June 10, 2024
Global religious, spiritual and nonreligious observance information
The President's Committee on Religion, Spirituality and Nonreligious Diversity presents the global observance information for June 2024. This summer we will present this information monthly, resuming the weekly announcements during fall 2024.
Shavuot or "Feast of Weeks" — Tuesday, June 11, through Thursday, June 13. Tradition: Judaism. Shavuot marks the conclusion of the seven weeks following Pesach, or Passover. It is a celebration of the harvest of first fruits and commemorates the giving of the Torah and Commandments at Mount Sinai. Begins at sundown.
The Feast of the Ascension — Thursday, June 13. Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox. The celebration of Jesus' ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes 40 days after Pascha.
Eid al-Adha, 'Id Al Adha or Festival of Sacrifice — Saturday, June 15, through Tuesday, June 18. Tradition: Islam. One of the two main Islamic festivals — the other is Eid al-Fitr — this festival falls on the 10th day of the lunar month of Zul-Hijja and is the concluding act of pilgrimage to Mecca. In commemoration of Abraham's faith, sheep, goats and camels are offered to God, and the meat is distributed to the poor and needy. Eid al-Adha is observed whether or not one is on pilgrimage.
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji — Sunday, June 16. Tradition: Sikhism. The fifth Guru, he built the Golden Temple of Amritsar to emphasize that the Sikh way was open to all, regardless of caste; the temple was constructed with doors facing all four directions. The first Sikh martyr Arjan is also remembered for his contributions to and compilation of the Sikh Scriptures.
Litha — Friday, June 21. Tradition: Wicca/Paganism. Summer Solstice, celebrating the longest day and the blessings of light as well as the beginning of the sun god's death. Begins at sundown.
Pentecost — Sunday, June 23. Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox. The commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus following his ascension, Pentecost.
Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his Brother Hyrum — Thursday, June 27. Tradition: Latter Day Saints. The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were assassinated in 1844 while incarcerated in Carthage, Illinois.
Ghambar Maidyoshem — Saturday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 3. Tradition: Zoroastrianism. Celebrates the creation of water, the sowing of the summer crop and the harvesting of grain.
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 chair, David Yetter, at dyetter@k-state.edu.