Brief explanations of major holy days
A
Aashura (Islam)
Falls on the tenth day of Muharram. The day commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Ananta Chaturdasi (Jainism)
Regarded as the holiest period of the year. Celebrated by fasting, worship, meditation and confession.
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha (Baha'i)
Commemorates the date in 1921 when 'Abdu'l Baha passed away in Haifa, Israel after years of serving his father and the growing Baha'i community. During his life, 'Abdu'l-Baha wrote extensively, interpreting many of his father's writings, safeguarded the unity of the Faith and traveled extensively to visit Baha'is around the world.
Ascension of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
Commemorates the date in 1892 when Baha'u'llah, the prophet-founder of the Baha'i faith passed away near Haifa, Israel. At the time of his death, he had been a prisoner of the Shah of Persia and the Ottoman Empire for 40 years. The event is usually observed at 3 a.m., the actual time of his passing.
Ash Wednesday (Christian)
The seventh Wednesday before Easter, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent (which lasts 40 days). Lent is a period of prayer, repentance and self-denial which leads up to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, a cross of ashes is marked on the forehead as a sign of penitence and mortality.
B
Baha'i Fast (Baha'i)
During this time, an adult believer in good health abstains from food and drink from sunrise until sunset each day.
Beltane (Paganism/Wicca)
Also called May Day. This fertility festival celebrates the conjoining of the infinite potential of the Goddess with the life-sparking energy of the God in a sacred marriage.
Birth of the Bab (Baha'i)
The Bab (head of the new age for Baha'is) was born this day in 1819. Born Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammed in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran, his shrine is located at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel. The Bab means The Gate in Arabic.
Birth of the Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
Baha'u'llah was born Mirza Husayn 'Ali into one of Persia's leading noble families in 1817. His title means The Glory of God in Arabic. He is the founder of the Baha'i faith.
Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Sikhism)
Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth guru (1666-1708 CE) and the final master who created the Sikh Brotherhood, the Khalsa. He declared the Scriptures (the Adi Granth) to be the Sikh's Guru from that time on.
Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikhism)
Guru Nanak is the Founder of Sikh religion (born 1469). He was an accomplished poet and 974 of his hymns are found in the Sikh scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib.
Birth of the Prophet Zarathrustra (Zoroastrianism)
Founder of Zoroastrian faith.
C
Chanukah (Judaism)
Chanukah celebrates religious freedom and commemorates the historic victory of the Jews 2000 years ago which followed a three-year long uprising against the Syrian-Greek regime that had imposed strict sanctions against Jewish religious practices and values. Eight candles are lit (one each day) in commemoration.
Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year
Irrespective of their religion or country, many Chinese, Vietnamese, Koreans of Buddhist and other backgrounds celebrate the cultural aspects of this day.
Christmas (Christian)
This day marks the birth of Jesus, the son of God. Orthodox Church religions (those which follow the Julian calendar) celebrate Christmas on January 7th.
D
Dassehra/Vijay Dasami/Dasara (Hinduism)
Dassehra celebrates the victory of good over evil: Lord Rama's victory over the demon Ravan,and the Goddess Durja's victory over a demon. It follows the nine-day celebration of Navarati (nine nights) and Durga Puja (worship) when other Goddesses are also worshipped.
Day of the Covenant (Baha'i)
The eldest son and appointed successor of Baha'u'llah, 'Abdu'l-Baha, is referred to as the Centre of the Covenant. The Covenant was established by Baha'u'llah to safeguard the unity of the Baha'i community. It was 'Abdu'l Baha's wish that the Covenant be celebrated rather than his birth date.
Death of the Prophet Zarathrustra (Zoroastrianism)
Founder of Zoroastrian faith. Believed to have lived in the first or second millennium BCE.
Declaration of the Bab (Baha'i)
The Baha'i Faith began in Persia (now Iran) on May 23, 1844. This date commemorates the announcement by Bab of his mission as a manifestation of God whose purpose was to prepare the world for the coming of a promised manifestation of all religions, Baha'u'llah . The Baha'i calendar dates from this year. This event is usually celebrated two hours after sunset.
Diwali (Hinduism)
Known as the Festival of Lights, it is dedicated to the Goddess Kali in Bengal and to Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, in the rest of India. Diwali is associated with the destruction of evil by Vishnu in one of his many manifestations. Also called Deepvali .
Diwali (Jainism)
Celebrated throughout India, for Jains, Diwali holds special significance as it was the day in 527 BCE that Mahavira gave his last teachings and attained ultimate liberation (Mahavira Nirvana). Some Jains fast for the two days of Diwali.
Diwali (Sikhism)
Also called Bandi Chhor Divas which means the day of the prisoner's release. It commemorates the return of the sixth Guru, Sri Hargobind Ji, to the holy city of Amritsar after his release from detention. Since he was released on the day of Diwali, Sikhs in Amritsar illuminate the city.
Dragon Boat Festival (Confucianism)
This event remembers Chu'u Yuan (328-298 BCE), a Chinese poet and statesperson who drowned himself in the Tungting Lake in protest of corruption within the royal court.
E
Easter (Christian)
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Good Friday, Jesus was crucified. His body, when taken down, was placed in a cave which had a large stone covering the entrance. On the following Sunday, the cave was discovered empty. Later that day and for days after, Jesus was seen by many people. God had raised Jesus from the dead. This is the most important festival of the Christian religion. Eastern Christian religions refer to this day as Pascha.
Easter Triduum /Great Triduum (Christian)
The centre of the Christian liturgical year, the Great Triduum consists of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
Eid-al-Adha (Islam)
This is the Festival of Sacrifice. It is celebrated to honour Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to God. To commemorate this sacrifice, Muslims sacrifice a sheep or goat and donate the meat or its equivalent value in cash to charity. This is the minimum requirement for those who can afford it.
Eid-al-Fitr (Islam)
This festival marks the end of Ramadan.
G
Ganesh Chaturthi (Hinduism)
This day celebrates the birthday of Ganesh, God of Success. He is worshipped in order to remove obstacles from one's path.
Ghost Festival (Confucianism)
This festival offers food and prayers for ghosts. These ghosts are harmful spirits (souls that are restless) because of their violent or untimely deaths, ill-placed burial sites or neglect by descendants. The festival is an opportunity to appease these ghosts.
Good Friday (Christian)
This is the Friday before Easter. It is a day of mourning in the church as it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Eastern Christian religions refer to this day as Holy Friday.
H
Hijra (Islam)
The Islamic cycle of months begins. Formulas determine holy days based on lunar events.
Holi (Hinduism)
Holi is the colourful festival that welcomes the spring and celebrates the energy and new life of the season. It is also called the Festival of Colours. People celebrate by street dancing and throwing coloured powder and water at each other.
Holy Saturday (Christian)
This is the day that Christ's body lay in His tomb. It should be the quietest day of the Christian year; however, the evening is a time of joy and expectation for Easter.
Imbolc (Paganism/Wicca)
Imbolc celebrates the Goddess of fire, healing and fertility. A fire is lit to celebrate the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months. Rituals and activities associated with this festival include making candles, planting spring flowers, reading poetry and telling stories. Imbolc is also known as Imbolg, Candlemas, Brigantia, The Feast of the Waxing Light and Oimelc.
Intercalary Days (Baha'i)
These four days (five in a leap year) do not belong to any month. They are days of celebration, gift-giving, hospitality and charitable works.
J
Jnana Panchmi (Jainism)
The day is referred to as the Day of Knowledge and celebrates Saraswati Devi, the deity of knowledge and learning.
K
Kwanzaa
Celebrated by those of West African descent in recognition of their African heritage. Candles of a seven-branched candelabrum are lit over the seven-day festival to symbolize unity, self-determination, responsibility, co-operative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
L
Lailat-ul Miraj (Islam)
Commemorates the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad into heaven.
Lailat-ul-Qadr (Islam)
This festival which translated means, The Night of Power, commemorates the night on when the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur'an.
Lughnassad/Lammas (Paganism/Wicca)
Lughnassad, also known as Lammas, is a festival that celebrates the grain harvest.
Lantern Festival (Confucianism)
Marking the end of the New Year's celebration, this event features a display of lanterns.
Litha (Paganism/Wicca)
Also called Summer Solstice or Midsummer's Eve. This festival is in celebration of the sun and the divine powers that create life. The Goddess, who took over the Earth from the horned God at the beginning of spring, is now at the height of her power and fertility. For some, the Summer Solstice celebrates the marriage of the God and Goddess and it is that union that creates the harvest's fruits.
Lord's Evening Meal (Jehovah's Witness)
Celebrated each year on the anniversary (or memorial) of Jesus Christ's death.
Lunar New Year (Confucianism, Chinese)
A celebration offering a period of renewal before the spring agricultural work begins.
M
Mabbon (Paganism/Wicca)
This celebration, also called the fall or autumn equinox, occurs when day and night are of equal duration. This is a time of reflection on the past season and recognition of the seasonal changes to come.
Maghi (Sikhism)
This is the first day of the month of Magh . This day commemorates a battle in which 40 Sikhs (called the Immortal Ones) laid down their lives for Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Maha Shivaratri (Hinduism)
This festival is dedicated to Shiva, one of the major Hindu deities. Celebrants fast during the day and hold vigil at night. The festival is also called Shivaratri or Great Shiva Night.
Mawid-an-Nabi (Islam)
Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha'i)
At age 31, the Bab was put to death by firing squad in the market square of Tabriz, Persia in 1850. This event is observed at noon.
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sikhism)
Arjan was the fifth Guru of the Sikhs and the first Sikh Martyr. He built the Harimandir (Temple of God) in Amritsar. Arjan also contributed to and compiled the Sikh Scriptures.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (Sikhism)
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered for his defending of the Sikh faith, Hinduism and religious liberty.
Maunajiyaras (Jainism)
This is a day of fasting, silence and meditation on the five holy beings: monks, teachers, religious leaders, Arihants (Jinas, enlightened masters) and Siddhas (liberated souls).
Maundy Thursday (Christian)
The day of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the ceremony called the Eucharist.
Mid Autumn Festival (Confucianism)
Focusing on the moon, this celebration is centred on popular deity, Ch'ang O. People go to the countryside, eat moon-shaped cakes and enjoy the holiday spirit.
N
National Aboriginal Day (Canadian)
A celebration of the diverse cultures and rich contributions made by the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.
Navarati (Hinduism)
This is a nine-day festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. Also called Durga Puja or Dusserah.
Naw Ruz (New Year) (Baha'i)
Baha'is celebrated new on the first day of spring. The celebration is usually held during the evening.
Naw Ruz (New Year) (Zoroastrianism)
On the Fasli calendar, this is the first day of the Zoroastrian and Persian year. It is a time of religious observance preceded by ten days of remembrance of the dead. It symbolizes the renewal of the world after the winter. Zarathrustra received his revelation on this day.
Nirvana Day
(Buddhism) Usually held on the second Sunday in February, this day commemorates the date of Shakyamuni Buddha's death and passing into Mahaparinirvana (complete extinction of ego-self and reunification with the universe).
Nisfu Shaban
(Islam) Night of Forgiveness or Repentance in preparation for Ramadan. It begins in the evening.
O
Ostara (Paganism/Wicca)
Ostara, also called the spring equinox, is a celebration of the renewed life of the Earth that accompanies the spring. Changes in the seasons are attributed to the God (The Green Man) and Goddess (Mother Earth) who reawaken the seeds within the earth. It is celebrated with day and night are of equal duration (like the fall equinox).
P
Passion (Palm) Sunday (Christian)
Passion (Palm) Sunday begins Holy Week which culminates in Easter or Pascha. This day commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphant arrival in Jerusalem.
Pascha (Eastern Orthodox)
Christian feast day of the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.
Pavarana (Buddhism)
Pavarana marks the end of the Rains Retreat (Vassa). This is also Founder's Day in Canada, marking the introduction of Buddhism into Canada in 1905 and the first assembly of Canadian Buddhists in Toronto in 1980.
Pesah (Passover) (Judaism)
Also known as the Festival of Freedom, Pesah commemorates the ending of the Jews bondage in Egypt. It is also known as the Holy Day of Spring because it is celebrated in the spring - beginning with the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan (April). It is also known as the Festival of Matzah because a special form of unleavened bread, called matzah, is eaten. First Seder is on the evening of April 23rd.
Purim (Judaism)
Purim celebrates victory over an oppressive ruler, as related in the Book of Esther.
R
Raksha Bandhan (Hinduism)
A festival honouring the loving ties between brothers and sisters in a family.
Ramadan (Islam)
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. All Muslims who are physically able, fast during this period each day from dawn to sunset.
Ramanavami (Hinduism)
The day of birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of God Vishnu.
Ridvan (pronounced rez-vahn) (Baha'i)
Baha'is observe the first, ninth and twelfth days of this period (April 21st, April 29th and May 2nd). It was during this period that Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith, declared his mission as the most recent messenger of God. The actual declaration took place in a garden, can Ridvan (paradise) in Baghdad, Iraq in 1863.
Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)
This is the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is also known as the Day of Remembrance and the Day of Judgment.
S
Samhain (Paganism/Wicca)
This is the most important date in the Pagan calendar. It celebrates the Celtic New Year. The dying God returns to the womb of the Goddess in preparation for rebirth at Yule. At Samhain, loved ones who have died are remembered and their souls are invited to join in the feasting and celebration. This is also the third and final harvest.
Shavuot (Judaism)
The Holy Day of the Giving of the Torah, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites and the completion of the God's purpose to create a special people.
Shimini Atzeret (Judaism)
A day to hold on a little longer with God after a whirlwind several weeks of significant holy days.
Simchat Torah (Judaism)
Rejoicing in the Law. This is the beginning of the synagogue's annual Torah reading cycle. Reform Jews celebrate it with Shmini Atzeret.
Sri Krishna Jayanti (Hinduism)
Also known as Janmashtami . this celebrates the birthday of Krishna. Krishna was the eighth incarnation of the God Vishnu. His purpose was to destroy the demon Kansa who was responsible for the increase of evil in the world.
Sukkot (Judaism)
Sukkot is a pilgrimage feast and a time of thanksgiving celebrating God's presence in creation and among the Jewish people. The eighth day, Shimini Atzeret is a distinct festival.
T
Tisha B'av (Judaism)
This day commemorates the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem.
U
Ullambana (Buddhism)
The day on which offerings are made to Buddha, the Dharma/Teachings and the Sangha /Monastic Community on behalf of ancestors. Also called Happy Buddha Day.
V
Vaisakhi/Baisakhi (Sikhism)
The most important holy day of the year for Sikhs. On this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, created the Khalsa Panth, the Brotherhood of the Pure. Khalsa brothers are given the name Singh (lion) and sisters are named Kaur (princess).
Vasant Panchami (Hinduism)
This festival is dedicated to Saraswati (Goddess of learning).
Vesak/Visakha Puja/Wesak (Buddha Day) (Buddhism)
Celebrated on the first full moon day in May (except in leap years, where the festival is held in June), Vesak is the major Buddhist festival of the year. It celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha on the one day.
Y
Yom Ha Shoah (Judaism)
Commemorates the Holocaust during which six million perished.
Yom Kippur (Judaism)
Also known as the Day of Atonement. It is the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar. To re-establish oneness with God, Jews ask forgiveness and forgive others. Then they confess their sins and ask God's forgiveness. Yom Kippur begins at sundown the previous day.
Yule (Paganism/Wicca)
Also called Winter Solstice, Yule marks the birth of the God. It is a time for looking forward to spiritual development of the coming year.