Embracing April Festivals
Whether you identify as Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Native American, Pagan, Shinto, Sikh, Wiccan, Zoroastrian, or follow any other tradition, you can find joy in the spirit of each festival. Festivals provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate culture, faith, and community. It is not only a union of the couple, but also the union of the families.
When you are in an interfaith relationship, these celebrations are not exclusive to any one tradition; they reflect the regional, geographical, and climatic contexts in which they are observed. While the rituals and foods may differ, the essence of these festivals is quite similar across cultures.
Individuals and interfaith couples may wonder how to participate in each other’s religious celebrations without compromising their own beliefs. The core of these festivals centers on family, community, special foods, and shared experiences. If necessary, you can engage with the cultural aspects while opting out of the religious components.
This perspective draws from various insights, including my writings over the past 30 years.
April Festivals by Date – Interfaith Couples Guide 2025
March 31 or April 1 – Eid al-Fitr (Islam)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most joyous Muslim holidays. It is celebrated with:
- Early morning prayers at mosques
- Charitable giving (Zakat al-Fitr)
- Delicious meals shared with family and friends
- Community celebrations and cultural attire
Interfaith couples can join in the festivities, appreciating themes of renewal, generosity, and community.
More details at https://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2021/04/ramadan-for-non-muslims-everything-you.html
April 6 – Ram Navami (Hinduism)
This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Sri Rama. Key elements include:
- Fasting and prayer ceremonies at temples
- Recitation of passages from Ramayana – the Hindu Holy book
- Community feasts and traditional sweets
Lord Rama is revered as “Maryada Purushottam,” meaning “the ideal man of conduct” or “the best among men,” because he embodies the highest moral and ethical standards, serving as a role model for righteous living and upholding dharma.
Partners can participate in temple visits or enjoy the joyful atmosphere of shared devotion.
April 8 – Buddha’s Birthday (Buddhism) / Jashan-e Fravardegan (Zoroastrianism)
Buddha’s Birthday:
Celebrated in Japan as Hanamatsuri, it is also celebrated as Buddha Jayanti across the Subcontinent, his birth place. It honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama. Traditions include:
- Bathing baby Buddha statues with sweet tea
- Temple decorations with spring flowers
- Peaceful meditations and community events
- Many places his contribution to the world in terms of Nirvana, achievement of peace within the self is celebrated.
Zoroastrian – Fravardegan:
This spiritual observance honors the souls of the departed, marked by:
- Prayer offerings and floral tributes
- Acts of remembrance and purification rituals
These observances highlight reflection and spiritual renewal.
April 10 – Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism)
This sacred Jain holiday celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the a spiritual leader and proponent of non-violence.
- Processions and prayer meetings at Jain temples
- Readings of Jain scriptures
- Acts of charity and community service
Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most auspicious festivals for the Jain community. It marks the birth anniversary of the 24th and the last Tirthankara (enlightened teacher, or equivalent of Prophet or Avatar) of the Jain religion. Jainism places great emphasis on achieving world peace and harmony in a manner that causes little to no harm to living beings. Mahatma Gandhi adopted its principle of Non-Violence
The center for Pluralism draws from its philosophy of Anekantavada
Anekāntavāda (Sanskrit: अनेकान्तवाद, “many-sidedness”) is the Jain doctrine about metaphysical truths that emerged in ancient India.[1] It states that the ultimate truth and reality is complex and has multiple aspects and viewpoints.[2]
According to Jainism, no single, specific statement can describe the nature of existence and the absolute truth. This knowledge (Kevala Jnana), it adds, is comprehended only by the Arihants. Other beings and their statements about absolute truth are incomplete, and at best a partial truth.[3] All knowledge claims, according to the anekāntavāda doctrine must be qualified in many ways, including being affirmed and denied.[4] Anekāntavāda is a fundamental doctrine of Jainism.
Interfaith partners can engage by learning about Jain principles of peace and simplicity.
April 12 – Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism) / Vaisakhi (Sikhism) / Start of Passover (Judaism)
Hanuman Jayanti:
Honors the birth of Lord Hanuman, symbolizing strength and devotion. Hanuman Jayanti, also known as Hanuman Janmotsav, is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman, one of the protagonists of Ramayana known for his unwavering devotion, courage and strength.
Vaisakhi:
Marks the Sikh New Year and the formation of the Khalsa. Celebrated with:
- Gurdwara prayers and kirtans
- Langars (community meals)
- Colorful parades and martial arts displays
- More about Vaisakhi https://centerforpluralism.com/is-baisakhi-a-celebration-or-a-commemoration-this-tear/
Passover Seder:
The Jewish festival begins with the Seder, retelling the story of Exodus through symbolic foods and readings.
These festivals collectively embody liberation, loyalty, and renewal—shared values for couples.
This major Jewish festival lasts eight days and commemorates the liberation of the Children of Israel and their Exodus from slavery in Egypt. The highlight is the Seder meal, held in each family’s home at the beginning of the festival, when the story of their deliverance is recounted, as narrated in the Haggadah (the Telling, or the Story). Matzah, (unleavened bread) is eaten throughout the festival, as are other foods that contain no leaven (yeast). There is a significant spring cleaning in the home shortly before the festival to ensure that no trace of leaven is left in the house during Pesach. Coconut pyramids and matza balls (which are put in soups) are foods that might be eaten at this time. https://centerforpluralism.com/a-passover-seder-haggadah-supplement/
April 13 – Palm Sunday (Christianity)
Commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, marked by:
- Palm processions and church services
- Reflections on humility and service
It’s the beginning of Holy Week and sets the tone for Easter.
April 17 – Maundy Thursday (Christianity)
This day remembers the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. Traditions include:
- Washing of feet (symbolizing service)
- Holy Communion services
- Quiet reflection and prayer
A meaningful observance of humility and love for interfaith families to reflect upon.
April 18 – Good Friday (Christianity)
A solemn day that marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christians observe:
- Fasting and prayer
- Church services focused on sacrifice and forgiveness
A powerful moment for quiet meditation and appreciation of selflessness.
April 20 – Easter Sunday (Christianity) / First Day of Riḍván (Bahá’í)
Easter Sunday:
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Common practices include:
- Sunrise services
- Family feasts and egg hunts
- Joyful music and fellowship
HAPPY EASTER – HAS HE RISEN IN YOU?
Easters have come and gone; has he risen yet within us? I hope and pray that each of us will let Christ rise
and shine through us so that he can bring about a change that we are all yearning for in a world where all of God’s children are respected and honored. Happy Easter!
It was a blessing to know Christ, visit his birthplace in Bethlehem, and get Baptised in River Jordan in the name of the everyday God. Reflecting on Mount Beatitude was peaceful. Experiencing walking on Via Dela Rosa (where he walked with the cross) gave me serious goosebumps. And I also prayed at the spot where he was buried. It was a transformational experience for me. Jesus came alive within me. He is one of my mentors, and I do my best to follow his teachings, care for fellow humans, and forgive and seek forgiveness.
More about it https://centerforpluralism.com/happy-easter-he-has-risen/
First Day of Riḍván (Bahá’í):
Celebrates Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration of his mission along the Tigris River. The First Day of Riḍván, a 12-day Baháʼí festival commemorating Baháʼu’lláh’s declaration as a Manifestation of God, begins at sunset on April 20th or 21st, depending on the date of the March equinox, and marks the start of the holiest period in the Baháʼí calendar.
- Community gatherings and devotional readings
- Reflection on unity and divine revelation
Interfaith couples may see this day as a convergence of joy, hope, and faith.
April 22 – Jashan-e Ardavahisht (Zoroastrianism)
This observance honors the Amesha Spenta (divine being) of Truth and Fire.
- Ritual prayers
- Ceremonial offerings
- Meditations on righteousness
A Zoroastrian festival emphasizing the triumph of order over chaos—a universal theme.
Jashan-e Ardavahisht is a Zoroastrian religious observance, or “Jashan,” celebrated on Ardibehest day of Ardibehest month, honoring Ardavahisht (also known as Ardibehest), a concept representing the best intelligence and wisdom, and associated with fire.
April 26 – Gathering of Nations Pow Wow (Native American)
Gathering of Nations Pow Wow (Native American) Held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this is the largest Pow Wow in North America.
- Over 700 tribes gather from across the U.S. and Canada
- Features traditional dance, music, and crafts
- Open to all, showcasing rich Native traditions and intertribal unity
Interfaith families are welcomed into this spiritual, celebratory gathering.
Powwow, a celebration of American Indian culture in which people from diverse indigenous nations gather for the purpose of dancing, singing, and honouring the traditions of their ancestors. The term powwow, which derives from a curing ritual, originated in one of the Algonquian nations of the Northeast Indians.
Why April Festivals Matter for Interfaith Couples
Celebrating festivals together as an interfaith couple fosters:
- Shared Understanding: Learning each other’s traditions builds empathy.
- Family Bonds: Festivals are moments for joy, unity, and storytelling.
- Respectful Participation: Couples can engage in cultural aspects even if they opt out of religious rituals.
You can choose to participate in each other’s festivities, fully or partially. Partially means what degree of participation, just cultural or religious. These celebrations provide touchstones for deeper connection without compromising personal beliefs.
FAQs – Celebrating April Festivals Together
1. Can interfaith couples celebrate multiple festivals in April?
Yes! Many couples find joy in discovering and sharing each other’s traditions.
2. What if one partner is non-religious?
Focus on cultural practices—music, food, and community events are accessible to all.
3. Is it okay to attend religious services of another faith?
Absolutely. Most religious communities welcome guests, especially when attending respectfully.
4. How can we teach our children about different traditions?
Celebrate openly, explain the meaning behind each practice, and encourage questions.
5. Can we blend festivals into one shared celebration?
Yes. Many couples create hybrid observances to honor both traditions.
6. How do I learn more about these festivals?
Attend community events, connect with cultural organizations, or explore Center for Pluralism.
Final Thoughts: Honoring April Together
April offers a garden of meaningful festivals that celebrate life, hope, and harmony. As an interfaith couple, you can find new ways to bond through shared celebrations. Embrace each other’s customs with love and curiosity, and build a spiritual mosaic rooted in respect.
I have participated in many of these festivals, and I encourage you to do the same. The main focus of each festival is the coming together of families and communities to celebrate with delicious food. Each festival also has some connection to religious traditions, which you can choose to participate in or not, but let your spouse and families know so they don’t guess or imagine that, which is not your intent.
About the Author
Mike Ghouse – A Pluralist, Interfaith Officiant
📞 (202) 717-2892
🌐 www.CenterforPluralism.com
🌐 www.InterfaithMarriages.org
Dr. Mike Ghouse is a leading voice in interfaith dialogue and has officiated hundreds of weddings across different faiths. Through the Center for Pluralism, he advocates for unity through diversity.