In Colombia, a country known for its cultural and religious diversity, non-Catholic religious holidays play an important role in the life of many communities. These celebrations reflect the rich variety of spiritual beliefs and practices present in the country.
January
January 13 – Makar Sankranti (Hindu)
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the sun into the constellation of Capricorn. It is a harvest celebration and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of India. In Colombia, the Hindu community commemorates this holiday with prayers, traditional dances and special foods.
January 27 – Tu Bishvat (Jewish)
Known as the “New Year of Trees,” Tu Bishvat is a Jewish holiday that celebrates connection with nature. During this day, it is customary to plant trees and eat dried fruits. In Colombia, Jewish communities often organize educational events and plantings in parks and gardens.
February
February 14 – Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Shiva, is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. Devotees observe fasting and night vigil, devoting themselves to meditation and reciting mantras in honor of Shiva. In Colombia, Hindu temples organize special ceremonies and community activities.
February 19 – Magha Puja (Buddhist)
Magha Puja is a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the unannounced gathering of 1,250 enlightened disciples of Buddha. It is an occasion to reflect on Buddhist teachings and practice meditation. In Colombia, Buddhist centers celebrate with group meditations, talks and offerings.
March
March 10 – Losar (Tibetan, Buddhist New Year)
Losar is the Tibetan New Year and one of the most important festivals for Tibetan Buddhists. The celebrations last several days and include rituals, traditional dances and family gatherings. In Colombia, the Tibetan community organizes festive events, including parades and ceremonies at Buddhist centers.
March 25 – Purim (Jewish)
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them, according to the book of Esther. It is a joyful celebration that includes costumes, readings from the Megillah (book of Esther), and festive meals. In Colombia, synagogues and Jewish communities hold parties and activities for all ages.
April
April 14 – Baisakhi (Sikh)
Baisakhi marks the beginning of the new solar year and is one of the most important festivals in Sikhism, also commemorating the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. In Colombia, the Sikh community celebrates with kirtans (devotional songs), readings from the Guru Granth Sahib (text sacred) and community meals.
April 22 – Hanamatsuri (Buddhist)
Hanamatsuri, also known as the Flower Festival, celebrates the birth of Buddha. Festivities include decorating temples with flowers, tea ceremonies and processions. In Colombia, Buddhist centers organize special activities, such as meditations and flower offerings.
May
May 23 – Vesak (Buddhist)
Vesak, or Buddha Day, celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is one of the most important holidays for Buddhists around the world. In Colombia, celebrations include temple ceremonies, meditations, talks on Buddha's teachings, and acts of charity.
May 29 – Shavuot (Jewish)
Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is a holiday celebrated with Torah studies, readings from the Book of Ruth, and dairy meals. In Colombia, Jewish communities organize nightly study sessions and celebrations in synagogues.
June
June 7 – Eid al-Adha (Muslim)
Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the two most important holidays in Islam. It commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. In Colombia, the Muslim community celebrates with special prayers, animal sacrifice, and distribution of food to those in need.
June 15 – Ratha Yatra (Hindu)
Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the journey of the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in giant chariots. In Colombia, the Hindu community organizes colorful processions, devotional songs and traditional dances.
July
July 17 – Ashura (Muslim)
Ashura is a day of great importance for Shia Muslims, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn in the Battle of Karbala. For Sunni Muslims, it is a day of fasting and reflection. In Colombia, the Muslim community organizes commemorative events and charity activities.
July 22 – Guru Purnima (Hindu/Buddhist)
Guru Purnima is a festival dedicated to spiritual teachers and is celebrated in both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is a day to express gratitude towards gurus (teachers) and participate in spiritual ceremonies and readings. In Colombia, devotees organize events at temples and spiritual centers.
August
August 15 – Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Celebrations include devotional songs, dances, fasts, and special temple ceremonies. In Colombia, the Hindu community organizes festive events, theatrical performances and community activities.
August 25 – Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on the wrists of their brothers, who in turn promise to protect them. In Colombia, Hindu families celebrate with rituals and family gatherings.
September
September 14 – Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, marking the beginning of the Days of Penance. Celebrations include special prayers, the eating of symbolic foods such as apples with honey, and the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn). In Colombia, Jewish communities gather in synagogues to celebrate.
September 29 – Navaratri (Hindu)
Navaratri is a nine-night Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga. In Colombia, the Hindu community celebrates with traditional dances (garba and dandiya), prayers and fasting.
October
October 9 – Yom Kippur (Jewish)
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of fasting, prayer and repentance. In Colombia, Jewish communities observe this day with religious services in synagogues, reflections and prayers.
October 24 – Dussehra (Hindu)
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the end of Navaratri and celebrates the victory of god Rama over the demon Ravana. In Colombia, the Hindu community celebrates with theatrical performances of the epic Ramayana, processions and ceremonies.
November
November 2 – Diwali (Hindu/Jain/Sikh)
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important holidays in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In Colombia, celebrations include the lighting of lamps, fireworks, gift exchanges, and festive meals.
November 12 – Kartik Purnima (Hindu/Jain/Sikh)
Kartik Purnima is a festival that celebrates the fullness of the moon in the month of Kartik. It is a holy day in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. In Colombia, the community celebrates with ritual baths, offerings and ceremonies in temples.
December
December 25 – Mawlid al-Nabi (Muslim)
Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of the prophet Muhammad. It is a holiday that includes special prayers, recitation of poems and speeches on the life of the prophet. In Colombia, the Muslim community organizes community events and charity events.
December 31 – Omisoka (Shinto)
Omisoka is New Year's Eve in Shintoism, a traditional religion of Japan. It is a day to clean the home and prepare for the new year. In Colombia, the Japanese community celebrates with family gatherings, traditional meals, and purification ceremonies.
The calendar of non-Catholic religious festivities in Colombia for the year 2024 shows the diversity and cultural richness of the country. These celebrations not only reinforce community and spiritual ties, but also foster respect and understanding between the different religious traditions present in Colombian society. By participating and recognizing these festivities, a culture of peace and coexistence is promoted in a multicultural country.