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August 2025 Observances National Civility Month August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples August 9: Raksha Bandhan August 15: Feast of the Assumption August 17: Marcus Garvey Day August 21: National Senior Citizens Day August 26: Women’s Equality Day August 26: Ganesh Chaturthi National Civility Month August is National Civility Month. Founded by the International Institute for Civil Leadership to spread awareness of the need for respect, manners, and consideration of others. In 2015, communities observed National Civility Month by planning community events to promote awareness and the importance of respectful interactions. Currently, National Civility Month is observed in several ways:
Volunteer for organizations that support civil rights causes such as mental health advocacy, support of marginalized communities, and the recognition of civil rights as a right to every human being. August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was selected by the United Nations in 1994 to mark the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, which took place in 1982. Indigenous Peoples are groups who have lived in a specific region for many generations, often long before other settlers arrived. It is a day that is celebrated annually to recognize the rich cultures, contributions, and traditions of Indigenous Peoples Worldwide. The main goal of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is to raise awareness about the challenges and issues faced by Indigenous communities, aiming to promote and protect their rights, encourage respect for their culture and traditions, as well as to emphasize their contributions to the world’s diversity. Supporters of Indigenous Civil Rights often call on lawmakers to act in support and advocate for Indigenous people’s rights and well-being. The day is often celebrated with cultural performances that showcase traditions, music, dance, and art. Exhibitions of Indigenous artists, and community events like parades, fairs, and educational workshops discussing issues such as land rights, education, health, and environmental protection. To support Indigenous Peoples, consider getting involved in Indigenous Rights advocacy, amplifying Indigenous voices through support for their literature and fine art, attending community events that support Indigenous neighbors, and educating yourself on each culture’s history, practices, and their impact on our world. August 9: Raksha Bandhan Raksha Bandhan (or Rahska Bandhana) is a Hindu festival in India that celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters on the Full Moon (purinuma) month of Shraavana in July or August. The day is also referred to as “brother and sister day”. According to Indian legends, the origin of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to a day Lord Krishna was flying a kite and cut his finger, which was bandaged by Draupadi, who was distraught to see him hurt. Moved by her act of selflessness and concern, Krishna vowed to protect Draupadi and her family from harm. To celebrate this gesture, Hindu tradition began observing Raksha Bandhan. Festivities usually begin at daybreak, when people wear new clothes and gather for worship. Traditionally, the sister ties a Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan, a bracelet made of interwoven red and gold threads and amulets, around their brother’s wrists while offering a prayer of happiness and prosperity. The brother then offers his sister gifts such as a piece of jewelry or money, while promising to protect her under any circumstances. During this exchange, the brother and sister traditionally offer each other sweets. After performing all these rituals, the whole family gathers to enjoy the festivities. They celebrate with food, sweets, gifts, music, and dance. It is a day to reflect on family memories as well as other family members who live far away. Raksha Bandhan is a restricted holiday in India, so government offices and many businesses are closed on this day. It is not a nationwide public holiday in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In America, this day is observed and honored by supporting the purchase and creation of sweets and bracelets, as well as by introducing the holiday in classrooms and homes to foster cultural awareness, international history, and the importance of familial love and support. August 15: Feast of the Assumption - Christianity August 17: Marcus Garvey Day August 21: National Senior Citizens Day August 26: Women’s Equality Day Women’s Equality Day is observed in the United States each August 26th, marking the 192 anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Women’s Equality Day is observed in the United States each August 26th, marking the 192nd anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
To get involved in observing Women’s Equality Day:
August 26: Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi usually falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September), beginning on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing moon phase. The festival lasts 10 days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Lord Ganesha is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The deity is usually depicted with an elephant head, a round belly, a mouse in his vehicle, and a Modak in his hand. Ganesh Chaturthi is typically celebrated in India. Families place shrines and bring Ganesh idols into their homes to worship. Daily worship (Puja) is practiced by giving offerings (Naivedya) of sweets, dumplings, coconut, and red flowers, chanting, and mantras. Globally, Ganeh Charuthi is observed by Indian communities in places like Nepal, Sri Lanka, the USA, the UK, Canada, Fiji, Trinidad & Tobago. |