Bio-Rad Cultural Calendar, August 2025
August 1, 2025
At Bio-Rad, we publish a monthly Cultural Calendar of events that are commonly celebrated in the United States and in other countries in which we operate. Our goal is to feature a variety of events that help bring cultural awareness to various groups' histories, traditions, and accomplishments while also highlighting events important to us both as a company and a community.
Swiss National Day: August 1

Celebrated to mark the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, this national holiday symbolizes Swiss unity and independence. It's widely observed across Switzerland with fireworks, bonfires, and community events. Officially known as Bundesfeier, it's now a public holiday across all of Switzerland, with businesses, banks, and schools mostly all closed. Learn more.
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples: August 9

International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed to raise awareness about the rights and needs of indigenous populations worldwide. The day commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. Click here to learn more.
Singapore National Day: August 9

Singapore National Day is celebrated to mark the country’s independence from Malaysia, which officially took place on August 9, 1965. It’s a public holiday across the entire country, with schools, offices, and most businesses closed. It features a grand parade, fireworks, and patriotic celebrations across the island. Learn more.
International Youth Day: August 12

Observed globally, this UN-designated day celebrates the contributions of young people to society. In 2025, the theme is “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, highlighting youth-led efforts in advancing global development goals at the community level. Learn more.
Obon Festival: August 13-16

A major Buddhist event in Japan, Obon honors the spirits of ancestors returning to visit their families. Widely celebrated across Japan, it includes ancestral rituals, Bon Odori dances, and floating lanterns to guide spirits back to the afterlife. It is one of Japan’s most important cultural and religious festivals, symbolizing respect for family heritage and the cyclical nature of life and death. Many businesses close for a few days as people return to their hometowns for family gatherings (a period known as “Uchūka”). To learn more, click here.
Independence Day (India): August 15

Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 15 as a public holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. Celebrated nationwide with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events, it reflects India's unity in diversity. To learn more, click here.
Janmashtami: August 16

Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism. It’s marked by fasting, singing devotional songs, reenactments of Krishna’s childhood (Rasa Lila), and midnight celebrations. The festival is widely celebrated across India, especially in Mathura, Vrindavan, and many parts of North India. Click here to learn more.
20th of August: August 20

20th of August is the largest national holiday in Hungary, celebrating the country's origin more than 1000 years ago with a large fireworks show visible from all of Budapest. Catholics also celebrate the first patron of Hungary, St. Stephen, on this day. To learn more, click here.
Women’s Equality Day: August 26

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the adoption of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting American women the right to vote. It highlights ongoing efforts for gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment through educational events, advocacy, and community programs. Women's Equality Day is celebrated on August 26 each year, primarily in the United States. Learn more.
Onam: August 26 - September 5

Onam is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. It honors the legendary King Mahabali and features traditional boat races, floral decorations (Pookalam), cultural dances, and a grand feast called Onam Sadhya. It’s a time of community, prosperity, and joy observed by Malayalis worldwide. To learn more, click here.
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