In August, we recognize Women’s Equality and Black Women Equal Pay Day, as well as several Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu holidays. As part of our work to foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, we feature holidays, traditional observances and major days of religious significance each month.

August 3

​​​​​​​Black Women’s Equal Pay Day

The aim of Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is to raise awareness about the wider-than-average pay gap between Black women and White men. Black women are paid 62 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

Learn more about Black Women’s Equal Pay Day here.

August 10

​​​​​​​Hijri New Year

Hijri New Year marks the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year.

Learn more about Hijri New Year here.

August 18-19 (sundown to sundown)

Ashura

Ashura, an Islamic holiday, commemorates the day Noah left the ark and the day Allah saved Moses from the Egyptians

Learn more about Ashura here.

August 22

Obon (Ullambana)

Obon is a Buddhist festival and Japanese custom for honoring the spirits of ancestors.

Learn more about Obon here.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu holiday commemorating the loving kinship between a brother and sister. “Raksha” means “protection in Hindi and symbolizes the longing a sister has to be protected by her brother. During the celebration, a sister ties a string around her brother’s (or brother-figure’s) wrist and asks him to protect her. The bother usually gives the sister a gift and agrees to protect her for life.

Learn more about Raksha Bandhan here.

August 26

​​​​​​​Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.

Learn more about Women’s Equality Day here.

August 29-30

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu celebration of Lord Vishnu’s most powerful human incarnations, Krishna, the god of love and compassion. Celebrations include praying and fasting.

Learn more about Krishna Janmashtami here.