On Monday (September 9) Hindus celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, the 10-day festival dedicated to the popular elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha. Hindus mark the day by offering prayers and delicacies to the deity. Clay figures of Ganesha are often immersed in lakes and rivers.

And for Jews, Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, begins next Friday night (September 13). It is the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar. Observant Jews spend Saturday in synagogue praying, fasting and repenting.