Expand Your Knowledge, Open Your Heart – January Holidays and Observances
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – January 18-25
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, during which Christians pray for unity between all churches of the Christian faith.
Timkat – January 19
Timkat is the Orthodox Tewahedo celebration of Epiphany. Timkat celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan and the festival is best known for its ritual reenactment of baptism.
Republic Day of India – January 26
Republic Day of India recognizes the date the Constitution of India came into law in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act of 1935. This day also coincides with India’s 1930 declaration of independence.
Tu B’shevat or Rosh HaShanah La’Ilanot – January 27 (sundown to sundown)
Tu B’shevat or Rosh HaShanah La’Ilanot, a Jewish holiday recognizing “The New Year of the Trees.” It is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. In Israel, the flowering of the almond tree usually coincides with this holiday, which is observed by planting trees and eating dried fruits and nuts.
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust – January 27
The International Day of Commemoration to remember the victims of the Holocaust. The anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945 and U.N. Holocaust Memorial Day.
Mahayana New Year – January 28
Mahayana New Year, a holiday celebrated by the Mahayana Buddhist branch, on the first full-moon day in January.