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Religious Holidays

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  5. Religious Holidays

The following Multi-Faith Religious Holiday Calendars are provided as an educational resource and as a tool for planning when considering how events and activities may impact religious observances by members of our diverse campus. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of these calendars, we rely on the expertise of our religious, spiritual and worldview campus groups to assist in making our calendars as accurate and representative as possible. Please reach out to faith@uoguelph.ca with any feedback, questions, or corrections.

Academic Accommodation of Religious Obligations

The University acknowledges the pluralistic nature of the graduate and undergraduate communities. Accommodation will be made to students who experience a conflict between a religious obligation and scheduled tests, mid-term exams, final exams, or requirements to attend classes and participate in laboratories. Further information can be found online or by contacting Diversity and Human Rights. The Multi-Faith Resource Team is available for support and consultation.

FAQs for Religious Accommodation
Diversity and Human Rights

Add the Religious Holidays Calendar to Outlook

Multi-Faith Programs has created an Outlook calendar of Religious Holidays that is available to everyone with a @uoguelph.ca email. To add the calendar:

  1. Open your Outlook email and click "Add Calendar."
  2. Under "Add from Directory," select your account and add mrhc@uoguelph.ca.
  3. Click "Add" and the calendar will now appear in your list of Outlook calendars.

Add Calendar to Outlook

Religious Holidays Calendar

Date

Holiday

Religious, Spiritual or Worldview Tradition

Description

Sunday, January 3Mahayana New YearBuddhismCelebrated by Mahayana Buddhists, this marks the start of the lunar new year with prayers, meditation, and good deeds. It aims to clear past misdeeds and bring fresh resolutions.
Wednesday, January 7ChristmasChristianity (Orthodox)The Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, marked by festive gatherings, prayers, symbolic decorations, and gift-giving. Many observe the Christmas season for 12 days, ending in the Feast of Epiphany.
Tuesday, January 13MaghiSikhismA significant Sikh festival commemorating the 40 Sikhs who sacrificed their lives for Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the Battle of Muktsar. It is observed with prayers, processions, and communal meals.
Wednesday, January 14Makar SankrantiHinduismCelebrates the sun’s transition into Capricorn, marking the end of winter and the start of longer days. It’s observed with kite flying, sweets, and prayers for prosperity.
Friday, January 16Laylat al MirajIslamA Muslim holiday observing the Prophet Muhammad’s spiritual journey to heaven. It involves night prayers, recitations from the Quran, and personal reflection.
Friday, January 23Vasanta PanchamiHinduismA Hindu festival heralding the arrival of spring and dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning. Devotees wear yellow, offer prayers, and engage in educational pursuits.
Monday, February 2 at Sundown to Tuesday, February 3 at sundownLaylat al BaraatIslamA Muslim night of repentance and prayer for forgiveness. Devotees spend the night in prayer, seeking divine mercy and reflecting on past actions.
Tuesday, February 17Lunar New YearBuddhismMarks the beginning of the lunar calendar. Celebrated with family gatherings, food, prayers, and traditions meant to bring good fortune, health, and happiness for the year ahead.
Tuesday, February 17 at Sundown to Thursday, March 19 at sundownRamadanIslamA sacred month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, prayer, and reflection. Muslims focus on self-discipline, gratitude, and charity to strengthen their faith and compassion for others.
Monday, March 2 at Sundown to Tuesday, March 3 at SundownPurimJudaismCommemorates the saving of the Jewish people in Persia. Celebrated with costumes, reading the Book of Esther, festive meals, charity, and gift-giving to friends and family.
Tuesday, March 3Magha Puja DayBuddhismCommemorates Buddha’s sermon to 1,250 enlightened monks. Devotees gather at temples to meditate, chant, and reflect on the teachings of love, compassion, and moral discipline.
Wednesday, March 4Holi Hinduism/SikhismKnown as the festival of colors, Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and triumph of good over evil. People throw colored powders, dance, and enjoy festive foods together.
Sunday, March 15 to Monday, March 16Laylat al QadrIslamKnown as the Night of Power, it commemorates when the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Considered the holiest night, it is observed with prayer and reflection.
Thursday, March 19 at Sundown to Sunday, March 20 at SundownEid Al-FitrIslamCelebrates the end of Ramadan. Muslims gather for prayers, give charity (Zakat al-Fitr), and enjoy festive meals with family and friends to mark the month’s spiritual achievement.
Saturday, March 21Naw-RuzBaha'iThe Bahá'í New Year, Naw-Ruz coincides with the spring equinox and is celebrated with prayer, music, dancing, and symbolic meals among friends and family.
Wednesday, April 1 at Sundown to Thursday, April 9 at SundownPassover/PesachJudaismCommemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Celebrated with the Seder meal, symbolic foods, and storytelling to remember themes of freedom and faith.
Friday, April 3Good FridayChristianity (Protestant, Roman Catholic)Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Observed with fasting, prayer, and church services that reflect on sacrifice, suffering, and the promise of redemption
Sunday, April 5EasterChristianity (Protestant, Roman Catholic)Celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. A joyful holiday marked with church services, music, and traditions celebrating new life and spiritual hope.
Friday, April 10Good FridayChristianity (Orthodox)Honors the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Orthodox Christians attend solemn church services and reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity
Sunday, April 12EasterChristianity (Orthodox)Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, symbolizing victory over death and sin. Services begin at midnight, followed by feasting and joyous family gatherings.
Monday, April 13 at Sundown to Tuesday, April 14 at SundownYom HaShoahJudaismHolocaust Remembrance Day. Honors the memory of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust with ceremonies, candle-lighting, and moments of reflection and silence.
Tuesday, April 14VaisakhiHinduismMarks the spring harvest and the founding of the Khalsa in Sikhism. Celebrated with parades, prayers, and festivals, especially in northern India and Sikh communities.
Tuesday, April 21Ridvan (1st day)Baha'iMarks the start of the twelve-day Ridvan Festival, celebrating Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration as a Messenger of God. It is the holiest Baha’i festival, observed with prayer and community.
Wednesday, April 29Ridvan (9th day)Baha'iCommemorates the arrival of Bahá’u’lláh’s family to the Ridvan Garden. A joyful holy day in the twelve-day Ridvan Festival, marked by reflection and gatherings.
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