from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly (PBS -- Multifaith Calendar from Web information):
Purim (Judaism)
Purim is a Jewish festival that recognizes the deliverance of the Persian Jews from destruction during the reign of King Ahasuerus. This story, recorded in the book of Esther, is read aloud in synagogues on Purim, and adults and children often wear costumes commemorating the characters. In some traditions, a Purim gragger, or noisemaker, is used whenever Haman’s name is mentioned in reading the Megillah, to cover up the name of evil. Families also exchange gifts and eat special foods.
Holi (Hinduism)
Holi, the Hindu spring festival also known as “the festival of colors,” is a celebration of fertility, brotherhood, and the triumph of good over evil. Festivities surrounding Holi can lasts up to sixteen days. During the main day of celebration, people throw colored water or powder at each other until they are coated and indistinguishable from their neighbors. This symbolizes unity and brotherhood, as everyone looks the same coated in colors, and differences such as race, sex, class, and creed are forgotten. Bonfires are lit to represent the destruction of evil, recalling the legend of Prahlad miraculously escaping from the fire of the Demoness Holika. His escape was said to be due to his staunch devotion to the god Vishnu.
Magha Puja Day (Buddhism)
Celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month, Magha Puja Day honors Buddha’s teachings. Magha Puja specifically recalls a day in which Buddha taught 1250 Sangha followers these principles: cease from all evil, do what is good, cleanse one’s mind. Buddhists celebrate this day by going to temple, doing good to others, and purifying their minds.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/multifaith-calendar/
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