September 18, 2023
Weekly global religious, spiritual and nonreligious observance information
The President's Committee on Religion, Spirituality and Nonreligious Diversity presents the global observance information for Sept. 18 to Sept. 24.
Ganesh Chaturthi — Monday, Sept. 18. Tradition: Hinduism. A celebration of Ganesh's birthday, one of the major Hindu deities. Ganesh, who has the head of an elephant, is the God of Success and is invoked at the beginning of all new undertakings.
Das Laxana Festival — Wednesday, Sept. 20, to Friday, Sept. 29. Tradition: Jainism. A 10-day festival that is considered to be a holy convocation. During these days, Jains impose some restraints on their daily activities by fasting, meditation and prayer. The last day of Paryusana is the most solemn occasion of forgiveness and the examination of one's own thoughts and feelings. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word or thought.
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 committee’s interim chair, David Yetter, at dyetter@k-state.edu.