HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA (blank)The River Thames and the town of Henley on Thames are transformed into one large sporting and social arena where the world's best rowers compete.
7 Jul
ASALHA PUJA - DHAMMACAKKA DAY
- TURNING OF THE WHEEL OF TEACHING (Buddhist)Theravada celebration of the First Proclamation by Gautama to five ascetics in the Deer Park near Benares. This taught the Middle Way, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths.
9 Jul
ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYDOM OF THE BAB (Baha'I)The Bab was executed by firing squad in Tabriz , Persia, at noon on this day in 1850. The Bab's death is commemorated at noon with readings and prayers from the Baha'I Scriptures.
15 Jul
ST SWITHIN'S DAY (blank)Saint Swithin was England's Bishop of Winchester. 40 days of bad weather will follow if it rains on this day.
18 Jul
CHOKHOR (ALSO CHO KIR DU CHEN) (Buddhist)A Tibetan and Nepalese festival that commemorates the first teaching (the turning of the wheel of law) given by the historical Buddha. A colourful and relaxed mid-summer festival when statues of the Buddha and copies of the scriptures, engraved on narrow, rectangular wooden blocks, are carried roundthe district with music and jollity, symbolising the promulgation of the Buddha’s teaching. The whole community, clerical and lay, male and female,joins in the processions and the picnics that follow.
19 Jul
THE PROPHET'S NIGHT JOURNEY & ASCENSION
(LAILAT-UL-ISRA' WAL MI'RAJ (Muslim)This celebrates the journey of the Prophet Muhammad, in the tenth year of his prophethood, from Makkah to Jerusalem and through the heavens to thepresence of God, all in one night. On the journey the command to pray five times a day was given. The rock in Jerusalem from which Muhammad ascended is now marked by the Dome of Rock. Muslims celebrate by reading the Qur’an and saying additional prayers.
23 Jul
BIRTHDAY OF HAILE SELASSIE I (Rastafarian)One of the holiest days of the Rastafarian year. It is celebrated with Nyahbinghi drumming, hymns and prayers.
30 Jul
TISHA B'AV (Jewish)Full day fast mourning the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies in Jewish history. The Book of Lamentations is read.
31 Jul - 1 Aug
LUGHNASADH (pronounced Loo-nassa) (LAMMAS) (Pagan)Lughnasadh, otherwise called Lammas, is the time of the corn harvest, when Pagans reap those things they have sown, when they celebrate the fruits of the mystery of Nature. At Lughnasadh, Pagans give thanks for the bounty of the Goddess as Queen of the Land.