Religious holidays are very important in foreign countries. Knowing these religious observances is a way of respect to your friends and business associates worldwide. (The date of religious holidays generally keeps changing since it falls on religion's own calendar day)

March 2
Makha Puja -- Buddhist observance.

This date commemorates the sermon given by Buddha to 1,250 young disciples. During this sermon, Buddha forecasted his Parinirvana (His return to Earth after His death). It is one of the holiest Buddhist holidays and it always falls on the full moon of the third lunar month.

March 2
Purim -- Jewish observance.

Purim occurs, according to the Jewish calendar, on the 14th day of Adar (Jewish month). Purim, also known as the Feast of Lots, is a celebration of survival. In the Book of Esther, at Purim, Jewish people rejoiced at Queen Esther's and her cousin Mordecai's defeat of Haman, the Persian King Ahaseurus's adviser who plotted to exterminate all the Persian Jews.

March 12
Holi -- Hindu observance

This day celebrates the advent of Spring. According to the Hindu calendar, this date is celebrated on the 15th day of Phalguna (Hindu month). Holi is one on the major Hindu festivals. It was once a fertility festival of undetermined aboriginal origin, and it still retains its ancient characteristics. The ceremonies include the lighting of bonfires (which Holi is also referred to as Hutasani, "fire-consuming") during which all evils are symbolically burnt. The distinguishing feature of this festival is the throwing of colored powders and sprinkling of colored liquids at people. Holi, as the day is known in India, is named Fagu Purima in Nepal, Phagwa in Suriname, and Phagwah in Guyana. Watch for celebration of this holiday throughout all of the Far East.

March 19
St. Joseph's Day -- Catholic Christian observance

This day recognizes the husband of the Virgin May, foster father of Jesus. Observed throughout South America. Colombia observes this date as a holiday on March 23.

March 22
Saka New Year -- Hindu New Year

Celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month called Caitra. Also called Nyepi Day in Indonesia. The Saka Era, has been a way of dating in the Far East, especially India, since AD 78. Known to have been used by rulers in Western India, it is also present in Sanskrit inscriptions in Southeast Asia. It has been used alongside the Western Calendar by the Indian Government since 1957.

March 28
Palm Sunday -- Christian observance

The Sunday before Easter, celebrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where palm branches were spread before Jesus to honor his entrance into the city.

March 28. 29, 30
Id-al-Adha -- Islamic observance.

This day commemorates the Feast of the Sacrifice. Islams throughout the world pay tribute to Abraham's obedience to God in sending his son Ismael into the desert. Ishmael is considered to be the forefather of the Islamic people. The day begins a service in the mosque and continues with the sacrifice ceremony. The feast is observed for 2-3 days.

Much time has gone into researching and verifying the information that we provide. Thanks to all for letting us know changes in holidays that your country may observe. If you would like to respond to me personally, my email address is listed below.