2021 - 2022 Multi Faith Calendar

Month Date Religion Event Significance August August 9 - August 10, 2021 Islam Hijra - Islamic New Year Marks the beginning of the new year on the Islamic Calendar. September September 6 - 8, 2021 Judaism Rosh Hashana Jewish New Year - begins evening of Sep 6th, ends at sundown on Sep 8th

September 14, 2021 Judaism Kol Nidrei Evening Events only September 15 - 16, 2021 Judaism Yom Kippur Day of Atonement September 20 - 27, 2021 Judaism Sukkot Feast of Tabernacles September 28 - 29, 2021 Judaism Simchat Torah Day of Celebrating the Torah September 30, 2021 Indigenous Orange Shirt Day Orange Shirt Day (September 30th) is a day when we honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada and learn more about the history of those schools. October October 7 - 15, 2021 Hinduism Navaratri Festival to worship goddess Durga, who represents energy of the universe. Festival is celebrated for 9 nights. Many people observe a fast during this time. October 15, 2021 Hinduism Dassehra Major festival to celebrate end of Navaratri (triumph of good over evil) October 18 - October 19, 2021 Islam Mawlid-al-Nabi Prophet Muhammad's birthday October 20, 2021 Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth Anniversary of the first installation of (collection of teachings and writings) November November 4, 2021 Sikhism / Most popular festival of Lights (celebrates new beginnings, triumph of Hinduism good over evil, and light over darkness) November 19, 2021 Sikhism Birthday of Dev Sahib Birth anniversary of founder of Sikhism November 24, 2021 Sikhism Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahdur Guru Tegh Badhur spoke out against persecution; commemorates his death November 28 - December 6, 2021 Judaism Hannukah A festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. December December 8, 2021 Bodhi Day Commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment December 24, 2021 Christianity Eve Celebrates evening before birth of Christ. Also celebrated as non-secular event by many Canadians. December 25, 2021 Christianity Christmas Celebrates birth of Christ. Also celebrated as non-secular event by many Canadians. Is a statuatory holiday in Canada. January January 9, 2022 Sikhism Guru Gobindh Singh birthday Last of the ten Gurus who created the , who wear visible symbols of faith February February 1, 2022 Buddhism Lunar New Year The first day after the new moon is celebrated as Lunar New Year, a religious and cultural festival for Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans of Buddhist and other backgrounds. February 5, 2022 Hinduism Vasant Panchami Signifies the preliminary preparations for the arrival of Spring. This festival is also dedicated to goddess Saraswati (goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and art) Month Date Religion Event Significance February 15, 2022 Buddhism Day Recognizes the passing of Buddha February 16, 2022 Sikhism Held in memory of martyrs who gave their lives to protect tenth Guru February 16, 2022 Buddhism Magha Puja Day Magha Puja is an important religious festival celebrated by Buddhists in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos on the full moon day of the third lunar month. March March 2, 2022 Christianity Ash Wednesday Not a major event, however, it is customary for people to attend church in the evening to receive "ashes" and mark the beginning of Lent, which is the period leading up to Easter. Booking activities in the evening on this date is not recommended. March 11, 2022 Hinduism Maha Shivaratri Festival to celebrate Lord Shiva March 16 - 17, 2022 Judaism Purim One of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar March 18 - 20, 2022 Sikhism Festival for to practice military exercises and follows Hindu festival of colours March 19, 2022 Hinduism Holi celebrations start on the night before Holi. The next morning is Holi - the festival of colours, a festive day to meet and greet others and repair broken relationships. This also signifies the beginning of a good spring harvest season. April April 2 - 11, 2022 Hinduism Chaitra Navratri Nine day festival marked by fasting and praying to the goddess of energy, wealth and knowledge. April 2 - May 1, 2022 Islam Ramadan Begins First Day of the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month of fasting, self- examination and devotion during which physically able Muslims to not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. April 10, 2022 Hinduism Ram Navami Celebrates the birthday of the god Rama April 14, 2022 Sikhism Baisakhi () Sikh new year April 15 - 22, 2022 Judaism Pesach Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread April 15, 2022 Christianity Good Friday Recognizes day Christ was crucified. Is an official statuatory holiday in Canada. April 16, 2022 Hinduism Hanuman Jayanti Celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanunam, symbol of strength and energy April 17, 2022 Christianity Easter Sunday Recognizes the resurrection of Christ. Also celebrated as non-secular event by many Canadians. April 18, 2022 Christianity Easter Monday This is not considered an official statutory holiday in Canada, however, many business and workplaces are closed on this day. May May 2 - 3, 2022 Islam Eid-al-Fitr (last day of Ramadan) The breaking of the fast that celebrates the end of Ramadan (observance begins at sunset the previous day. May 6, 2022 Buddhism /Wesak/Buddha Day/Visakha Puja Buddha's birthday - usually on the first full moon day in May, this the most important day that commemorates the birth, awakening and passing away of the historical Buddha; Siddhartha Gautama May 8, 2022 Buddhism Buddha's Birthday Also known as Hanamatsuri, it is celebrated on April 8th, and in Japan baby Buddha figurines are ceremonially washed with tea. June June 4 - 6, 2022 Judaism Shavuot Festival of Weeks, commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai Month Date Religion Event Significance June 16, 2022 Sikhism martyrdom Sacrificed his life for truth, righteousness, and freedom of belief June 21, 2022 Indigenous National Indigenous Day Is a day recognising and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.

Legend: Bold = significant event and needs to be flagged in terms of calendar planning Unbold = significant event in each faith but does not have calendar implications