February 28, 2022
Weekly global religious, spiritual and nonreligious observance information
The President's Committee on Religion, Spirituality and Nonreligious Diversity presents the global observance information for Feb. 28-March 6.
Feb. 28, Maha Shivaratri — Hindu Festival in honor of God Shiva. The observance marks the overcoming of ignorance and darkness in life and typically includes fasting, among other activities.
March 1, Shrove (Fat) Tuesday — Christian Carnival Day on the eve of Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in Western Christianity. Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday and thus, the date varies from year to year.
March 2 — Ash Wednesday — Follows the celebrations of Shrove Tuesday and marks the beginning of Lent mainly for Catholics but also some Protestant denominations. The name of the day comes from the custom of churchgoers receiving a cross of ash on their foreheads. The ash symbolizes death and regret for sins and was traditionally made by burning the palms used the previous year on Palm Sunday. During Lent, the faithful remember the fasting Jesus experienced during 40 days in the desert. Depending on the tradition, specific foods and pleasures should be given up during the 40 days.
Isra and Mi’raj — Islam marks the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascent into heaven, sometime around the year 621, according to Islamic belief. Practices include prayers during the night and many towns and cities leave their lights on all night.
The President's Committee on Religious, Spiritual and Nonreligious Diversity welcomes those of all global religious, spiritual and nonreligious commitments. Further, we welcome any suggestions, questions or other comments. Please contact the chair, Bev Earles, at earles@k-state.edu.