2024 Diversity Calendar
2023 Diversity Calendar
January
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 1st | Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus | Orthodox Christian | The feast of the Holy Name of Jesus has been celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church, at least at local levels, since the end of the fifteenth century. The celebration has been held on different dates, usually in January, because 1 January, eight days after Christmas, commemorates the naming of the child Jesus; as recounted in the Gospel read on that day, "at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." | Yes |
| Gantan-sai | Shinto | Japanese celebration of the New Year. Traditionally, the Shintos visit the shrines, mostly at midnight and pray for the renewal of their heart, prosperity and health in the year to come. It is also common to visit close friends and family to express good wishes. During this time people wear their finest clothes as well. | No | |
| Feast of St. Basil | Orthodox Christrian | According to some sources, Saint Basil died on January 1, and the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates his feast day together with that of the Feast of the Circumcision on that day. The main attraction of the St. Basil's Feast, in typical Greek fashion, is the table. It is believed that the more abundant the table, the more abundant with good luck the family will be | No | |
| 4th | End of Gahambar Maidyarem | Zoroastrian | Gahambars Maidyarem is a seasonal festivals when Zoroastrians assemble to eat and share food communally. They are joyous occasions at which rich and poor met together, new friendships are formed, and old disputes resolved. The last day is usually observed as the feast day. | Yes |
| 5th | Twelfth Night | Christian | Twelfth Night is a festival in some branches of Christianity marking the coming of the Epiphany. | No |
| Guru Gobindh Singh birthday | Sikh | Guru Gobind Singh was the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs who initiated the Sikhs as the Khalsa (the pure ones) and is known as the Father of the Khalsa. The 'Khalsa' brotherhood initiated adopted the five 'K's: Kangha #wooden comb#, Kara #steel bracelets#, Kirpan #sword#, Kaccha #pair of shorts#, and Kesh #long hair#. | Yes | |
| 6th | Epiphany | Christian | In the Western church, this day celebrates the journey of the three Wise Men to Bethlehem to offer gifts to the infant Jesus. In the Eastern Church it is associated with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. On this day as well, the Armenians celebrate Christmas. | No |
| Dia de los Reyes | Christian | Most of the Hispanic world & culture celebrates El Dia De Reyes, the Epiphany, remembering the day when the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem, arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Baby Jesus. | No | |
| Feast of the Epiphany | Orthodox Christian | Epiphany, also Theophany, Little Christmas, or Three Kings' Day, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. | No | |
| 8th | Feast of the Holy Family | Catholic Christian | The Feast of the Holy Family is a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus of Nazareth, his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his foster father, Saint Joseph, as a family. The primary purpose of this feast is to present the Holy Family as a model for Christian families | Yes |
| Baptism of the Lord Jesus | Christian | The Baptism of the Christ (or the Baptism of Christ) is the feast day commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It is celebrated in the Catholic Church as well as the Anglican and Lutheran Churches on the first Sunday following The Epiphany of Our Lord | Yes | |
| 9th | Nativity of Christ | Armenian Christian | Historically, all Christian Churches up until the fourth century celebrated the Festival of Christ's Nativity on 6 January. Armenians continue to celebrate Christmas on January 6th. | No |
| 13th | Maghi | Sikh | Maghi is celebrated on the first day of Magh as per the Punjabi calendar and is celebrated in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana. It is a cultural, seasonal and a religious festival marking the agricultural new year, increase in daylight and holding of sports festivals. | Yes |
| 17th | Blessing of the Animals | Hispanic Catholic Christian | In Mexico, there is a feast for St. Anthony around bonfires and devotees dress up their animals for an official blessing. Traditional accounts say that the 3rd century saint known as Anthony of Egypt was the first monk to live in the wilderness. For centuries, Mexicans have brought everything from pigs, cattle, and livestock to cats, dogs, and other household pets to church for a St. Anthony’s blessing. | No |
| 18th | Week of Prayer for Christian Unity | Christian | The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 theme finds its origins in Deuteronomy. “Justice, Only Justice, You Shall Pursue” (cf. Deuteronomy 16:20) was chosen for its powerful message of promoting truth, equality and unity. | No |
| 19th | Timkat | Ethiopian Orthodox Christian | The Eastern Orthodox Church associates Theophany with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. | Yes |
| 22nd | Lunar New Year | China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia | Lunar New Year is the beginning of a year whose months are coordinated by the cycles of the moon. The whole year may account to a purely lunar calendar or a lunisolar calendar. | Yes |
| 25th | Conversion of St. Paul | Christian | The conversion of Paul the Apostle, was, according to the New Testament, an event in the life of Paul the Apostle that led him to cease persecuting early Christians and to become a follower of Jesus. It is normally dated to AD 33–36. | No |
| 30th | Mahayana New Year | Buddhist | In Mahayana countries the New Year starts on the first full moon day in January. However, the Buddhist New Year depends on the country of origin or ethnic background of the people. Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese celebrate late January or early February according to the lunar calendar, whilst the Tibetans usually celebrate about one month later. | Yes |
February
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 2nd | Imbolc | Pagan | Wicca reflection on the power of the gods from which physical and spiritual harvest will come. | Yes |
| Candlemas | Christian | Candlemas is a traditional Christian festival that commemorates the ritual purification of Mary forty days after the birth of her son Jesus. Candlemas is a day which holds many different customs. New beginnings are recognized and candles are lighted. | No | |
| St. Brighid of Kildare Day | Celtic Christian | Christian recognition of Brighid who displayed unusual compassion. She was brought up as a Druid and became Christian. | No | |
| 3rd | Setsebun-said | Shinto | Shinto celebration of the change of seasons with the coming of spring with shouts of "Devils out, Good Fortune in". Bean throwing protects against demons. | No |
| St. Blaze Day | Christian | Christian, primarily Catholic and Orthodox, honored of a 4th century saint by blessing the throats of believers. | No | |
| Four Chaplains Sunday | Interfaith | Commemoration of the event in World War II when four Chaplains of Jewish and Christian traditions (Catholic and Protestant) gave their life jackets to others as a troop ship sank in the Atlantic Ocean. | No | |
| 5th | Tu BiShavat | Jewish | Tu BiShavat is a Jewish holiday occurring on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. It is also called "Rosh Hashanah La'Ilanot", literally "New Year of the Trees." | Yes |
| Triodion | Orthodox Christian | Orthodox Christian time period leading up to Lent. The liturgy involves hymns, odes and scriptures. | Yes | |
| 14th | St. Valentine's Day | Christian | Christian celebration of the love of God presented in Jesus and in the lives of Christian believers. St Valentine was a 3rd century martyr. This day is widely observed in North America as a secular celebration of love. | No |
| 15th | Nirvana Day | Buddhist | Celebrates the day when the historical Buddha achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body. Sometimes celebrated on February 8. | Yes |
| 17th | Laylat al Miraj | Islam | Lailat al Miraj is a Muslim holiday that commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s nighttime journey from Mecca to the ‘Farthest Mosque’ in Jerusalem where he ascended to heaven, was purified, and given the instruction for Muslims to pray five times daily. | Yes |
| 18th | Shabbat Shekalim | Jewish | Shabbat Shuvah or Shabbat T'shuvah ("Sabbath [of] Return" שבת שובה or "Sabbath [of] Repentance" שבת תשובה) refers to the Shabbat that occurs during the Ten Days of Repentance, but is between (i.e. not including) the two consecutive Days of Rosh Hashanah, and the Day of Yom Kippur. | Yes |
| Maha Shivaratri | Hindu | Maha Shivaratri a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva. It is a major festival in Hinduism, this festival is solemn and marks a remembrance of "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life and the world. | Yes | |
| 19th | Meatfare Sunday | Orthodox Christian | Orthodox Christian observance, two weeks before the start of the Great Lent, preparing the faithful for the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. This is the last day for eating of meat before the Great Lent | Yes |
| 21st | Shrove Tuesday | Christian | Christian carnival day on the eve of Ash Wednesday which begins Lent, a time of fasting and devotions. Pancakes are often served. It is also known as Fat Tuesday in some places. | Yes |
| Losar | Tibetan Buddhist New Year | The Tibetan New Year is called Losar and is celebrated for three days by visiting, feasting and the relaxation the monastic discipline. The holiday is a new year's festival, celebrated on the first day of the lunisolar Tibetan calendar, which corresponds to a date in February or March in the Gregorian calendar. | Yes | |
| 22nd | Rosh Chodesh Adar | Jewish | Beginning of New Hebrew month of Adar. Adar is the 12th month of the Hebrew year. Corresponds to February or March on the Gregorian calendar. Rosh Chodesh Adar begins at sundown on Mon, 04 February 2019. | Yes |
| Ash Wednesday | Christian | Christian observance to begin the 40 day season of Lent. Ashes are marked on worshippers as a sign of penitence. Depending on the congregation, some members observe Ash Wednesday; however, this would not likely require a full day off but may involve an AM or PM worship service. | Yes | |
| 26th | Cheesefare Sunday | Orthodox Christian | Forgiveness Sunday, also called Cheesefare Sunday, is the final day of pre-Lent. It is the Sunday after Meatfare Sunday and the Sunday before the Sunday of Orthodoxy. On this last Sunday before Great Lent, the last day that traditionally Orthodox Christians eat dairy products until Easter, the Church remembers the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise. | Yes |
| 27th | Clean Monday | Orthodox Christian, Great Lent Begins | Orthodox Christian first day of Lent. | Yes |
March
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 1st | St. David of Wales | Christian | Celtic Christian saint known for his wisdom and missionary work. Many Canadians of Welsh descent or those with Welsh connections celebrate St David’s Day on March 1 each year. The Welsh flag is often seen during celebrations on the day, as well as daffodils or leeks pinned to clothing. | No |
| 3rd | Shabbat Zachor | Jewish | Shabbat Zachor ("Sabbath [of] remembrance שבת זכור) is the Shabbat immediately preceding Purim. Deuteronomy 25:17-19, describing the attack by Amalek, is recounted. The portion that is read includes a commandment to remember the attack by Amalek, and therefore at this public reading both men and women make a special effort to hear the reading. | Yes |
| 5th | Orthodox Sunday | Orthodox Christian | Orthodox Christian first Sunday of Lent. Restoration of icons to the church is celebrated. | Yes |
| 6th | Ta'anit Esther | Jewish | The Fast of Esther (Ta’anit Esther) is a dawn-to-nightfall fast held on the day before the jolly holiday of Purim. It commemorates the fasting of our ancestors in response to the dramatic chain of events that occurred during their exile in the Persian Empire. | Yes |
| Purim | Jewish | Jewish celebration of the deliverance of the Jewish minority in Persia from genocide. Charity to the poor, sharing food with friends, and vigorous merrymaking mark the observance. | Yes | |
| 7th | Shushan Purim | Jewish | Shushan Purim falls on Adar 15 and is the day on which Jews in Jerusalem celebrate Purim. The day is also universally observed by omitting the Tachanun prayer and having a more elaborate meal than on ordinary days. | Yes |
| Lailat al Bara’ah | Islam | A festive day replete with sweets, treats and works of charity gives way to a night of solemn, focused prayer, on Barat Night —also known as Lailat al Bara’ah, the Night of Records and the Night of Forgiveness. | Yes | |
| Holika Dahan | Hindu | Holika Dahan also Kamudu pyre is celebrated by burning Holika, the devil. For many traditions in Hinduism, Holi celebrates the killing of Holika by Vishnu in order to save Prahlad, a devotee of God Vishnu in the city of Multan Pakistan, and thus Holi gets its name. | Yes | |
| 8th | Holi | Hindu | Holi is one of the major festivals of India and is celebrated on different dates every year. This great Indian festival is observed at the end of the winters in the month of March after the full Moon. A day before Holi a large bonfire is lit that helps in burning out the evil spirits and that whole process is called as Holika Dahan. | Yes |
| Hola Mohalla | Sikh | An annual event which is a martial arts parade historically coinciding with Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. Celebrations related to Holla Mohalla may be held in various locations over several weekends preceding the actual date of the holiday. | Yes | |
| 10th | Shabbat Parah | Jewish | Shabbat Parah ("Sabbath [of the] red heifer" שבת פרה) takes place on the Shabbat before Shabbat HaChodesh, in preparation for Passover. | Yes |
| 17th | St. Patrick's Day | Christian | Feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. In North America, a secular version is celebrated by people of all faiths through appreciation of all things Irish. | No |
| 19th | St. Joseph's Day | Christian | Christian remembrance of Joseph, husband of Mary the mother of Jesus. | No |
| 21st | Norooz | Persian/Zoroastrian | A traditional ancient Iranian festival celebrating the first day of spring and the Iranian New Year. | Yes |
| Naw-Ruz | Baha'i | A traditional ancient Iranian festival celebrating the first day of spring and the Iranian New Year. | Yes | |
| 21st | Ostara - Mabon | Wiccan/Pagan | Wicca welcoming of spring and the goddess-as-maiden. | Yes |
| 22nd | Ramadan begins | Islam | Ramadan (also known as Ramadhan or Ramzan) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a period of prayer, fasting, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims in Canada. The first verses of the Koran (Qu'ran) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (also written as Mohammad or Muhammed) during the last third of Ramadan, making this an especially holy period. | Yes |
| Gudi Padwa/Ugadi | Hindu | Gudhi Padva is a spring-time festival that marks the traditional new year for Marathi Hindus.It is celebrated in and near Maharashtra on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. | Yes | |
| 25th | Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Christian | Christian celebration of Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary the coming birth of Jesus as the Incarnation of Creator God. Annunciation commemorates the day Jesus’s mother, Mary was visited by an angel to inform her that she was blessed and chosen to be the mother of Christ. | No |
| 26th | Khordad Sal | Zoroastrian | Zoroastrian remembrance of the birth of Prophet Zarathushtra. | Yes |
| 30th | Magha Puja Day | Buddhist | Buddhist celebration of the presentation of teachings by Lord Buddha to and assembly of holy men. | Yes |
| Rama Navami | Hindu | Rama Navami is a spring Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of god Rama. He is particularly important to the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism, as the seventh avatar of Vishnu. The festival is a part of the spring Navratri, and falls on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra. | Yes |
April
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 2nd | Palm Sunday | Christian | Christian celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches. | Yes |
| 4th | Mahavir Jayanti | Jain | Jain festival honoring Lord Mahavira on the founder's birthday. Shrines are visited. Teachings are reviewed and reflected upon. | Yes |
| 5th | Passover or Pesach | Jewish | Jewish 8 day pilgrimage festival celebrating the Exodus from slavery to freedom. Jews celebrate Passover as a commemoration of their liberation by God from slavery in ancient Egypt and their freedom as a nation under the leadership of Moses. The first night always includes a special Seder (ritual dinner). In addition, traditional Jewish persons outside of Israel don’t work on either the first two or the last two days of the seven-day period. | Yes |
| 6th | Maundy Thursday | Christian | Christian observance of the first Lord's Supper during Holy Week. Depending on the congregation, some members observe Maundy Thursday; however, this would not likely require a full day off but may involve an AM or PM worship service. | Yes |
| Theravadin New Year | Buddhist | In Theravadin countries, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, the New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. The Buddhist New Year depends on the country of origin or ethnic background of the people. | Yes | |
| Hanuman Jayanti | Hindu | Hanuman Janmam-Utsav or Hanuman Janam-Utsav is a Hindu religious festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Sri Hanuman, who is immensely venerated throughout India and Nepal. This festival is celebrated on different days in different parts of India. | Yes | |
| 7th | Good Friday | Christian | Many Orthodox Christian churches in Canada often observe Good Friday at a later date than the Good Friday date observed by many western churches. It is the day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which plays an important part in the Christian faith. It is also a statutory holiday in all Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec, where it is partially observed. | Yes |
| 7th | Holy Friday | Orthodox Christian | Many Orthodox Christian churches in Canada often observe Good Friday at a later date than the Good Friday date observed by many western churches. Good Friday focuses on Jesus Christ's death, which is described in the Christian bible. The day is also known as Great Friday, Holy Friday, and Holy and Great Friday | Yes |
| 8th | Lazarus Saturday | Orthodox Christian | Lazarus Saturday in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodoxy is the day before Palm Sunday to which it is liturgically linked. It celebrates the raising of Lazarus of Bethany, the narrative of which is found in the Gospel of John. | Yes |
| 8th | Holy Saturday | Christian | Holy Saturday falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Canada. It commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death, according to the Christian bible. It is also known as Easter Eve. | Yes |
| 9th | Pascha – Easter | Orthodox Christian | Pascha (Greek: Πάσχα), also called Easter, is the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord. Pascha is a transliteration of the Greek word, which is itself a transliteration of the Aramaic Pascha, from the Hebrew Pesach meaning Passover. A minority of English-speaking Orthodox prefer the English word "Pasch." | Yes |
| Easter | Christian | The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion. Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise, special music, feasting, and parades. | Yes | |
| 14th | Baisakhi/Vaisakhi | Sikh/Hindu | Hindu start of the New Years. Greetings that wish good life in coming days are exchanged. In Sikhi the day commemorates the founding of the Khalsa, a distinctive Sikh brotherhood. | Yes |
| 17th | Yom HaShoah | Jewish | Many Canadians observe Yom Hashoah, which is also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day. It commemorates the lives and heroism of Jewish people who died in the Holocaust between 1933 and 1945. | Yes |
| 18th | Laylat al Qadr | Islam | Laylat al-Qadr, variously rendered in English as the Night of Decree, Night of Power, Night of Value, Night of Destiny, or Night of Measures, is in Islamic belief the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. | Yes |
| 20th | Eid al Fitr | Islam | Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). | Yes |
| First Day of Ridvan | Baha'i | Baha'i commemoration of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival. | Yes | |
| 22nd | Akshaya Tritiya | Hindu | Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is annual spring time festival of the Hindus and Jains. It falls on the third Tithi (lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of Vaisakha month. It is observed regionally by Hindus and Jains in India and Nepal, as signifying the "third day of unending prosperity". | Yes |
| 23rd | St. George’s Day | Christian | Christian remembrance of a person who, in the 4th century, was a martyr and became an ideal of martial valor and selflessness. Legend of killing a dragon is connected with this patron saint of England. | Yes |
| 25th | Yom Ha’Atzmaut | Jewish | Israel’s Independence Day is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the State of Israel, when members of the “provisional government” read and signed a Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv. | Yes |
| 28th | Ninth Day of Ridvan | Baha'i | Baha'i commemoration of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival. | Yes |
May
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 5th | Visakha Puja | Buddhist | Buddhists celebrate the birthday of Buddha | Yes |
| 9th | Lag B’Omer | Jewish | Jewish observation of the counting of the day - the link - between Pesach and Shavout. | Yes |
| 18th | Ascension of Jesus | Christian | Ascension Day is observed in Canada on the 40th day of Easter. It commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, according to the New Testament of the Bible. | Yes |
| 24th | Declaration of the Bab | Baha'i | Commemoration of May 23, 1844, when the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá‟í Faith, announced in Shíráz, Persia, that he was the herald of a new messenger of God. | Yes |
| 25th | Shavuot | Jewish | Jewish celebration of Moses' descent from Mt Sinai with the ten commandments. Plants and flowers are used in decorations. | Yes |
| 28th | Pentecost | Christian | Also known as Whitsunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter/Pascha commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and women followers of Jesus. Marks the birth of the Christian Church. | Yes |
| 29th | Ascension of Baha’u’llah | Baha'i | Observance of the anniversary of the death in exile of Bahá‟u‟lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá‟í Faith. | Yes |
June
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 1st | Ascension of Jesus | Orthodox Christian | The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, also known as Holy Thursday, Ascension Day, or Ascension Thursday, commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. | Yes |
| 4th | Trinity Sunday | Christian | Many Christians in Canada celebrate Trinity Sunday, which is the first Sunday after Pentecost. It is one of the few feasts that are celebrated as a doctrine instead of an event. It is also symbolic of the unity of the Trinity. | Yes |
| 8th | Corpus Christi | Catholic Christian | Christian (Roman Catholic) celebration in recognition of the Eucharist - the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. The real presence of the body and blood of Jesus is honored. | Yes |
| 9th | St. Columba of Iona | Celtic Christian | St. Columba of Iona was an Irish missionary who helped re-introduce Christianity to Scotland and the north of England. | Yes |
| 16th | Sacred Heart of Jesus | Catholic Christian | Sacred Heart of Jesus | Yes |
| Guru Arjan Martyrdom | Sikh | Guru Arjan was the fifth Guru (1563-1606) and the first Sikh martyr executed by the Mughal emperor Jehangir. He built the Golden Temple in Amritsar with doors facing all four directions to emphasize that the Sikh way was open to all, regardless of caste. | No | |
| 19th | New Church Day | Swedenborgian Christian | Swedenborgian Christian (Church of the New Jerusalem) annual commemoration of the vision document, "The True Christian Religion", by Emanuel Swedenborg in 1770. | No |
| 20th | Ratha Yatra | Hindu | Ratha Yatra or Ratha Jatra or Chariot Festival is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in the state of Odisha, India. It is the oldest Ratha Yatra taking place in India and the World, whose descriptions can be found in Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana and Kapila Samhita. | Yes |
| 22nd | Litha-Yule | Wiccan/Pagan | Wicca celebration of the sacred marriage in which energy of the gods is poured into the service of life. | Yes |
| 27th | Waqf al Arafa | Islam | Islamic observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy. | Yes |
| 28th | Eid al Adha | Islam | Eid al-Adha also called the "Festival of Sacrifice", is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year and considered the holier of the two | Yes |
July
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 3rd | Guru Purnima | Hindu | Guru Purnima (Poornima) is an eastern spiritual tradition dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers, who are evolved or enlightened humans, ready to share their wisdom, with very little or no monetary expectation. It is celebrated as a festival in Nepal by the Nepalese Hindus and Buddhists | Yes |
| 10th | Martyrdom of the Bab | Baha'i | Observance of the anniversary of the execution by a firing squad in Tabríz, Persia, of the 30-year-old Siyyid, Alí-Muhammad, the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í Faith. | No |
| 11th | St. Benedict Day | Catholic Christian | Catholic Christian recognition of the father of the The Benedictine Order. It was the first Order of the Western Church Monastic tradition and lived by the Benedictine Rule. | Yes |
| 15th | Saint Vladimir Day | Christian | The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches celebrate the feast day of St. Vladimir. During his leadership, all branches of the economy prospered under him. He was able to mint coins and regulated foreign affairs with other countries such as trade. Through trade he brought in Greek wines, Baghdad spices, and Arab horses to trade at the markets of Kiev. | No |
| 18th | Hijra - New Year | Islam | Celebrated the first day of Muharram, which is the first month in the lunar Islamic calendar. New Year marks the date that Mohammed founded Medina, the first Islamic state. This is a time of recollection or grieving. Islam: Dawoodi Bohora Muslim holidays based on Lunar Calendar and observances may vary by a day before or after from dates given, depending on the community. Islam: Shi-‘ah - Muslim holidays based on Lunar Calendar and observances may vary by a day before or after from dates given, depending on the community. Every Friday 12:15 – 2 pm-Congregation Prayers | Yes |
| 24th | Pioneer Day | Mormon Christian | Mormon observation of arrival of first settlers at Great Salt Lake, USA, on July 24, 1847. | No |
| 25th | St. James the Great Day | Orthdox Christian/Christian | Christian recognition of the martyrdom of the Apostle James the Great in 44 C.E. | No |
| 26th | Tish’a B’av | Jewish | Tisha B'Av is an annual fast day in Judaism, on which a number of disasters in Jewish history occurred, primarily the destruction of both Solomon's Temple by the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the Second Temple by the Roman Empire in Jerusalem. Tisha B'Av is regarded as the saddest day in the Jewish calendar and it is thus believed to be a day which is destined for tragedy. | Yes |
| 18th | Ashura | Islam | Marks the most sacred day (the 10th day) in the month of Muharram. The Shia observance is based on the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s Grandson Hussein while the Sunni observance recognizes Moses for fasting in gratitude to Allah/ God for liberation from oppression. | Yes |
August
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 1st | Asalha Puja Day | Buddhist | Asalha Puja (known as Asanha Bucha in Thailand, Thai: อาสาฬหบูชา) is a Theravada Buddhist festival which typically takes place in July, on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma Day, is one of Theravada Buddhism’s most important festivals, celebrating as it does the Buddha’s first sermon in which he set out to his five former associates the doctrine that had come to him following his enlightenment. | Yes |
| Lammas | Christian | Christian first fruits celebration observed by placing bread baked from first harvest on the altar. From the Celtic Christian tradition. September 1 in northern hemisphere; February 1 in southern hemisphere. | No | |
| Lughnassad – Imbolc | Wiccan/Pagan | Wicca/neo pagan observance of first harvest of the year involving agricultural festivals and prosperity magic. The Christian name of Lammas is sometimes used. | No | |
| 6th | Transfiguration of the Lord | Orthodox Christian | Christian commemoration of the experience on Mt Tabor when Jesus' physical appearance became brilliant as his connection with traditional Jewish holy figures became evident to the disciples. | No |
| 13th | Ulambana – Obon | Buddhist/Shinto | Buddhist celebration of the ritual of saving the deceased from torments after death. Also listed as Japanese buddist festival. | Yes |
| 15th | Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary | Catholic Christian | The Assumption of Mary into Heaven (often shortened to the Assumption) is, according to the beliefs of the Catholic Church, Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy, as well as parts of Anglicanism, the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. Assumption Day is considered a Holy Day of Obligation, but if it falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, it is not obligatory by the church to attend mass. | No |
| Dormition of the Theotokos | Orthodox Christian | The feast of the Dormition or Falling-asleep of the Theotokos is celebrated on the fifteenth of August, preceded by a two-week fast. This feast, which is also sometimes called the Assumption, commemorates the death, resurrection and glorification of Christ’s mother. It proclaims that Mary has been “assumed” by God into the heavenly kingdom of Christ in the fullness of her spiritual and bodily existence. | No | |
| 20th | Onam | Hindu | Onam is a major annual event for Malayali people in and outside Kerala. It is a harvest festival, one of three major annual Hindu celebrations along with Vishu and Thiruvathira, and it is observed with numerous festivities. | Yes |
| 21st | Naga Panchami | Hindu | Naga Panchami is a traditional worship of snakes or serpents observed by Hindus throughout India, Nepal and other countries where Hindu adherents live. | Yes |
| 25th | Varalakshmi Vrat | Hindu | Varamahalakshmi Vrata is a festival to propitiate the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Vara). It is an important pooja performed by many women in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. | Yes |
| 29th | Beheading of John the Baptist | Christian | Christian remembrance of the death of John who is known for preparing the people so they would recognize Jesus as the Messiah. | No |
| 30th | Raksha Bandhan | Hindu | Hindu festival honoring the loving ties between brothers and sister in a family. Raksha Bandhan, also Rakshabandhan, or simply Rakhi, is an annual rite performed in the Indian subcontinent, or by people originating from the Indian subcontinent, and centred around the tying of a thread, talisman, or amulet on the wrist as a form of ritual protection. | Yes |
September
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 6th | Krishna Janmashtami | Hindu | Hindu commemoration of the birth of Krishna - the 8th incarnation of god Vishnu who took the form of Krishna to destroy the evil king Kansa. It is an important festival particularly to the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. The celebration begins at night and occurs over the following date. | Yes |
| 8th | Nativity of Virgin Mary | Christian | A Christian feast day celebrating the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the most important figures in Christianity. | No |
| 11th | Paryushana Parva | Jain | An eight-day festival of the natural qualities of the soul and is the most important Jain religious observance of the year. It is marked by recitations from Jain sacred writing and an exchange of cards and letters between the family. The eighth and final day (Samvatsari) is most significant and focuses on forgiveness. | Yes |
| 14th | Elevation of the Life Giving Cross or Holy Cross Day | Christian | A recognition day for the Cross of which Jesus was crucified. The Cross is a central symbol of the Christian religion. | No |
| 15th | Rosh Hashanah/ New Year | Jewish | Also known as the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana begins on the first day of Tisheri (the seventh month in the Jewish calendar), lasting for approximately two days and is the most important holiday in Jewish observance. It is a time of introspection, abstinence, prayer and penitence. Jewish- Conservative, Orthodox, Reform: Sabbath Starts Friday Sundown. All holy days start sundown the night preceding the holiday | Yes |
| 17th | Vishwakarma Puja | Hindu | Vishwakarma Day, also known as Vishwakarma Jayanti or Vishwakarma Puja, is a day of celebration for Vishwakarma, a Hindu god, the divine architect.[1] He is considered as swayambhu and creator of the world. It is celebrated on or around September 17. | Yes |
| 18th | Tzom Gedalish | Jewish | An annual Jewish day of fast to remember the assassination of Gedaliah Ben Achikam, the Governor of Israel during the days of Nebuchadnetzar King of Babylonia. The fast begins at dawn (first light) and ends at nightfall (full dark). | Yes |
| 19th | Ganesh Chaturthi | Hindu | A ten-day Hindu festival is celebrated to honour the God Ganesha’s birthday, who has deep spiritual significance and represents wealth, good fortune, and harmony. For some, the first day of the festival is most significant, while for others the last day “Visarjan” is the most significant. | Yes |
| 21st | Mabon - Ostara | Wiccan | This is a Wicca observance of when day and night are equal in length. Mabon and Ostara are two of the eight major annual festivals (known as Sabbats) that make up the Wiccan religious holiday calendar. Mabon is a festival for giving thanks to the fall harvest and Ostara celebrates the end of the cold winter and rejoices spring’s rebirth. | Yes |
| 24th | Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement | Jewish | The holiest Jewish holiday of the year with a focus on atonement and repentance. This day falls on the 10th day and the seventh month in the Jewish calendar (Tishri). The duration of fasting is 25 hours and commences on the evening before Yom Kippur. | Yes |
| 26th | Mawlid an Nabi | Islam | A birthday celebration of Islamic prophet Muhammed occurring on the 12 day of Rabi’ al-awwal of the third month in the Islamic Calendar. On this day, many people attend large street processions, homes or mosques are decorated, and acts of charity and food are exchanged. | Yes |
| 28th | Meskel | Ethiopian Orthodox Christian | A religious feast day commemorating the revelation of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (St. Helenea) in the 4th century C.E. | Yes |
| Confucius’ Birthday | Confucian | The significance of this date is marked by the birth of Confucius, who was a model master educator in ancient China. | No | |
| Sukkot | This date commences the Sukkot period also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, lasting for seven days. This period marks a time of remembrance for the Jewish people who wandered in the desert for 40 years following their exodus from Egypt. Observance begins during the week that starts on day 15th of Tishri (or Tishrei), which according to the Jewish calendar, is the first month of the year. The first day and final day of Sukkot are like days of Sabbath for the Jewish people. | Yes | ||
| 29th | Pitru Paksha | Hindu | Pitru Paksha is a 15 lunar day’s period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, especially through food offerings. According to South Indian Amavasyant calendar it falls in the lunar month of Bhadrapada beginning with the full moon day or day after full moon day. | Yes |
| Michael and All Angels or Michaelmas | Christian | A major ancient feast day celebration of angels as companions who help fight off the power of evil and who are present at the hour of death. For Christian followers, it marked the start of a new quarter. | No |
October
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 4th | St Francis Day | Catholic Christian | A feast to commemorate the life of St Francis, born in the 12th century. He is an important figure to Christianity as the patron saint of animals and the environment. | No |
| Blessing of the Animals | Christian | Some people bring their pets to Church for a blessing and take part in an observance showing respect for domestic animals. | No | |
| 6th | Shemini Atzeret | Jewish | A holiday dedicated to the love of God. During this time, prayers and or celebrations for rain and a good harvest occur for the upcoming year, according to the Jewish calendar. This day is significant for agricultural reasons. Religious Holidays Requiring Absence from Work for Observance: Jewish: Orthodox: 2 days | Yes |
| 7th | Simchat Torah | Jewish | A holiday marking the end of the Sukkot festival and the end of the annual cycle of reading the Torah. On this day many celebrations take place including performances of hakafot (dancing with the Torah) around the synagogue bimah (elevated area or platform in a Jewish synagogue). For those who celebrate, this is a joyous day signifying that a new cycle is beginning. | Yes |
| 18th | St. Luke, Apostle & Evangelist | Christian | A feast day of remembrance for Luke, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and an important figure in Christianity. He is a patron saint of artists, physicians, bachelors, surgeons, students, and butchers and wrote more of the New Testament compared to any other single author. | Yes |
| 20th | Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth | Sikh | A day to honour the sacred collection of the Adi Granth. The scriptures are extremely significant to Sikhs. The book contains poems with messages such as, “all people of the world are equal” and that “women are equal to men.” | No |
| 24th | Dussehra or Vijayadashmi | Hindu | The final day of the eight or ten day celebration marking the end of Navratri. On this day, Lord Rama is commemorated for killing Ravana after kidnapping Goddess Sita and this act is celebrated to exemplify good over evil. It is a one-day event that comprises of a feast to end the fasting that has taken place over the last nine days. | Yes |
| 26th | Birth of the Bab | Baha'i | The Birth of the Báb (October 20, 1819) and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (November 12, 1817) occurred on consecutive days according to the Islamic lunar calendar (1 and 2 Muharram, respectively). These Holy Days are celebrated on the first and second days of the eighth lunar month after Naw-Rúz, and may fall as early as October 20-21 and as late as November 11-12. | Yes |
| 28th | Sharad Purnima | Hindu | Sharad Purnima (also known as Kojagiri Purnima, Navanna Purnima, or Kaumudi Purnima) is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin (September to October), marking the end of the monsoon season. | Yes |
| Milvian Bridge Day | Christian | A day to commemorate the Battle that took place at Milvian Bridge between the Roman Emperors Constantine the Great and Maxentius. As a result of this battle, Christianity was deemed the legal religion of the Roman Empire. | No | |
| 31st | Karwa Chauth | Hindu | Karva Chauth is a one-day festival celebrated by Hindu women in Northern India, in which married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands. | Yes |
| Reformation Day | Protestant Christian | An annual observance day that marks the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. On this day in 1517, Martin Luther, a German monk, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenburg Church, which expressed his concerns over corruption found in the Catholic Church. | No | |
| Samhain | Wiccan/Pagan | Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival commemorating those who have passed and a celebration of the summer’s end and the winter’s beginning. This day marks the end of the Celtic year. It is also a day to pay tribute to Samhain’s ancestors. On this day, a dinner is prepared to celebrate the harvest and other Samhain rituals take place such as nature walks to observe the new season | Yes | |
| All Hallows Eve | Christian | The eve of All Saints’ Day whereby traditionally, Christians would pray for the dead and honour the saints. | No |
November
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 1st | All Saints Day | Christian | An annual feast day dedicated to honouring known and unknown saints. This day is highly significant for Christian followers as saints are important figures in their religion. | No |
| 2nd | All Souls Day | Catholic Christian | A day of remembrance for all faithful Christians who have passed on and are now in Purgatory. On this day, many Christians go to church wearing black and pray as well as visit family gravesites to honour them. | No |
| 10th | Dhanteras | Hindu | Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, is the first day that marks the festival of Diwali in India and the festival of Tihar in Nepal. | Yes |
| 12th | Birth of Baha'u'llah | Baha'i | A day celebrating the birthday of the founder of the Baha’i religion. | No |
| Bandi-Choor Divas | Sikh | A celebration of the release of the Sixth Guru Har Gobind Sahib from imprisonment and 52 other prisoners with him in 1619. On this day, there is a reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, street procession, and a fireworks display in the evening. | Yes | |
| 12th | Diwali | Sikh. Hindu, Jain | A celebration of the release of the Sixth Guru Har Gobind Sahib from imprisonment and 52 other prisoners with him in 1619. On this day, there is a reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, street procession, and a fireworks display in the evening. | Yes |
| 15th | Nativity Fast begins | Orthodox Christian | An annual feast period that lasts until December 24. The purpose and significance of this fasting period is to focus on detaching oneself from material things and pleasures in order to become closer with God. During this time, prayers, and charitable work take place. | No |
| Shichigosan or 7-5-3 Festival | Shinto | A traditional annual festival organized for three and seven year old girls and five year old boys to celebrate their growth. These numbers in Japanese numerology are considered lucky. On this day, parents arrange their children to be purified by a nearby shrine and this is done through reciting a “norito” Shinto prayer for their children’s health | No | |
| 19th | Chhath | Hindu | Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival historically native to the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh as well as the Madhesh region of Nepal. | Yes |
| 27th | Kartik Purnima | Hindu, Sikh, Jain | Kartika Purnima is a Hindu, Sikh and Jain holy festival, celebrated on the Purnima (full moon) day or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik | Yes |
| 23rd | Christ the King Feast Day | Christian | A celebration of the supremacy of Jesus over all earthly authorities. This feast occurs on the final Sunday of the Liturgical Calendar (the Sunday before the First Sunday of Advent). This is a significant celebration for those who follow Christ. | Yes |
| 24th | Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahdur | Sikh | An annual day of remembrance for the execution of Tegh Bahdur by the Moghul Emperor in India. His legacy lives on as a prime example of the freedom and ability for one to choose the religion of one’s choice. | No |
| 26th | Day of the Covenant | Baha'i | An annual holy celebration of the covenant given in the last will and testament of Baha'u'llah. On this day, Bahá’u’lláh’ appointed his son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the next guide after his passing. This is one of two of Baha’i’s holy days where work does NOT need to be suspended. | No |
| 27th | Kartik Purnima | Hindu, Sikh, Jain | Kartika Purnima is a Hindu, Sikh and Jain holy festival, celebrated on the Purnima (full moon) day or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik | Yes |
| Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib | Sikh | A sacred celebration honouring the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs and founder of Sikhism. A series of festivities occur such as religious processions and the carrying of the holy book of Sikhs. | Yes | |
| Ecclesiastical year begins | Orthodox Christian | A Christian Church arrangement of time and the way important dates are set. This is a time where Eastern Christians mourn for the Christian community in Egypt who are undergoing devastation. | No | |
| Advents | Christian | An annual time of preparation for the observance of the birth of Jesus Christ and the start of the Christian worship year. Advent commences on the Sunday closest to November 30 until December 24 and is observed by lighting advent candles, displaying wreaths, and special ceremonies | Yes | |
| 28th | Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha | Baha'i | An annual celebration of the rising of the spirit of 'Abdu'l-Baha into heaven. On this day, a celebration and gathering takes place with prayers, music, and devotional readings solemnity and reverence to honour him. Work is to be suspended on this day. | No |
| 30th | St. Andrew's Day | Christian | An annual holiday celebration whereby Andrew the patron saint of Scotland, is honoured. This holiday is very significant for all liturgical Christians since the beginning of Advent is set at the Sunday closest to this day. | No |
December
| Day | Occasion | Faith | Description | Change |
| 6th | Saint Nicholas Day | Christian | An annual celebration honouring St. Nicholas of Myra, a Christian Saint famous to children for gift giving. This is a popular celebration in European countries. On this night, children around Europe place their shoes or special St. Nicholas boot by the fireplace or front door that is to be filled up with small presents by the morning. | No |
| 8th | Immaculate Conception of Mary | Catholic Christian | An annual feast day commemorating the conception of Mary. Christian followers attend special church masses and various church-run schools educate students about the observance and its meaning. | No |
| 12th | Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day | Catholic Christian | An annual Catholic feast day honouring Jesus’ mother Mary. This day is widely celebrated and significant to Americans of Mexican descent as it is the belief that Jesus’ mother Mary, who is Mexico’s patron saint, appeared to a man in Mexico City twice in 1531. | No |
| 16th | Dhanu Sankranti | Hindu | The Dhanu Sankranti signifies the start of the ninth month in a traditional Hindu year. This holiday is mostly celebrated in the state of Orissa, India. The day is a day of celebrating the Lord Jagannath and the Lord Surya. The devotees celebrate this day with gusto as it is considered as the beginning of the month of plenty. | Yes |
| 18th | Hanukkah or Chanukah or Festival of Lights | Jewish | An eight day annual observance taking place from the 25th day of the month of Kislev to the second day of Tevet in the Hebrew calendar. On the first night of Hanukkah, a special blessing at sunset takes place as the hanukiah (or chanukkiyah) is lit each night of the eighth day festival period. During this celebration, gifts are also exchanged and activities including the traditional dreidel occur. | Yes |
| 21st | Yule | Christian | An annual Christian celebration of the light dawning in Jesus with its roots being traced back to 4th century Germany and Scandinavia. There are various traditional acts that take place during this celebration such as the yule log whereby this tree would be cut down on the Winter solstice and gradually fed into the fireplace over the course of two months. | No |
| 22nd | Yule - Litha | Wiccan/Pagan | An annual Wiccan celebration of the winter born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun and is the longest night of the year. The significance of this day is marked by the return of the sun and calls for a time of reflection, peace, harmony, increased happiness, and planning for the future. Ceremonial candles are lit to encourage the sun to grow stronger, presents are exchanged, and a Wiccan Yule Log ritual takes place, to name a few. | No |
| 24th | Christmas Eve | Christian | An annual Christian observance that occurs the day before Christmas day in the Gregorian calendar. Christmas Eve marks the conclusion of the Advent Season and is significant to celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth. | No |
| 25th | Christmas Day | Christian | One of the biggest annual Christian celebrations honouring the birth of Jesus Christ who is believed to be the son of God. Many festivities take place such as gift exchanges, family feasts, church services, prayers, and caroling. It is widely recognized that Santa Claus visits to bring presents for young girls and boys. | No |
| 26th | St. Stephens Day | Christian | An annual day of remembrance for St Stephen, the first Christian martyr. | No |
| Zarathosht Diso | Zoroastrian | An annual celebration commemorating the death of the Prophet and founder Zoroastrian faith. | No | |
| 27th | Saint John - Apostle and Evangelist | Christian | An annual feast day honouring the Patron Saint John. | No |
| 28th | Holy Innocents | Christian | An annual solemn observance day to commemorate the male child victims who were killed by King Herod in the attempt to destroy Jesus. | No |
| 30th | Holy Family Day | Catholic Christian | An annual celebration of the love shared between the family of Jesus. | Yes |
| 31st | Watch Night | Christian | An annual observance to gives thanks to God for protecting them through another year. | No |