Religious festivals to celebrate with your foster family

Throughout the month of March and April, many religious communities hold celebrations.

From Ramadan in Islam to Lent in Christianity, there are many events happening that you may or may not be aware of. At Beacon Fostering, we encourage religious diversity among foster carers and families. Here are some religious festivals taking place in this month and the next, so you can be better prepared if you are looking after religious children in foster care.

Lent (Christianity)

This is a festival held in the run-up to Easter, and historically, has been a 40-day fast in imitation of Jesus Christ fasting in the desert before entering the Christian ministry. However, in modern times, Christians focus on giving up something such as sweets or social media, as a way to realign focus on religious and spiritual matters.

Ramadan (Islam)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and like traditional Lent, Ramadan is celebrated through fasting, only eating outside of daylight hours. This is done as an act of worship and developing a closer relationship with, and consciousness of, Allah (God).

Vaisakhi (Sikhism)

Celebrated on the 13 or 14 April, Vaisakhi is a celebration of the spring harvest, originating in Punjab, India, and the first day of the month of Vaisakh. Since 1699, it has marked the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh. Sikhs celebrate this festival through seva (selfless service), visiting gurdwaras and participating in parades and processions.

Passover (Judaism)

Occasionally overlapping with Easter, Passover celebrates the Israelites leaving enslavement in Egypt, taking place across seven days in Israel and eight days elsewhere. Jews celebrate through a seder (special dinner) on the first night, as well as prayers.

No matter your religion, at Beacon Fostering, we have a diverse network of foster carers, as well as social workers that can offer support. Get in touch today to find out more.