days after he was crucified. It is traditional to give and eat Easter eggs (preferably chocolate ones) as a symbol of new life.

Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi) is a spring harvest festival celebrated with parades and street processions. It originated in the Punjab, then became Sikhism's most important festival. In much of India, Vaisakhi is the same date as the Indian Solar New Year.

Eid al-Fitr, aka ‘the festival of breaking the fast', marks the end of Ramadan - a month of fasting, praying and refraining from all negative actions for Muslims. It's a time for visiting family and friends, gifting, feasting and new clothes.

This day celebrates Earth and raises awareness of the need to protect our natural resources for future generations. People take part in sustainability projects, marches and fundraising in a mission to highlight the importance of taking care of our planet.

Lesbian Visibility Day celebrates and provides visibility to lesbians. It shows solidarity with all LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people who have historically been overlooked by society.

The World Day for Safety & Health at Work promotes a culture of safety and health in the workplace. The day aims to help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries by raising awareness and support for the prevention of accidents and diseases.