This is the New Year for the Sikhs, one of the largest religious groups in India. Guru Gobind Singh founded Khalsa, which stands for a community of equals, and this festival is commemorated with wor ship and entertainment. While the ancient Romans threw beans to feed their ghosts in the ceremony called the Lemuri a, the Japanese mamemaki, bean throwing, is an attempt to hit the demons and all the misfortunes they represent. On this day Baha'is throughout the world both su spend work and come together for prayer and festivities. Customs include lighting candles, special fires, using evergreen decorations, exchanging of gifts, enjoying special holiday foo ds and attending church services.
Celebrations vary according to culture, ethnicity and family traditions around the world.
This day commemorates the death in 1910 of King Chulalongkorn the Great, who abolished slavery in Thailand. On this day Mexicans celebrate the defeat of the French army in Mexico on May 5, 1862. The day is celebrated with parades. This is the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's landing in the New World. Central to the observance is the creation of an ofrenda, or altar, in the home, with flowers, foods, and fav orite possessions to honor the memory of deceased loved ones and to welcome their visiting souls.