VESAK is a religious and cultural festival celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. It is celebrated in the day of full moon in the month of May with utmost devotion.   This day holds great importance for Buddhists as the day is marked important events that took place in the life of Buddha on…

Chanukah … by Angela Banner, Jewish representative of Redbridge Faith Forum This year, Chanukah starts  4th December and ends 12th December 2025. This festival notes the reclaiming of the Jewish Temple by a group of freedom fighters called the Macabees. When they entered the Temple to light the everlasting light (a feature in many places…

On the eve of 556th Prakash Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji  (Also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti) ….. Let us have a glimpse from their life journey and understand the basic principle of living from their teachings…… Guru Nanak Sahib travelled worldwide in all four directions covering approx 32000 miles in 20 years at…

Katina Ceremony The Katina Ceremony marks the end of the three-month Rainy Retreat observed by Theravāda Buddhist monks. This retreat begins on the full moon day of July and concludes on the full moon day of October. There is a story behind how the Rainy Retreat came into existence. During the time of the Buddha,…

What is this festival? Naw or Nav means nine, ratra means night so it is the festival of nine nights. As with all other Hindu festivals there are a few different aspects attached to the festival of Nawratras ie Seasonal: The nawratras are celebrated twice a year, in the Spring, Chatria Navratras and in the…

Sukkot… by Angela Banner, Jewish representative of Redbridge Faith Forum       This is another harvest festival We decorate an outside booth or hut with fruit and vegetables.  We also eat our meals there. On the last day of this festival there is great rejoicing in the synagogue. This year it begins 6th October…

Eid Al Adha by Mohamed Omer, Muslim representative & Chair of Redbridge Faith Forum Every year, Muslims young and old, rich and poor, kings and peasants from all over the world take part in the largest gathering on Earth; the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj is a religious obligation that every Muslim must fulfil, if…

Shavoth by Angela Banner, Jewish representative of Redbridge Faith Forum This is the festival of Shavoth This is a harvest festival. It is customary to forego meat and during this time. Instead milk related dishes are served. Angela has been a Jewish representative on our Board of Trustees since 2014 and is a long term…