Days to Know: August 2021

August 9 – International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.  The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. Also known as World Tribal Day, this event also recognises the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make to improve world issues.

August 9 – Hijri New Year (Muslim). The Islamic New Year, also called the Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, is the day that marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year, and is the day on which the year count is incremented. The first day of the Islamic year is observed by most Muslims on the first day of the month of Muharram.

August 19 – World Humanitarian Day.  On World Humanitarian Day, the world commemorates humanitarian workers killed and injured in the course of their work, as well as honour all aid and health workers who continue to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need, particularly in areas affected by violent conflict or by natural disasters.

August 26 – Women’s Equality Day.  At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971 and passed in 1973,  the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality.

August 29 and 30 – Krishna Janmashtami & Nandotsava (Hindu).  Krishna Janmashtami, also known simply as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.  Nandotsava is a festival celebrated the day after Janmashtami. Nandotsava is the time in which it was believed followers visited the newly-born Krishna.