EDI Calendar August 2024-25

Diversity Calendar 2024 Highlights

These awareness months provide an opportunity for education, advocacy, and support on a range of important issues.

Pride Events
- Brighton & Hove Pride (UK) – Early August: This is one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, featuring parades, performances, and community events.
South Asian Heritage Month (18 July – 17 August)
- This month-long event celebrates the contributions of South Asian communities in the UK. It includes educational events, cultural showcases, and discussions about the history and heritage of South Asians in the UK.
International Day for People of African Descent (31 August)
- Celebrated globally, this day recognizes the contributions of people of African descent to society and highlights the need to combat racism and discrimination. In the UK, various events and discussions might be held in recognition of this day.
World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7, 2024):
- An annual event that raises awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and encourages global action to support breastfeeding mothers.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (9 August)
- This UN observance promotes the rights of indigenous peoples around the world. Events often include cultural celebrations, educational programs, and advocacy for the protection of indigenous rights.
World Humanitarian Day (19 August)
- This day honours humanitarian workers and focuses on those affected by crises worldwide. It’s an important day for raising awareness about global humanitarian needs and the importance of diversity in aid efforts.
International Youth Day (12 August)
- This day is recognized by the United Nations to bring attention to the issues facing young people globally. It often focuses on themes like education, employment, mental health, and youth empowerment, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity and diversity.

National Civility Month: This month promotes the importance of kindness, respect, and civil behaviour in our interactions, both online and offline. It’s a time to reflect on how we can contribute to a more respectful and considerate society.

National Immunization Awareness Month: This month is dedicated to highlighting the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. It promotes understanding of how vaccines protect against serious diseases and encourages people to stay up-to-date on their immunizations.
National Wellness Month: August is focused on self-care, managing stress, and promoting healthy routines. The goal is to inspire people to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month: This month emphasizes the importance of eye health for children. It aims to raise awareness about preventing eye injuries and ensuring children receive proper eye care, including regular eye exams.
Psoriasis Awareness Month: August raises awareness about psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin. The month focuses on educating the public about the condition, its impact, and the importance of research and support for those affected.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month: This month is dedicated to raising awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic disorder that affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. The observance highlights the need for research, treatment, and support for those living with SMA.

The Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6, 2024):
- Western Christianity (Roman Catholic, Anglican, etc.): This feast commemorates the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor, where He appeared in radiant glory alongside Moses and Elijah.
- Eastern Christianity (Orthodox Church): Also celebrated on August 6, this is a major feast day in the Orthodox Christian calendar, marked with liturgies and special prayers.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15, 2024):
- Roman Catholic Church: This day commemorates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. It is a holy day of obligation in many countries, meaning Catholics are required to attend Mass.
- Eastern Orthodox Church: This is celebrated as the Dormition of the Theotokos, honouring the belief that Mary was taken up into heaven after her death.

The Beginning of the Islamic New Year (Hijri 1446) (August 8, 2024):
- Islamic New Year (Hijri 1446): This marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon. It’s a time for reflection and prayer, although it is generally a quiet observance.
Ashura (August 17, 2024):
- Sunni Islam: Ashura commemorates the day Noah left the Ark and the day Moses was saved from the Egyptians by God. It is marked with fasting and prayers.
- Shia Islam: For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. It is observed with processions, re-enactments, and rituals of mourning.

Nag Panchami (August 4, 2024):
- This day is dedicated to the worship of serpents (Nagas) in Hindu tradition. Devotees offer prayers and milk to snake idols and symbols, seeking protection from evil and ensuring prosperity.
Raksha Bandhan (August 19, 2024):
- A significant festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a rakhi (protective thread) around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing love and protection.
Krishna Janmashtami (August 26, 2024):
- This festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna, one of Hinduism’s most beloved deities. Celebrations include fasting, singing devotional songs, and re-enactments of scenes from Krishna’s life.

Obon (August 13-15, 2024):
- Japanese Buddhism: Obon is a traditional Buddhist festival honouring the spirits of ancestors. Families clean graves, offer food, and participate in dances (Bon Odori) to welcome the spirits of the deceased back to the world.

First Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib (August 16, 2024):
- This day commemorates the first installation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1604. Sikhs honour the day with prayers and reading from the Guru Granth Sahib.

There are no events or activities currently recognized or observed within other religious traditions.