In keeping with my commitment to bring a helpful monthly religious dietary restrictions calendar to everyone, here are July dates to keep in mind as you plan menus for July events.
July 10th
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Martyrdom of the Báb is a Baha’i observance beginning at sunset on July 9th and ending at the end of the day on July 10th. It is a time of mourning for The Báb who was a prophet and founder of the Baha’i faith. He was executed on this day in 1850.
How to include participants
Because this is a time of mourning and remembrance, those who are a part of the Baha’i faith do not work on this day. To accommodate religious dietary restrictions and work restrictions, employees should be given the day off and, if possible, meetings and events should be scheduled on a different day to accommodate those with work restrictions.
July 21-22nd
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Tisha B’Av is a Jewish commemoration and communal mourning of multiple tragedies, including the destruction of the first and second temples of Jerusalem. It begins at sundown on the 21st and ends the evening of July 22nd.
How to include participants
There are several ways this day is observed, one of which is fasting. Religious dietary restrictions often include fasting. The best way to accommodate these religious dietary restrictions is to maintain an area for attendees and employees that allows them to avoid rooms where food is being served. However, it should not be completely removed from the main area to avoid making religious participants from feeling cut-off. It is also advisable to plan limited activities the day of the fast and the day after to accommodate lower energy.
July 27th
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Asalha Puja (Dhamma) Day is a Buddhist festival. It commemorates Buddha’s first sermon after enlightenment. It takes place on the full moon of the sixth lunar month and is most commonly celebrated in Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Myanmar. This is not the same thing as the full moon parties that happen on every full moon. This is a holy day that marks the beginning of Buddhism.
How to include participants
Buddhism itself does not call for any specific dietary practices, but because of the tenet to do no harm, it has been interpreted by most as vegetarian or lacto-vegetarian. You can find more about how to be inclusive with menu choices for Buddhists HERE>
July 27th
Observance & Dietary Restriction
The day of Guru Purnima is a festival celebrated in Nepal and India. It is observed by Hindus, Jains, Marwadi, and Buddhists. This day is used to celebrate teachers and spiritual guides. The most common practice is to express gratitude and respect for practitioners and those who have led the way in an individual’s spiritual journey.
How to include participants
Because there are several religions who join in this celebration, there are a few different dietary practices to keep in mind when designing a menu. Most are vegetarian and lacto-vegetarian, but the Jains, for example, are vegan and have restrictions on the types of vegetables and fruit as well as how they are harvested. Learn more on the thrive! religious dietary restrictions page, HERE>
