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The 1st Saturday in February is a memorial day for the Buddha, honouring priests Gudo Wafu Nishijima Zenji and Zuigaku Rempo Niwa Zenji, and remembering all ancestors, relatives, and cherished ones who have passed.

Humanists mark Darwin Day on 12 Feb, celebrating science, curiosity, and human potential. Darwin’s work guides humanist values, honoured in an annual lecture. For more information visit: Darwin Day – Humanists UK.

Nirvana Day, or Parinirvana Day, marks the Buddha’s death at 80 and his attainment of Nirvana, ending the cycle of rebirth. Buddhists reflect on the fact that death is a part of life and that loss and change are things to be accepted rather than causes of sadness.

Lunar New Year, a key festival in many Asian cultures, starts on the New Year's first day and ends with a lantern festival on the 15th day. The date varies annually, with each year linked to a Zodiac animal. 2026 is the Year of the Horse.

Ramadan marks the Qur'an's revelation to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, with suhoor and iftar meals. It teaches self-discipline and empathy. Exceptions: children, pregnant women, elderly, ill, and travellers. It's a time for prayer and reading the Qur'an.

Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day. It follows Shrove Tuesday and marks the start of Lent – 46 days before Easter Sunday. The name comes from the placing of ashes on foreheads along with the words ‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return’.

Forgiveness Sunday, or Cheesefare Sunday, is the last Sunday before Great Lent and emphasizes internal and relational aspects of fasting.   Orthodox Christians ask each other for forgiveness. Response: "God forgives, and I forgive."

Today is Clean Monday – the start of Great Lent in the Orthodox Church. It is known as Clean Monday because it refers to the leaving behind of sinful attitudes, unforgiveness and non-fasting foods. Begin Lent with a clean conscience, with forgiveness and renewed Christian Love.

St David, a 6th-century Welsh bishop, urged "Do the little things" on his deathbed. Rising from humble beginnings, he became a bishop and patron saint, known for his simple life and advocacy for the Welsh.

Bahá'u'lláh designated a 19-day period of fasting each year immediately before the Bahá'í New Year. Members fast from sunrise to sunset. The fasting is seen as a period of spiritual preparation and regeneration for the new year ahead.

Purim marks the rescue of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman's plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. Named after the "lots" (Purim) Haman cast to fix the date, it is observed with gift-giving, charity, and festive meals.

Magha Puja Day, or Sangha Day, celebrates the Buddhist spiritual community. It commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 enlightened monks to hear the Buddha’s first sermon at Veluvana Vihara. It is a day to reaffirm commitment to Buddhist practices and traditions.

Chotrul Duchen, the Festival of Miracles, ends fifteen days honouring Buddha’s miraculous deeds. Tibetans mark it by crafting yak‑butter lamps shaped like flowers, trees, birds and other symbols, lighting them in homes and public spaces in joyful celebration.

Holi, the festival of colours, celebrates spring, love, and new life. Bonfires symbolize good over evil. People throw coloured powder and water, inspired by Krishna’s playful childhood antics.

Hola Mohalla means “mock fight.” Originating with Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1701, it features processions with war-drums and displays of gatka, horse-riding, and falconry at the sacred Sikh city of Anandpur Sahib.

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Some photos from Holi yesterday!

World Day of Prayer began in the 19th century with Christian women in Canada and the USA supporting mission work. This global ecumenical movement unites women globally in prayer, fostering fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.