September 4, 2024
Weekly global religious, spiritual and nonreligious observance information
The University Committee on Religious, Spirituality and Nonreligious Diversity presents the global observance information for Sept. 3 to Sept. 8.
Paryusana Festival — Friday, Aug. 30, through Saturday, Sept. 7. Tradition: Jainism. Considered the holiest period of the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by fasting, meditation, prayer and public readings of the life story of Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of the Shvetambara sect, Paryusana concludes on Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word or thought.
Ganesh Chaturthi — Friday, Sept. 6. 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 — the Paryusana Festival of Jain Digumbar Sect — Sunday, Sept. 8, through Tuesday, Sept. 17. 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.
Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos — Sunday, Sept. 8. Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox. Commemorates the birth of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
The University Committee on Religious, Spiritual and Nonreligious Diversity offers these weekly announcements in partial fulfillment of its mandate to ensure that K-Staters of all religious, spiritual and nonreligious backgrounds are seen as valued members of our community. For more information about the committee and its work, contact Professor David Yetter, at dyetter@k-state.edu.