August Month Long Observances

• Black Business Month
• Intersectionality Awareness Month
• National Civility Month

July 18 –  August 17: South Asian Heritage Month

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) is a month-long observance that takes place from July 18 to August 17 to celebrate and reflect on the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of people from the South Asian diaspora. The diaspora includes communities with heritage from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. 

Established in 2020, SAHM aims to explore the deep connections between South Asia and the United Kingdom (UK), acknowledging shared histories shaped by colonialism, migration, and identity. The month is also an opportunity to highlight the diversity within South Asian cultures, promote dialogue, and celebrate the ongoing contributions of South Asian people to British society.

The timing of SAHM is significant:

• July 18 marks the date the Indian Independence Act was passed in 1947, leading to the creation of India and Pakistan as independent nations.
• August 17 commemorates the announcement of the Radcliffe Line, which established the border between India and Pakistan, triggering one of the largest mass migrations in history, accompanied by widespread violence and the deaths of hundreds of thousands.

August 1 – Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-nuh-suh or LOO-nahs) is a Celtic festival celebrating the beginning of the harvest season, traditionally observed on August 1st. It falls about halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.

The festival is named after Lugh, a god of the sun, craftsmanship, and skill in Irish mythology. Lughnasadh was originally a time to give thanks for the first fruits of the harvest, especially grains like wheat and barley. People celebrated with feasting, athletic games, markets, and religious ceremonies to honor the land’s bounty.

Traditional customs often included:

• Baking bread from the first harvest
• Making corn dollies (decorative figures from harvested grain)
• Participating in games and competitions

In modern times, Lughnasadh is still observed in Ireland and Scotland with fairs and community gatherings. It is also celebrated by many modern Pagans and Wiccans as one of the eight Sabbats on the Wheel of the Year.

Common Modern Practices

• Connecting with Nature: People often celebrate by spending time outdoors (hiking, picnicking, or visiting farms) to honor the earth’s abundance.
• Gratitude and Reflection:The season is used as a time to express gratitude for personal and communal growth, and to reflect on what to release before autumn.
• Creative Expression: Workshops and activities celebrating music, crafts, storytelling, and other skills honor Lugh’s association with creativity and talent.

• Honoring Lugh: Rituals, offerings, and prayers may be held to pay tribute to Lugh, recognizing his role in the festival’s origins and his connection to light, skill, and craftsmanship.

August 2–3: Tisha B’Av

Tisha B’Av is a solemn Jewish holiday of fasting and mourning, commemorating a series of tragedies throughout Jewish history. Central among these are the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Other events remembered include the expulsion of Jews from Spain and various other persecutions.

Traditional observances include a 25-hour fast, abstaining from bathing, shaving, wearing leather, and often working. The Book of Lamentations is read at synagogue services as part of the commemoration.

August 6 – 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

On this day, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, a landmark piece of federal legislation that aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote under the 15th Amendment.

The Act outlawed discriminatory practices like literacy tests and provided federal oversight and enforcement in areas with histories of voter suppression. It remains one of the most significant civil rights achievements in U.S. history.

August 6 – 50th Anniversary of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act 

On this day, Congress amended the Voting Rights Act to include Section 203, a crucial provision aimed at protecting the voting rights of language minority groups.

Section 203 requires certain jurisdictions to provide bilingual voting materials and assistance in areas where there is a significant population of U.S. citizens who are limited-English proficient and share a common language. This amendment helped ensure broader access to the ballot for Latinos/as/x, Native American, Asian American, and Alaskan Native communities.

August 6 – The Transfiguration of Christ

This Christian feast commemorates the Transfiguration of Jesus, when his divine nature – meaning his true identity as both God and human –was revealed to his disciples Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor. According to the Gospels, Jesus’ appearance became radiant, and he was seen speaking with Moses and Elijah.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the day is marked with special prayers, blessings, and reflections on spiritual transformation, renewal, and the revelation of divine glory. Many Western Christian traditions also observe this feast.

August 7 – Purple Heart Day

Purple Heart Day honors the brave U.S. military service members who have been wounded or killed in action while serving their country.

The day recognizes their sacrifice and is symbolized by the Purple Heart medal, one of the oldest military decorations still awarded to U.S. service members. While not a federal holiday, it is an important observance to reflect on the cost of military service and to express gratitude to those who have served with valor.

August 9 – International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

Did you know that there are over 5,000 cultures and an estimated 7,000 languages within indigenous communities world wide? International Day of the World’s Indigenous People was created by the United Nations (UN) in 1994 to celebrate the diverse cultures of Indigenous people globally, recognize their contributions to society, and highlight the challenges many Indigenous communities face. Indigenous peoples make up less than 6% of the global population, but they represent at least 15% of the extremely poor, leaving indigenous groups amongst the world’s most marginalized communities. Aside from poverty, Indigenous peoples face discrimination, lack of access to education, healthcare, and representation within federal governments.

We have a collective responsibility to foster a more inclusive society in which Indigenous communities achieve their aspirations, have access to basic needs such as education and healthcare, and are invited to contribute their knowledge to shape a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world for all.

This year’s theme is “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.” It highlights how most AI systems are created without Indigenous participation, risking misuse of their data and knowledge. Large data centers also impact Indigenous lands and ecosystems, adding barriers to technology access, especially in rural areas.

To fully benefit from AI, Indigenous Peoples must be recognized as rights holders and partners in its development. Meaningful inclusion, data sovereignty, and culturally respectful innovation are essential to empower their communities. 

For more information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day 

August 9 – Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the special bond between siblings. Traditionally, it honors the love, care, and lifelong commitment between brothers and sisters, though it can also extend to cousins and close family friends considered as siblings.

During the celebration, sisters tie a decorative thread called a rakhi around their brothers' wrists as a symbol of love and protection. In return, brothers give gifts and pledge to support and safeguard their sisters throughout life. The festival is a joyful reminder of the importance of family ties and mutual respect across generations and extended family circles.

August 15 – The Assumption

The Assumption commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven, both body and soul, at the end of her life. It’s an important religious celebration in the Roman Catholic Church and is also recognized by Eastern Orthodox Christians, although they observe it in a slightly different way and at a different time.

Churches often hold special services, prayers, and processions to mark the occasion. The Assumption celebrates Mary’s unique role in the Christian faith and her closeness to God. It is a day of reverence, joy, and reflection for many Christians around the world.

August 16 – Krishna Janmashtami - Hindu

Krishna Janmashtami is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, a widely revered and beloved deity in Hinduism. The festival usually falls in August or September, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the waning moon phase in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. According to tradition, Krishna was born at midnight in the ancient city of Mathura in 3228 BCE, and this moment is the highlight of the celebration.

Lord Krishna is considered a divine incarnation and a central figure in Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. He is remembered for his wisdom, courage, and playful charm. Across different texts and traditions, he is portrayed as a mischievous child, a devoted lover, a heroic figure, a spiritual teacher, and the Supreme Being who upholds cosmic order.

On Janmashtami, devotees often fast throughout the day, sing devotional songs, and take part in rituals and storytelling about Krishna's life. As midnight approaches, temples and homes are filled with singing, dancing, and joyful anticipation. When the hour of his birth arrives, idols of baby Krishna are placed in decorated cradles, and prayers are offered. Afterward, the fast is broken with special dishes made from milk, butter, and sweets, foods that Krishna is said to have loved.

In some communities, the celebrations continue into the next day, especially with Nandotsav, which honors Krishna's early childhood. The festival is marked by enthusiasm, devotion, and a deep sense of spiritual joy among Hindus around the world.

August 18 – Anniversary of 19th Amendment Ratification

On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for women's rights by granting women the constitutional right to vote. This year, we honor the 105th anniversary of that historic milestone and recognize the generations of women, especially women of color, who fought tirelessly for equality, often in the face of exclusion and adversity. While the amendment was a major step forward, many women of color were still denied the right to vote through discriminatory laws and practices until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As we reflect on how far we have come, we also recommit to the ongoing work of ensuring access to the ballot for all.

August 19 – World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day honors the courage, bravery, dedication, compassion, and sacrifice of humanitarian workers who risk their lives to help others around the globe in times of crisis. It marks the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, which killed 22 aid workers. Today, we remember not only those lost in that attack, but all who have been injured or killed while providing aid in war zones, areas impacted by genocide, natural disasters, famine, and forced displacement. This day is also a call to action to stand in solidarity with communities in crisis and to support those working tirelessly to protect human dignity around the world.

Call to Action

1. Advocate for refugee and asylum protections

Contact your elected officials to support legislation that upholds the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people, especially those fleeing war, genocide, and political violence. Protecting human rights is essential to a strong democracy.

2. Educate your community

Host or promote educational events, book clubs, or speaker panels that highlight global humanitarian issues and how they intersect with voting rights, migration policy, and racial justice.

3. Support humanitarian focused voter outreach

Ensure that underserved communities, including immigrant and refugee populations, have access to nonpartisan voter education. Collaborate with local organizations to offer language accessible materials and registration help.

4. Promote civic engagement in crisis affected communities

Volunteer with or donate to local groups working with recently resettled refugee or immigrant populations to support civic education and engagement.

5. Raise your voice for global solidarity

Use your LWV platform, whether it is a social media page, newsletter, or local event, to raise awareness about humanitarian crises and the importance of democratic values in promoting peace, justice, and human dignity.

August 21 – 28: Paryushan Parv/ PasLakshan - Jainism

Paryushan Parv, one of the most sacred festivals in Jainism, is a time dedicated to deep spiritual reflection, self discipline, and the practice of nonviolence. Observed through fasting, prayer, and introspection, the festival encourages individuals to purify their thoughts and actions while seeking forgiveness from all living beings. It culminates in a special day known as Samvatsari, marked by the ritual of asking and granting forgiveness. Celebrated differently by the two main Jain sects, eight days by Shvetambaras and ten days as Das Lakshana by Digambaras, Paryushan fosters a renewed commitment to compassion, humility, and spiritual growth.

August 26 – Women’s Equality Day

Women's Equality Day is celebrated on August 26 to commemorate the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920. The 19th Amendment prohibits the federal government or any state government from denying the right to vote to any citizen on the basis of one’s sex. 

Did you know that women of color were unable to exercise their right to vote after the passage of the 19th amendment? Though these women rallied alongside white suffragists, many women of color remained disenfranchised for decades. Native American women (1924); Chinese American women (1943); and Japanese and other Asian American women (1952) finally gained suffrage. Yet, some states still prevented women of color from exercising their right to vote in the 1960’s by placing poll taxes, literacy tests, voting ID requirements, intimidation, and disputing the legitimacy of residence. It was not until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, that Black and Afro-Latina women were able to exercise this right without restrictions.

August 27 – Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)

Ganesh Chaturthi is a widely celebrated Hindu festival that marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved deity known for clearing obstacles and granting wisdom. Devotees express their reverence through prayers, offerings, and lively celebrations that often feature intricately made idols, cultural events, and community participation. The festival concludes with the immersion of Ganesha idols in water, representing his return to the spiritual realm and the hope for a smooth, obstacle-free path ahead.