Recognized in June

During July, BEPC recognizes the following:

July 3 DHARMA DAY • Buddhist

Also known as Asalha Puja, it commemorates the historical Buddha's first discourse following his spiritual awakening.

July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY

Anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.

July 10 MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB • Bahá’í

Observance of the anniversary of the execution by a firing squad in Tabríz, Persia, of the 30-year-old Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad, the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í Faith.

July 19-August MUHARRAM • Islamic

The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic liturgical year. This first day, al-Hijra, remembers the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. It also marks the beginning of the ten-day Shi’ite Remembrance of Muharram, a period of intense grief and martyrdom of Hussein, the son of Ali and grandson of Muhammad.

July 26 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) DAY

Commemorates the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

July 27 TISH’A B’AV • Jewish

Mourning of the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE.

July 28 ASHURA • Islamic

A day of fasting observed on the 10th day of the month of Muharram to celebrate Moses’ exodus from Egypt. For Shi’a Muslims, it also marks the climax of the ten-day Remembrance of Muharram, which mourns the martyrdom of Hussein at the Battle of Kerbala.