1 January (Monday) NEW YEAR’S DAY / HOGMANAY National

A day widely observed, as is New Year’s Eve the preceding night, throughout the UK, and more especially in Scotland, where bagpipes, haggis and first footing are widespread.

1 January (Monday) SHUSO (New Year) Buddhist

New year in the Buddhist calendar.

1 January (Monday) GANJITSU Japanese

New Year’s Day celebrations in Japan are sometimes extended for up to three days, during which businesses are closed, families spend time together, decorations are put up and the first visit of the year is paid to local Shinto shrines.

1 January (Monday) THE CIRCUMCISION OR NAMING OF JESUS Christian

Celebrates the circumcision and naming of Jesus in accordance with Jewish custom.

6 January (Saturday) THEOPHANY Christian (Orthodox)

Orthodox Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. ‘Theophany’ means ‘Manifestation of God’. Jesus’ miracle at Cana in Galilee is also remembered.

6 January (Saturday) EPIPHANY Christian (Anglican and Roman Catholic)

Celebrates the visit of the magi/wise men to the infant Jesus, bearing symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This is the twelfth day of Christmas.

6 / 7 January (Saturday / Sunday) CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY Christian (Orthodox)

(Eastern Orthodox: Julian calendar). Many Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas (and other fixed festivals) thirteen days after the Western churches.

6 / 7 January (Saturday / Sunday) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS DAY Rastafarian

To Rastafarians this is a time not only to celebrate the birth of Jesus in the manner prescribed by tradition, but also to reflect on this event in the context of the original prophecy of his birth, seen as a manifestation of God not only as Priest but as King

 7 January (Sunday) BAPTISM OF CHRIST / BAPTISM OF THE LORD Christian (Anglican / Roman Catholic)  

Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist; they recall how at this event the heavens were opened and a voice was heard proclaiming Jesus, while God’s spirit descended on him in the form of a dove

12 January (Friday) BIRTHDAY OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA Hindu

Vivekananda, an Indian Hindu monk and a disciple of Ramakrishna, was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.

13 January (Saturday) LOHRI Sikh

A festival celebrated on the 13th day of January is a festival of zeal and verve marking the coming culmination of the chilly winter

14 January (Sunday) MAKAR SANKRANTI / LOHRI / PONGAL Hindu

This is a day for almsgiving and patching up quarrels. It is celebrated with rice sugar, pancakes, halva or cornmeal chapattis, eaten around a fire

16 January (Tuesday) SHINRAN MEMORIAL DAY Buddhist

Shinran was the founder of Jodo Shin-shu, one of the schools of Pure Land Buddhism.

17 January (Wednesday) BIRTHDAY OF GURU GOBIND SINGH (1666 CE) Sikh

Birth Anniversary of the tenth Guru, who instituted the practice of the Five Ks and established the Order of the Khalsa on Vaisakhi (Baisakhi).   An akhand path, an unbroken reading of the whole of the Guru Granth Sahib, spreads over a 48 hour period.

18 January (Thursday) LABAJIE / LABA FESTIVAL Chinese 

The Laba is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the eighth day of the La Month (or Layue), the twelfth month of the Chinese calendar. It is customary on this day to eat Laba Congee.

18 (Thursday) to 25 January (Thursday) WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY Christian

United services are held, and dialogue on unity is encouraged; some worshippers visit other people’s churches or invite preachers from denominations different from their own.

21 January (Sunday) WORLD RELIGION DAY Baha'i and other groups

This day promotes interfaith understanding by emphasizing factors common to all faiths. It was first introduced among Baha’i communities in the 1950s, and is now celebrated by a wider spread of communities, including the Baha’i, usually on the third Monday of January.

25 January (Thursday) HONEN MEMORIAL DAY Buddhist

Honen (1133-1212 CE) is one of the outstanding figures in the history of Japanese Buddhism, and was the founder of Jodo Shinshu, one of the schools of Pure Land Buddhism.

25 January (Thursday) CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL  Christian

The conversion of Paul the Apostle was, according to the New Testament, an event in the life of Saul/Paul the Apostle that led him to cease persecuting early Christians and to become a follower of Jesus.

25 * January (Thursday) TU B'SHEVAT Jewish

A popular minor festival which celebrates the New Year for trees. Jewish tradition marks the 15th of Shevat as the day when the sap in the trees begins to rise, heralding the beginning of spring. It is customary for Jews all over the world to plant young trees at this time and to eat fruit produced in Israel.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

27 January (Saturday) HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY National

A day for remembrance of people who suffered, chiefly at the hands of the Nazis during the second World War but also in other persecutions. It aims to keep memory fresh and ensure that no such atrocity happens again.

30 January (Tuesday) JASHN-E SADEH Zoroastrian [Iranian Calendar]

A mid winter bonfire festival to signify that days are getting longer. The litany to fire, the Atash Niyayeesh, is recited, and Iranian legends are told of King Hoshang (who discovered the art of making fire). Piping hot stew, dancing and merry making feature.

1 February (Thursday) IMBOLC / CANDLEMAS Pagan

Imbolc/Candlemas celebrates the awakening of the land and the growing power of the Sun.  Snowdrops, which appear at this time of the year, are seen as the heralds of spring.

2 February (Friday) PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE / CANDLEMAS Christian 

Congregations hold lighted candles to recall the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and Mary’s following Jewish tradition after the birth of a son.  His recognition by the aged Simeon is expressed in the words of the Nunc Dimittis.

3 February (Saturday) SETSUBUN [Bean Scattering] Japanese

The day for the Bean Scattering ceremony, performed both in homes and in temples.

8 or 15 February** (Wednesday) PARINIRVANA [Nirvana Day] Buddhist 

Mahayanists mark the final passing away from this world of Gautama Buddha at Kushinagara, India, at the age of 80. Pure Land Buddhists call this Nirvana Day.

** some uncertainty about date

8 * February (Thursday) ISRA AND MI'RAJ [The Prophet's Night Journey ] Muslim

This marks the night journey of the Prophet Muhammad through the heavens to the presence of God, when the command that Muslims should pray five times a day was given to the Prophet. The rock from which the Prophet ascended is now in Jerusalem’s ‘Dome of the Rock’.  Muslims mark this night by reading the Qur’an and saying additional prayers.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

10 February (Saturday) SONAM LOSAR Buddhist (Nepal)

Sonam Losar is a new year festival of the Tamang and Hyolmo people of Nepal and the Sikkim and Darjeeling regions of India. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice which is usually the Magh Sukla Pratipada based on the eastern lunar calendar.

10 February (Saturday) YUAN TUAN [New Year Festival] Chinese

Celebrations last for three or more days, and involve fireworks, dances (e.g. the famous Lion Dance) and gifts of paper money, flowers and sweets. Business accounts are settled and all debts paid before the New Year begins.

2024 is the year of the Dragon.

13 February  (Tuesday) SHROVE TUESDAY Christian (Western Churches)

‘Shrove’ relates to absolution from sin. Nowadays it is a day for eating and enjoyment.  In Britain it is called ‘Pancake Day’, as pancakes use up all the rich foods before Lent. Elsewhere it is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), and is a time for carnivals and fairs.

14 February (Wednesday) ASH WEDNESDAY Christian (Western Churches)

This first day of Lent recalls the temptations Jesus faced for forty days in the wilderness.   In Catholic and some Anglican churches, worshipper’s foreheads are marked with a cross of ash made from burning the palm crosses of the previous year – hence ‘Ash Wednesday’.

13 / 14 February (Tuesday / Wednesday) SARASVATI PUJA / VASANT PANCHAMI Hindu

Widely celebrated in North India, this festival marks the beginning of spring.  For Hindus it is usually linked with Saraswati, the goddess of learning and the arts.  Yellow is her associated colour.

14 February (Wednesday) [to 28 March] FIRST DAY OF LENT Christian  (Western Churches)

This is the beginning of the Lenten Fast, which involves abstinence from meat, fish and dairy products until Easter. Unlike the Western tradition, where Lent begins on the Wednesday before the first Monday of Lent, Eastern Churches start Lent on the Monday before the first Monday.

14 February (Tuesday) ST VALENTINE'S DAY Christian / National

23 February (Friday) Emperor's Birthday Japanese

24 February (Saturday) CHUNJIE / YUANXIAOJIE / TENG CHIEH [Lantern Festival] Chinese

The Lantern Festival marks the first full moon of the year and the lengthening of the days. Strings of lanterns in various designs are hung up indoors and outside as decoration.

24 February (Saturday) MAGHA PUJA Buddhist

1,250 enlightened disciples came to the Bamboo Grove on the full moon of Magha. The Buddha predicted his death and gave a summary of his teachings and a code of discipline which all monks are expected to recite every fortnight. The day is observed with meditation, chanting and listening to sermons.

25 * February (Sunday) LAILAT-UL-BARA'AH [The Night of Forgiveness] Muslim

Muslims seek forgiveness for their sins at this time.  Many hold that on this night a person’s destiny is fixed by Allah for the coming year. The night is spent in prayer, asking for forgiveness and God’s guidance. Some fast during the daytime in preparation.  In certain parts of the world Muslims visit the graves of relatives, and the giving of charity is also traditional. In many places the night is marked with firework displays.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

1 March (Friday) ST DAVID’S DAY Christian / National

Anniversary of the death of St David, the 6th Century CE patron saint of Wales.

1 March (Friday) WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Christian

This international, interdenominational prayer movement was begun in 1887. The service material is produced by a different country each year.

3 March (Sunday) HINAMATSURI [Doll's Festival / Girls' Day] Japanese

Clay dolls representing the Emperor and Empress, are displayed in the home, and offerings of peach blossom, rice-wine and rice-cakes are placed before them. The dolls carry away any illness which is afflicting the daughters of the house, for whom prayers are offered.

8 March (Friday)  MAHASHIVRATRI [Great Shiva Night] Hindu

This is the night on which Shiva is said to perform the cosmic dance, leading from creation to destruction. Many Hindus fast at this time. All night prayers focus on Shiva and his shrines and statues. Milk is poured on his symbol, the lingam.

10 March (Sunday) MOTHERING SUNDAY / SIMNEL Sunday Christian

This is more popularly known as Mother’s Day. Traditionally, Christians visited their ‘mother church’ and took gifts to their mothers, which often included a simnel cake.

11 * March (Monday) to 10 April (Wednesday) RAMADAN Muslim

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar, when the Prophet received the first revelation of verses of the Qur’an.  It is the holiest month for Muslims, and they dedicate themselves to spiritual renewal, prayer and intensive devotional reading of the Qur’an.   During the month of Ramadan Muslims are required to fast from daybreak until after sunset. No food or drink may be consumed during the hours of fasting, and those fasting must also abstain from smoking and from sexual relations. After the custom of the Prophet, the fast is traditionally broken each evening by taking dates and water.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

11 March (Monday) to 20 March (Wednesday) FRAVARDIGAN / MUKTAD Zoroastrian (Iranian)

In the Fravardigan festival the immortal souls, together with their fravashis (the guardian spirits of departed ancestors, half man/half bird), come to reside in the place of worship.   Many Zoroastrians take time off to pray, recite the five Gathas and cleanse their houses. Daily samples of sacred food are tasted by them during the daily ceremonies.

17 March (Sunday) ST PATRICK’S DAY Christian / National

The patron saint of Ireland, who lived in Britain in the 4th century CE, became a priest and set out to evangelise the Irish. His symbol is the shamrock, sprigs of which are worn on this day. Parades are held in Dublin and elsewhere, often of a secular nature.

17 March (Sunday) PASSION SUNDAY Christian

This is the 5th Sunday in Lent, when Christians begin to concentrate their thoughts on the Passion or suffering of Jesus.

17 (Sunday) to 23 (Saturday) HIGAN Japanese

21 March (Thursday) SHUNBUN NO HI Japanese

Higan is a 7 day festival that marks the Spring equinox (Shunbun No Hi). As at the Autumn equinox, harmony and balance are the themes. Sutras are recited, and the graves of relatives are visited. Higan usually runs for three days either side of the equinox.

18 March (Monday) THE GREAT LENTEN FAST BEGINS Christian (Orthodox)

This is the beginning of the Lenten Fast, which involves abstinence from meat, fish and dairy products until Easter. Unlike the Western tradition, where Lent begins on the Wednesday before the first Monday of Lent, Eastern Churches start Lent on the Monday before the first Monday.

19 March (Tuesday) ST JOSEPH’S DAY Christian (Roman Catholic)

A day to honour Joseph, Husband of the Virgin Mary, who, along with Mary, was responsible for Jesus’ upbringing.

20 March (Wednesday) SPRING EQUINOX / OSTARA Pagan VERNAL EQUINOX / ALBAN EILER / ALBAN EILIR Druid

By the Spring Equinox, the powers of the gathering year are equal to the darkness of winter and death. The God (the Green Man) awakens during this season. Some dedicate this time to Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of fertility.

20 March (Wednesday) NAW-RUZ Baha'i

New Year’s Day and the end of the nineteen day fast that concludes the old year.

21 March (Thursday) JAMSHEDI NORUZ Zoroastrian (Iranian)

NoRuz (New Year’s Day) occurs on the first day of spring. It represents the resurgence of life and the symbolic victory of the forces of light over darkness.  New clothes are worn and gifts and prayers offered at the Fire Temple to seek blessings from Ahura Mazda, and to participate in a jashan or thanksgiving ceremony, followed by dancing and making merry.

22 March (Friday) AVA MAH PARAB (ABAN JASHAN) Zoroastrian (Shahenshahi / Parsi)

Ava is the guardian/protector of the waters, and is associated with fertility. Zoroastrians celebrate the birth of the waters by going to seas, rivers and streams to recite a litany to the waters, to which they offer flowers, sugar, coconuts and flat cakes of sweet lentils.

24 * March (Sunday) PURIM Jewish

Purim is a carnival festival, recalling the saving of the Jewish community of Persia, as retold in the Book of Esther (the Megillah), which is read through twice in each synagogue. The name of Haman is drowned out with rattles and hooters and boos by the congregation whenever it is read.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

24 March (Sunday) PALM SUNDAY Christian

First day of Holy Week, when Christians remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In many churches the entry is commemorated by processions, with the congregation carrying symbolic branches of trees, or palm leaves folded in the form of a cross.

24 (Sunday) to 30 (Saturday) March HOLY WEEK Christian 

The most solemn week of the Christian year, in which Christians recall the events of the week in which Jesus was crucified.

24/25 March (Sunday/Monday) HOLI Hindu / 24 March (Sunday) HOLI Jain

A spring festival lasting one to five days. Bonfires are lit and coloured powders and dyes are thrown over people.  Various stories of Vishnu and of Krishna and the gopis (milkmaids) are related throughout the festival.

25 March (Monday) THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD Christian (Anglican / Orthodox / Roman Catholic) / LADY DAY Christian / National

Celebrates the announcement to Mary by the angel Gabriel that she is to bear a child, and her response in the Magnificat. Historically the day also marked New Year's Day in England.

25 March (Monday) KHORDAD SAL Zoroastrian (Iranian)

On the birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra there are visits to the Fire Temple to give thanks to Ahura Mazda for his gift of the Prophet; to participate in a jashan or thanksgiving ceremony; to listen to stories of the miraculous birth and life of the Prophet; and to share in a happy community meal, a drink and a dance.

27-28 March (Wednesday-Thursday) HOLA MAHALLA / HOLA MOHALLA Sikh

In 1680 Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, introduced this festival at Anandpur in Punjab, India, on the day after the Hindu Holi. It includes displays of swordsmanship, horsemanship, archery and wrestling, together with displays of weapons and symposia of poetry, making it a lively and colourful occasion, particularly for young Sikhs.

28 March (Thursday) MAUNDY THURSDAY Christian (Western Churches)

Christians remember the Last Supper when Jesus blessed bread and wine and commanded his disciples to remember him whenever they did this.  The name ‘maundy’ comes from a Latin term ‘mandatum’ (‘commandment’), signifying Jesus' new commandment to his disciples, as recorded in John 15:17.

29 March (Friday) GOOD FRIDAY Christian (Western Churches)

This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. Meditative services are held in church to mark the time that Jesus spent on the cross.

30 March (Saturday) HOLY SATURDAY (Easter Eve) Christian (Western Churches)

This is the last day of Lent. Special services involving the lighting of the Paschal Candle and the renewal of baptismal vows take place in the evening in preparation for Easter.

31 March (Sunday) EASTER SUNDAY Christian (Western Churches)

Easter Sunday is the most important festival of the Christian year, as it is when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Many Easter traditions, such as the giving of chocolate Easter eggs symbolise the gift of new life.
Matthew 28:1-11, Mark 16:1-10, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-10.

4 April (Thursday)  QINGMINGJIE / CH’ING MING [Festival of Pure Brightness / Tomb Sweeping Day] Chinese

The first occasion in the year when family graves are visited. Many families cleanse and sweep them, offer food to the spirits, and picnic/feast by the grave with their ancestors.

5 * April (Friday) LAILAT-UL-QADR [Night of Power] Muslim

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

8 April (Saturday) HANAMATSURI Buddhist (Japanese)

Mahayana flower festival to celebrate the Buddha Shakyamuni’s birthday. Shrines are erected and an image of the infant Buddha is bathed. Theravadins celebrate Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away later in the year, at the full moon in May.

10 * April (Wednesday) END OF RAMADAN Muslim
(for details of Ramadan, see start date in March)

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

10 * ** April (Wednesday) EID-UL-FITR [Feast of Fast Breaking] / 1st SHAWWAL Muslim

This is a time - once the fast of Ramadan has been completed - for making gifts to the poor. It is especially a time for new clothes, good food, and presents for children. Families get together and contact friends, especially those who live far away. The community assembles for Eid prayer and a sermon at its mosques. The traditional greeting is ‘Eid Mubarak’ – ‘a happy and blessed Eid’. Shawwal is the first of three months in which some of the acts of Hajj can begin to be performed.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

** Some uncertainty about date

13 April (Saturday) to 15 April (Monday) SONGKRAN Buddhist

Traditional New Year’s Day festival in Thailand. Containers of water are thrown as a symbol of washing away all that is evil. Fragrant herbs are often placed in the water jug or bucket.

14 April (Sunday) VAISAKHI / BAISAKHI – Sikh

In 1699, on Vaisakhi, the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, founded  the Order of the Khalsa. Five men (Five Beloved Ones), offered their lives when the Guru asked for volunteers. The ‘Five Ks’, the outward signs of Sikhism, were made obligatory and Sikh men took the name ‘Singh’ (lion) and women ‘Kaur’ (princess). The initiation ceremony, amrit, was introduced.

17 April (Wednesday) RAMA NAVAMI Hindu

The birthday of Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, is celebrated at noon in the aarti ceremony, performed in front of a murti or of a picture depicting Rama swinging in a cradle.

20 April (Saturday) - 1 May (Wednesday) RIDVAN Baha’i

The most important Baha’i festival. In these 12 days, in the garden outside Baghdad after which the festival is named, Baha’u’llah declared himself the Promised One, prophesied by the Bab. The first, ninth and twelfth days are especially significant and are holy days, when no work is done. It is during this period that Baha’is elect all their governing bodies.

20 April (Saturday) ADAR MAH PARAB Zoroastrian (Shenshai / Parsi)

On the ninth day of Adar, the 9th month, Zoroastrians celebrate the birthday of fire. They pay visits to the fire temple to make offerings of sandalwood or incense, and to thank the holy fire for the warmth and light it has given throughout the year. Traditionally on this day food is not cooked in the house as the fire is given a rest and the Atash Niyayeesh or litany to the fire is recited in honour of the house fire or the ceremonial oil lamp.

21 April  (Sunday) MAHAVIR JAYANTI (599 BCE) Jain

The birthday of the last Tirthankara, or great teacher and model of the Jainas. His birth and the events surrounding it are re-enacted.  Monks or nuns read from the scriptures and teach about the rest of Mahavira’s life. Lay people then return home to a celebratory feast.

23 April (Tuesday) HANUMAN JAYANTI Hindu

This Hindu festival recalls the birth of Lord Rama’s supreme devotee, the monkey-headed Hanuman, whose feats figure in the Ramayana epic.  Hanuman’s birth is celebrated at sunrise on the full-moon day of the lunar month of Chaitra.

23 * April (Tuesday) - 30 April (Tuesday) PESACH / PASSOVER  Jewish

An eight day festival when Jews commemorate the Exodus from their slavery in Egypt. The Seder meal is held in each family’s home at the beginning of the festival, when the story of their deliverance is recounted. Matzah (unleavened bread) is eaten throughout the festival.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

23 April (Monday) ST GEORGE’S DAY National

St George is the patron saint of England. He lived and died in the Middle East, but his popularity grew after the Crusades, when his red cross on a white background became the symbol of the English Crusaders.

27 (Saturday) April LAZARUS SATURDAY Christian (Orthodox)

A moveable feast before Palm Monday which celebrates the raising of Lazarus of Bethany. 

30 April (Tuesday) MAY EVE/ BELTAINE EVE Wiccan / Pagan

The wheel of the year continues to turn and fertile spring yields to the height of summer.   Many pagans celebrate Beltaine by lighting fires and leaping over them, and/or with maypole dances, symbolizing the mystery of the Sacred Marriage of Goddess and God.

1 May (Wednesday) BELTAINE / MAY DAY Wiccan / Pagan

The wheel of the year continues to turn and fertile spring yields to the height of summer.   Many pagans celebrate Beltaine by lighting fires and leaping over them, and/or with maypole dances, symbolizing the mystery of the Sacred Marriage of Goddess and God.

3 May (Friday) GOOD FRIDAY Christian (Orthodox)

5 May (Sunday) PASCHA / EASTER Christian (Orthodox) / Rastafarian

Easter Day, the most important festival of the Christian year, is when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. A vigil is kept during the preceding night and the resurrection is greeted with the lighting of candles and the glad affirmation, ‘Christ is risen’.

6 * May (Monday) YOM HA-SHOAH [Holocaust Day] Jewish

A day of remembrance for the victims of the Nazi Holocaust. Memorial candles are lit and special services are held.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

9 May (Thursday) ASCENSION DAY (40th day after Easter) Christian (Western Churches)

This day commemorates the last earthly appearance of the Risen Christ, who, according to Christian belief, ascended into heaven in the presence of many witnesses.

12 (Sunday) to 18 (Saturday) May CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Christian

Initiated in 1945, this fund raising week raises money for work with the needy throughout the world; mainly done by house to house collections and sales of goods of various kinds.

15 May (Wednesday) BUDDHA PURNIMA / BUDDHA DAY / BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY Buddhist

Buddha's Birthday is a Buddhist festival that is celebrated in most of East Asia and South Asia commemorating the birth of the Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later the Gautama Buddha, who was the founder of Buddhism.

19 May (Sunday) PENTECOST / WHIT SUNDAY Christian (Western Churches)

Pentecost, named after the Jewish festival when the disciples of Jesus first proclaimed the Gospel after the gift of the Holy Spirit, is seen as the ‘birthday’ of the Church.  Its alternative name comes from the custom of baptizing converts dressed in white.

22 May (Wednesday) VESAKHA PUJA / WESAK / BUDDHA DAY Buddhist

Wesak is the biggest of Buddhist festivals. Theravadins celebrate the birth, enlightenment and final passing away of Gautama Buddha. Mahayanists have separate days for each of them, and on Bodhi Day celebrate the enlightenment of the Buddha. Houses are decorated with lanterns and garlands, and temples are ringed with little oil lamps.  People often send ‘Wesak cards’ to their friends, and lay people come together at monasteries at this time. 

22 May (Wednesday) ZARATOSHT NO DISO Zoroastrian (Shahenshahi / Parsi) [26 December (Tuesday) (Iranian)]

This is the death anniversary of the Prophet Zarathushtra. Tradition records he was assassinated at the age of 77. It is customary to visit the Fire Temple, and ponder upon the Gathas, the Hymns of Zarathushtra, which embody his eternal message to humanity.

23 * May (Thursday) ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF THE BAB Baha’i

The Bab heralded the arrival of Baha’ullah and was co-founder of the Baha’i faith. He first declared his mission in Persia in 1844. He inaugurated the Baha’i calendar which numbers itself from the year of this declaration.

* Baha'i festivals begin on the evening before the date given

26 May (Sunday) TRINITY SUNDAY Christian (Western Churches)

On Trinity Sunday, Christians reflect on the mystery of God, who is seen as One but is understood in and through God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit.

26 * May (Sunday) LAG B'OMER Jewish

The Omer lasts 49 days from Pesach to Shavuot. A time of sadness, it is relieved on the 33rd day. It recalls the end of a plague in Roman times. Weddings often take place on this day, since they are not usually permitted during the rest of the Omer period.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

28 * May (Tuesday) ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASCENSION OF BAHA’U’LLAH Baha’i

Commemorates the death of Baha’u’llah at Bahji, near Acre, in 1892. His shrine there has become the place towards which all Baha’is face when praying.

* Baha'i festivals begin on the evening before the date given

30 May (Thursday) Corpus Christi (RC) / Day of Thanksgiving for the institution of Holy Communion (Anglican) Christian

This day recalls the act of Jesus in instituting the celebration of Holy Communion.

4 June (Tuesday) PENTECOST Christian (Orthodox)

An important festival in the Christian year, Pentecost is often seen as the ‘birthday’ of the Church, since this is when the disciples of Jesus first proclaimed the Gospel after receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is named after the Jewish festival day on which this event happened.

6 June (Thursday) ASCENSION DAY (40th day after Easter) Christian (Orthodox)

This day commemorates the last earthly appearance of the Risen Christ, who, according to Christian belief, ascended into heaven in the presence of many witnesses.

7 June (Friday) SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS Christian (Roman Catholic)

A feast day in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church that falls on the Friday that follows the second Sunday after Pentecost.

10 June (Monday) DUANWUJIE / TUAN YANG CHIEH [Dragon Boat Festival] Chinese

Great dragon boat races take place between slim rowing boats (sometimes 100 feet long) shaped like dragons. People also go down to the rivers to picnic and celebrate on boats.

12-13 June * (Wednesday - Thursday) SHAVUOT [The Feast of Weeks] Jewish

Seven weeks after Pesach, Shavuot celebrates the revelation of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the early harvest season in Israel. Summer flowers and dairy foods abound.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

15 * June (Saturday) HAJJ [Pilgrimage to Makkah] BEGINS (8th Dhul-Hijjah) Muslim

All Muslims who can afford to do so, and are not prevented through ill-health, are required to make this pilgrimage once in their lifetime (although there is no prohibition on making the pilgrimage more than once). A series of ritual acts are performed by the pilgrims during the first two days of Hajj.

* Muslim festivals begin the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

16 * June (Sunday) YAUM-ARAFAH [The Day of Arafat] (9th Dhul-Hijjah) Muslim

Muslims who are on Hajj spend the day in prayer on Mount Arafat to commemorate the end of the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet. Those not on Hajj are also expected to pray and to fast.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

16 June (Sunday) MARTYRDOM OF GURU ARJAN DEV (1606) Sikh

The fifth Guru was executed on the orders of the Moghul Emperor, Jehangir, for refusing to pay a fine arising from a charge of treason. Guru Arjan made the first compilation of the Sikh Scriptures, called the Adi Granth, and supervised the completion of what is now the Golden Temple in Amritsar. A gurpurb is held on this day, including  an akhand path.

17 * June (Monday) EID-UL-ADHA [The Festival of Sacrifice] (10th Dhul-Hijjah) Muslim

This major festival (al-Eid al-Kabir) commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal if they can afford it.  Much of the meat is distributed to the poor, and some is shared with relatives and friends.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

20 June (Thursday)  LITHA [Midsummer Solstice] Wiccan / Pagan
24 June (Monday) IBAN HERUIN / ALBAN HEFIN [Summer Solstice] Druid

The summer solstice is the festival of Midsummer, sometimes called Litha. The light of the sun is at the height of its power. It is a time of plenty and celebration.

21 June (Friday) WORLD HUMANIST DAY International

This Humanist holiday is celebrated annually around the world on the June solstice. It is seen as a time for Humanists to gather socially to promote the positive values of Humanism. Methods of celebration are left to individuals, but some groups develop intricate social rituals, music, and proceedings which highlight the celebration.

24 June (Monday) MIDSUMMER DAY National

One of the four Quarter Days in the UK legal calendar.

25 * June (Tuesday) EID UL GHADEER / EID-UL-GHADIR [Festivl of The Pool] Muslim (Shi‘a)

This is a festival observed by Shi‘a Muslims, for whom it is an extremely important day. It commemorates an event shortly before the death of the Prophet and his announcement concerning Ali, which they understand to be his clear appointment to be successor to the prophet as the spiritual and temporal leader of Islam.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

29 June (Saturday) DAY OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL Christian 

Also known as the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul or Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. A liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

30 June (Sunday) JASHN-E TIRGAN (TIR JASHAN) Zoroastrian (Iranian)

Jashn-e Tirgan is an ancient summer festival, celebrated some three months after the spring NoRuz. Tirgan is devoted to the divinity Tir and is associated with the dog-star Sirius, the coming of the rains in Iran and the fertility they bring. On this day it is customary to visit the Fire Temple to give thanks to Ahura Mazda, and to participate in a jashan or thanksgiving ceremony.

6 July (Saturday) BIRTHDAY OF HH THE DALAI LAMA Buddhist 

6 (Saturday) to 15 (Monday) July FRAVARDIGAN Zoroastrian (Kadmi)

In the Fravardigan festival the immortal souls, together with their fravashis (the guardian spirits of departed ancestors, half man/half bird), come to reside in the place of worship.   Many Zoroastrians take time off to pray, recite the five Gathas and cleanse their houses. Daily samples of sacred food are tasted by them during the daily ceremonies.

7 July (Sunday) RATHA YATRA Hindu

‘Chariot journey’. This is observed most notably at Puri in the Indian state of Orissa, where processions of thousands of devotees pull huge waggons (rathas) supporting images of Krishna.  He is known under the name of ‘Jagannath’, (Lord of the Universe), from which the English term ‘juggernaut’ comes. Krishna is attended on his journey by his brother and sister.  The festival and others like it are celebrated in Britain with processions through various parts of London on appropriate Mondays.

7 * July (Sunday) AL-HIJRA 1446AH / RA'S UL 'AM (Muharram 1) [Islamic New Year 622CE] Muslim

This day commemorates the Hijra or migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Medina in 622 CE, which led to the establishment of the Muslim community there. The day is not universally celebrated amongst Sunni Muslims but is notable as Muslim years are dated from this time and are marked AH (After the Hijrah). In 2022 CE the Muslim year 1446 AH begins.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

9 * July (Tuesday) ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF THE BAB - 1850 - Baha’i

The Bab was executed by firing squad in Tabriz, Persia, at noon on this day. The Bab’s death is commemorated at noon with readings and prayers from the Baha’i Scriptures.

* Baha'i festivals commence on the evening before the date given

13 July (Saturday) to 15 (Monday) O-BON Japanese (Eastern Japan, including Tokyo. Elsewhere in Japan, celebrated in August).

A Japanese festival when the spirits of the departed are welcomed back home with feasting and dancing. Fires are often lit to illuminate their arrival and departure.

16 July (Tuesday) NAVROZE / NO RUZ Zoroastrian (Kadmi)

New Year’s Day on the Shenshai Calendar. By the twentieth century the Parsis of India had become the largest group in the world practising Zoroastrianism, and in the twenty first century over 95% of Zoroastrians in the UK are Parsis. Like their Indian counterparts, they celebrate two new years – giving more time for making merry!

17 * July (Wednesday) ASHURA (10th Muharram) Muslim

For Sunni Muslims Ashura is a minor fast observed by the Prophet. Shi‘a Muslims recall a great tragedy that took place in AH 61 (680 CE). The Imam Husayn (son of Ali and Fatimah and therefore grandson of the Prophet) was attacked and killed at Karbala (now in Iraq) along with his family and followers by the troops of the Caliph Yazid.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

20 July (Saturday) ASALHA PUJA or DHAMMA DAY Buddhist

Dhammacakka day – ‘The turning of the wheel of teaching’.  A Theravada celebration of the First Proclamation by Gautama to five ascetics in the Deer Park near Benares. In it he taught the Middle Way, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths.

21 July (Sunday) ENTRY TO THE VASSA [beginning of the Rains Retreat] Buddhist

Vassa is the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada Buddhists. Taking place during the wet season, Vassa lasts for three lunar months, usually from July to October.

21 July (Sunday) KHORDAD SAL Zoroastrian (Kadmi)

Khordad Sal is the Birthday of Zarathushtra and falls on the sixth day after NoRuz. Khordad means perfection and the festival of Khordad Sal symbolically celebrates the birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra. It is customary on this day to visit the Fire Temple, to give thanks to Ahura Mazda for giving humanity the Prophet Zarathushtra, to participate in a jashan or thanksgiving ceremony, to listen to stories of the miraculous birth and life of Prophet Zarathushtra, and to share in a happy community meal, a drink and a dance.

23 July (Tuesday) BIRTHDAY OF HAILE SELASSIE I Rastafarian

One of the holiest days of the Rastafarian year. It is celebrated with Nyahbinghi drumming, hymns and prayers.

1 August (Thursday) LAMMAS / LUGHNASADH Wiccan LUGHNASADH Pagan

Lughnasadh, otherwise called Lammas, is the time of the corn harvest, when Pagans reap those things they have sown and when they celebrate the fruits of the mystery of Nature. At Lughnasadh, Pagans give thanks for the bounty of the Goddess as Queen of the Land.

5 August (Monday) to 14 August (Wednesday) FRAVARDIGAN / MUKTAD Zoroastrian (Shenshai / Parsi)

In the Fravardigan festival the immortal souls, together with their fravashis (the guardian spirits of departed ancestors, half man/half bird), come to reside in the place of worship.   Many Zoroastrians take time off to pray, recite the five Gathas and cleanse their houses. Daily samples of sacred food are tasted by them during the daily ceremonies.

6 August (Tuesday) THE TRANSFIGURATION Christian (Orthodox)

This festival commemorates the occasion when Jesus went up a mountain with three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, who saw his face change and his clothes become dazzling white. They witnessed him in conversation with Moses and Elijah, and heard a voice saying, ‘This is my own dear Son with whom I am pleased – listen to him’. For many Christians this confirms the divine nature of Jesus.

10 August (Saturday) QIXIJIE / CH’I HOU CHIEH [Herd Boy and Weaving Girl Festival] Chinese

This Double Seven festival perpetuates an ancient folk tale of two stars, one on either side of the Heavenly River (the Milky Way). They are held to have been a herd boy and a heavenly weaving maid who had married but were separated when she returned to heaven. The lovers are allowed a reunion on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month when a flock of magpies form a bridge across the Heavenly River.

13 * July (Tuesday) TISHA B'AV Jewish

Full day fast mourning the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies in Jewish history. The Book of Lamentations is read.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

13 (Tuesday) to 15 (Thursday) August O-BON Japanese / Buddhist (In some Eastern regions, including Tokyo, the festival may be celebrated on the same dates but in July) 

A Japanese festival when the spirits of the departed are welcomed back home with feasting and dancing. Fires are often lit to illuminate their arrival and departure.

15 (Thursday) August THE DORMITION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD (Orthodox) / ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Roman Catholic) Christian

On this day, Christians commemorate the passing of Mary, Mother of Christ, in the presence of the Apostles.  The apostles buried Mary at Gethsemane, where Jesus had also been buried; but on the third day after the burial, when they were eating together, Mary appeared to them, saying "Rejoice".  When the apostles went to the grave, her body was gone, leaving a sweet fragrance.  This event conveys the idea of death as ‘falling asleep’ (this is what ‘dormition’ means), to be followed by eventual resurrection.

15 August (Thursday) NAVROZE / NO RUZ Zoroastrian (Shenshai / Parsi)

New Year’s Day on the Shenshai Calendar. By the twentieth century the Parsis of India had become the largest group in the world practising Zoroastrianism, and in the twenty first century over 95% of Zoroastrians in the UK are Parsis. Like their Indian counterparts, they celebrate two new years – giving more time for making merry!

18 August (Sunday) ZHONGQIUJIE / CHUNG CH’IU [Fesival of Hungry Ghosts] Chinese

Chinese Buddhist and ancestral festival, when paper objects for use in the spirit world are made and offered to aid those spirits who have no resting place or descendants. Large paper boats are made and burnt at temples to help spirits cross the sea of torment to Nirvana.

19 August (Monday) RAKSHA BANDHAN Hindu / Jain 

Raksha means ‘protection’ and bandhan means ‘to tie’.   Girls and married women in families of a north Indian background tie a rakhi (amulet) on the right wrists of their brothers, wishing them protection from evil influences of various kinds.

20 August (Tuesday) KHORDAD SAL Zoroastrian (Shahenshahi)

Khordad Sal is the Birthday of Zarathushtra and falls on the sixth day after NoRuz. Khordad means perfection and the festival of Khordad Sal symbolically celebrates the birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra. It is customary on this day to visit the Fire Temple, to give thanks to Ahura Mazda for giving humanity the Prophet Zarathushtra, to participate in a jashan or thanksgiving ceremony, to listen to stories of the miraculous birth and life of Prophet Zarathushtra, and to share in a happy community meal, a drink and a dance.

26 August (Monday) JANAM ASHTAMI / KRISHNA JAYANTI  Hindu

Birthday of Krishna. Many Hindus fast till midnight, the time of Krishna’s birth.  Those unable to fast will have some fruit and milk. In the temples Krishna is welcomed with singing, dancing and sweets.  In some homes and temples an image of the new-born Krishna is put in a cradle.  Krishna is a very popular avatar or incarnation of Vishnu and this festival is celebrated widely.

31 August (Saturday) to 7 September (Saturday) August PARYUSHAN PARVA Jain

These are eight days of purification, devoted to study, prayer, meditation and fasting, and ending with a period of confession and forgiveness. Often monks will be invited to give teachings from the Jain scriptures. Paryushana means ‘to stay in one place’, which signifies a time of reflection and repentance. Originally the practice was monastic for the most part.

* September / October HARVEST FESTIVAL Christian (Western, Anglican and Free Churches) [dates vary widely]

Displays of various foods are made in churches and Monday schools and services are held to give thanks for the goodness of God’s gifts in nature.

1 September (Sunday) INSTALLATION OF THE GURU GRANTH SAHIB IN THE HARMANDIR SAHIB
[The Golden Temple, Amritsar] 1604 CE - Sikh

The Sikhs’ fifth Guru, Arjan Dev, installed the volume of scripture, the Adi Granth, on this date. It consisted of the hymns of the first five Gurus plus those of other ‘saint-poets’. Hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur were later added to form the present Guru Granth Sahib.

1 September (Sunday) INDICTION OF CHURCH YEAR Christian (Orthodox) 

According to Orthodox liturgical tradition, Jesus came to Nazareth to preach his mission on 1st September, hence the Church year beginning on this day. 

2 September (Monday) FRAVARDIN MAH PARAB Zoroastrian (Shahenshahi / Parsi)

At Fravardin Zoroastrians visit the Towers of Silence in India (or in the UK the Zoroastrian Cemetery in Brookwood, Surrey) to participate in a jashan ceremony in memory of the departed fravashis (guardian spirits and souls of the community). Sacred food is prepared as an offering to the departed during the jashan and is later shared by the participants.

3 September (Tuesday) SAMVATSARI  Jain

(International Forgiveness Day for Jains), is the last day of Paryushana. It is the holiest day of the Jain calendar. Many Jains observe a complete fast on this day. The whole day is spent in prayers and contemplation.

6 / 7 September (Friday/ Saturday) GANESH CHATURTHI  [Birthday of Ganesh] Hindu

This is a Hindu festival in honour of Ganesh, the god of good fortune and new beginnings. He was the elephant headed son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, and is often referred to as Ganupati. Celebrations conclude with the immersion in water of the image of Ganesh.

11 September (Wednesday) ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR’S DAY Rastafarian

Rastafarians have a four year cycle, in which each year is named after one of the evangelists.

16 * September (Monday) MILAD UN NABI [Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad] Muslim 

Widely celebrated and a public holiday in many Muslim countries. Qur’anic readings and songs in praise of the Prophet feature.  The exact date of the Prophet’s birth is uncertain.

* Muslim festivals begin in the evening before the Gregorian dates shown in this calendar.

17 September (Tuesday) ZHONGQIUJIE / CHUNG CH’IU [Rabbit in the Moon Festival] Chinese

This Mid-Autumn festival celebrates the moon’s birthday. Offerings are made to the rabbit in the moon, who is pounding the elixir of life with a pestle. ‘Spirit money’ is brought along with incense and offered to the moon by women, who also make special ‘moon’ cakes containing ground lotus and sesame seeds or dates.

19 (Thursday) to 25 (Wednesday) September HIGAN Japanese / Buddhist (23 September)
22 September (Sunday) SHUUBUN NO HI Japanese

Marks the autumn equinox. As at the spring equinox, harmony and balance are the themes; sutras are recited and the graves of relatives are visited.

22 September (Sunday) MABON [Autumn Equinox] Wiccan, Pagan; ALBAN ELUED or ALBAN ELFED [Autumn Equinox] Druid

Day and night stand hand in hand as equals. As the shadows lengthen, Pagans see the darker faces of the God and Goddess. For many Pagans, this rite honours old age and the approach of Winter.

29 September (Sunday) MICHAELMAS National

One of the four Quarter Days in the UK legal calendar.

30 September (Monday) JASHN-E MEHERGAN / MIHR JASHAN Zoroastrian (Iranian)

The festival of Mehergan is dedicated to the divinity Meher or Mithra, who is associated with the sun and with justice. Thanks are offered at the fire temple and the community shares in a meal that includes dry fruits and nuts, along with a drink, dancing and merrymaking.

* September / October HARVEST FESTIVAL Christian (Western, Anglican and Free Churches) (Dates vary widely)

Displays of various foods are made in churches and Monday schools and services are held to give thanks for the goodness of God’s gifts in nature.

2 October (Wednesday) GANDHI JAYANTI Hindu

Gandhi Jayanti is an Indian national holiday that celebrates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who is referred to as the ‘Father of the Nation’. He was the driving force behind the foundation of the state of India. His birthday is celebrated with services, prayers and painting and essay contests, using topics that glorify peace and non-violence, and the singing of Gandhi’s favourite devotional song entitled ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ (Ram Dhun for short).

3 (Thursday) to 11 (Friday) October NAVARATRI Hindu
10 October (Thursday) DURGASHTAMI Hindu
12 October (Saturday) DURGA PUJA Hindu
12 October (Saturday) DUSSEHRA / VIJAYA DASHAMIPUJA Hindu

Navaratri means ‘nine nights’, which is how long the festival lasts. In Northern India the performance of the Ram Lila during Navaratri commemorates Rama’s victory over Ravana, the demon king of Sri Lanka. The day after the end of Navaratri is celebrated as the 'victorious tenth' (Vijaya Dashami) and huge figures of Ravana are filled with fireworks and burned on Ram Lila grounds (public areas). In the UK some temple congregations carry this out on a smaller scale. Elsewhere the goddess Durga is worshipped on the eighth day.  Panjabis mark the day by giving food and other items to young girls.

3-4 * October (Thursday-Friday)  ROSH HASHANNAH Jewish

This festival begins ten days of self examination. The ram’s horn (shofar) blown in the synagogue recalls Abraham’s sacrifice of a ram instead of his son, Isaac. Apples dipped in honey are eaten in the hope of a ‘sweet’ new year. The greeting is ‘Leshanah Tovah Tikatev’ (may you be inscribed for a good year).

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

11 October (Friday) CHONGYANGJIE / CH’UNG YANG [Double Ninth Festival / Climb a High Mountain / Picnic in a High Place] Chinese

This is the day for hill climbing or ‘going up on a high place’, where kites are flown, family graves visited, and a ‘golden pig’ is shared by large families with fruit, wine, tea and rice.

12 * October (Saturday) YOM KIPPUR Jewish

The last of the ten days of repentance, this ‘Sabbath of Sabbaths’ is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is marked by ‘afflicting the soul’ – expressed through a total fast 25 hours long. Jews spend the eve and most of the day in prayer, asking for forgiveness for past wrongs and resolving to improve in the future. The Book of Jonah is read.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

13 October (Sunday) to 20 October (Sunday) WEEK OF PRAYER FOR WORLD PEACE

The Week of Prayer for World Peace was started as a Christian initiative in 1974. It soon became an inter faith activity, and now welcomes everyone, of all faiths and beliefs. Prayers from the literature of several different world religions are published each year in a special leaflet.  They are composed and used by many different religious communities.

17 * October (Thursday) to 23 October (Wednesday) SUKKOT Jewish

This harvest festival recalls the 40 years the Jews spent in the wilderness on the way from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. A temporary hut or booth – called a sukkah – is used for eating meals and for visits and socialising.  The roof, which has to be open in part to the elements, is covered with branches and decorated with fruit

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

17 October (Thursday) PAVARANA DAY Buddhist

The last day of the Rains Retreat (the Vassa) is known as Pavarana Day or ‘Leaving the Vassa’. Pavarana means ‘to invite’ and on this day monks who have completed the Retreat invite their fellows to admonish them for any failings. It is also known as ‘Sangha Day’.

20 October (Sunday) CONFERRING OF GURUSHIP ON THE GURU GRANTH SAHIB Sikh

In 1708 Guru Gobind Singh declared that, instead of having another human Guru, from now on Sikhs would regard the scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, as their Guru.

24 * October (Thursday) SHEMINI ATZERET Jewish

At the conclusion of Sukkot, this holiday is characterized by candle lighting, festive meals and joy which reaches its climax on Simchat Torah when the  conclusion—and restart—of the annual Torah-reading cycle is celebrated. Shemini Atzeret marks the beginning of the rainy season in Israel and, therefore includes the year’s first prayer for rain. 

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

25 * October (Friday) SIMCHAT TORAH Jewish

The annual reading of the Torah is completed on this day.  The reading moves from the last words of Deuteronomy to the first ones of Genesis.  All the Torah scrolls are paraded around the synagogue, while children dance and sing, as do many of the adults.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

31 October (Thursday) SAMHAIN (pronounced Sow-in) Wiccan / Pagan SAMHUINN Druid

The Celtic wheel of the year turns and the veil between life and death is drawn aside. Samhain is the festival of death when Pagans remember and honour those who have gone before. Fires are lit and ‘dead wood’ is burned before stepping into the darkness of winter.  

31 October (Thursday) HALLOWE'EN/ WINTER NIGHTS Heathen

Halloween / Hallowe’en is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting ‘haunted houses’, and carving jack-o-lanterns.   Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century.   Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century including Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom as well as of Australia and New Zealand.

31 October (Thursday) ALL HALLOW'S EVE Christian

The day before All Hallows' Day, also known as All Saints' Day in the Christian calendar. The Church traditionally held a vigil on All Hallows' Eve when worshippers would prepare themselves with prayers and fasting prior to the feast day itself.

31 October (Thursday) - 4 November (Monday) DIVALI / DIWALI / DEEPAVALI Hindu

For Hindus this is a New Year festival lasting from one to five days, during which fireworks are set off and lights are hung out.  It is a festival of light, coinciding with the darkest night of the lunar month. It is generally associated with Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, or with the victorious return of Rama and Sita after their exile. Divali marks the beginning of the Indian financial year.

31 October (Thursday) - 4 November (Monday) DIVALI / DIWALI / DEEPAVALI Hindu

For Hindus this is a New Year festival lasting from one to five days, during which fireworks are set off and lights are hung out.  It is a festival of light, coinciding with the darkest night of the lunar month. It is generally associated with Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, or with the victorious return of Rama and Sita after their exile. Divali marks the beginning of the Indian financial year.

1 November (Friday) ALL SAINTS’ DAY Christian (Western Churches)

This day provides a chance to offer thanks for the work and witness of all saints, recognising that not all are known or specially celebrated. Many churches stress this day by holding events especially designed for children.

1 November (Friday) DIVALI / BANDI CHHOR DIVAS Sikh

Sikhs also celebrate Divali since Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, was released from Gwalior prison on this day. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated and firework displays take place there.  It is a time for new clothes, presents and sweets.

1 November (Friday) DIVALI / DIWALI / DEEPAVALI / MAHAVIR NIRVANA Jain

In Jainism, Deepawali has added significance as marking the great event of Lord Mahavira’s attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana.

2 November (Saturday) ALL SOULS’ DAY Christian

The departed are remembered on this day and prayers are offered on their behalf.

2 November (Saturday) ANNIVERSARY OF THE CROWNING OF HAILE SELASSIE I Rastafarian

One of the holiest days of the Rastafarian year; it celebrates Haile Selassie’s accession to the Ethiopian throne.

2 * November (Saturday) ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF THE BAB Baha'i

The Bab (the title means ‘Gate’) called people to religious renewal and to await the coming of a messenger from God, believed to be Baha’u’llah (a title that means ‘Glory of God’).

* Baha'i festivals begin the evening before the date given

3 * November (Sunday) ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF THE BAHA’U’LLAH Baha'i

Founder of the Baha’i faith, he was born the eldest son of a Persian nobleman in Tehran, Persia, in 1817.

* Baha'i festivals begin the evening before the date given

10 November (Sunday) REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY National

The Monday nearest to Armistice Day, devoted to remembering the dead of the two World wars and subsequent wars.

10 (Sunday) to 17 (Sunday) November INTER FAITH WEEK

Begining on Remembrance Sunday and running until the following Sunday each year, Inter Faith week seeks to strengthen good inter-faith relations, increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, and increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs. Visit www.interfaithweek.org for more. Inter Faith Week is led by the Inter Faith Network for the UK.

15 November (Friday) BIRTHDAY OF GURU NANAK (1469 CE) Sikh

This is the birthday of Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. To celebrate it, Sikhs gather at the gurdwara to hear sermons and sing hymns about the life of the first Guru. The congregation will share a free meal (langar).

15 November (Friday) SHICHI-GO-SAN (Seven-Five-Three) Japanese

Girls of seven, boys of five and girls of three are dressed up in new clothes and taken to a Shinto shrine to pray for their future well-being.

16 November (Saturday) ANAPANASATI DAY Buddhist [date not certain]

The last day on which the Kathina may be held. On the final day of the three months long Rains Retreat (Vassa), a Kathina robe is made of patches of cloth. It is presented to a particularly deserving or virtuous monk, in a ceremony conducted by four of his colleagues.

24 November (Sunday) MARTYRDOM OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR (1675) Sikh

Under orders from the Moghul emperor, the ninth Guru was executed in public opposite the Red Fort in Delhi, so sacrificing his head rather than his faith, on behalf of Kashmiri Hindus, who had turned to him for help.

25 * November (Monday) DAY OF THE COVENANT Baha'i

The Day of the Covenant is the day when Bahá'ís celebrate the appointment of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá as the Centre of Baha'u'llah's Covenant.

* Baha'i festivals begin the evening before the date given

27 * November (Wednesday) ASCENSION OF ABDU'L-BAHÁ Baha'i

The Ascension of Abdu’l-Bahá is a holy day that commemorates the death of Abdu’l-Bahá. The typical observance consists of devotional readings and is held at 1:00 AM, as Abdu’l-Bahá passed away about 1:00 AM on 28 November, 1921.

* Baha'i festivals begin the evening before the date given

30 November (Saturday) ST ANDREW’S DAY National

The patron saint of Scotland since the 8th century. Andrew was an apostle and brother of St Peter. In the Anglican communion he is associated with missionary activity.

1 December (Sunday) ADVENT SUNDAY Christian (Western Churches)

The start of the Christian year, four Mondays before Christmas. It is often celebrated by lighting the first candle in the advent crown – a circular wreath of greenery. A further three candles are lit on subsequent Mondays, culminating with the Christmas candle on the 25th December. This signifies the transition from darkness to light.

8 December (Sunday) IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Christian (Roman Catholic)

This day celebrates the doctrine, held mainly by Roman Catholics, that Mary herself was born free from Original Sin, leaving her sinless for the conception and bearing of Jesus.

8 December (Sunday) BODHI DAY Buddhist

Some Buddhists (eg Pure Land followers) celebrate Gautama’s attainment of Enlightenment on this day under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, North India.

10 December (Monday) HUMAN RIGHTS’ DAY International

In 1948 The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: ‘All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms.’

This day commemorates the martyrdom of the elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh.

21 December (Saturday) WINTER SOLSTICE / ALBAN ARTHAN / ALBAN ARTHUAN Druid
21 December (Saturday) YULE (archaic form Geola, pronounced Yula) Wiccan / Pagan

Yule is the time of the winter solstice, when the sun is reborn, an image of the return of all new life. Heathens celebrate Yule for twelve nights and days, starting the evening before the Winter Solstice (called Mother’s Night), when they think of their female ancestors and spiritual protectors. The night heralds the beginning of the major holiday in Heathenry.

24 December (Tuesday) CHRISTMAS EVE Christian

Evening carol services, crib services and Midnight Masses inaugurate the festival of Christmas. Santa Claus (from the Dutch Sinter Klaus) is a legendary figure, based on St Nicholas of Myra, and is supposed to bring presents to children on Christmas Eve.

25 December (Wednesday) CHRISTMAS DAY Christian Western churches (see also 6 / 7 January for Orthodox Church)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. Gifts are given as reminders of the offerings brought to the infant Jesus, and Christmas carols, plays and evergreens are associated with this time, while nativity sets are displayed in many churches and in some homes.

26 December (Thursday) ZARATOSHT NO DISO Zoroastrian (Iranian)

Zaratosht no diso is the death anniversary of Prophet Zarathushtra and is a sorrowful occasion. Tradition records that he was assassinated at the age of 77. It is customary to visit the Fire Temple, participate in special remembrance prayers and ponder upon the Gathas or Hymns of Zarathushtra, which embody his eternal message to humanity.

26 December (Thursday) MARTYRDOM OF SAHIBZADA ZORAWAR SINGH AND SAHIBZADA FATEH SINGH Sikh

This day commemorates the martyrdom of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh.

26 * December (Thursday) to 2  January (Thursday) HANUKAH / HANUKKAH Jewish

Celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was recaptured from the Syrian Greeks by the Maccabee brothers in 165 BCE. For the eight evenings of the festival, candles are lit from right to left in a hanukkiah, a nine-branched menorah – one candle for each evening. The ninth candle is the shamash (the servant candle) from which the other candles are lit. Foods cooked with oil - such as doughnuts and latkes (potato cakes) – are traditional to remember the miracle with oil that happened at this time.

* Jewish festivals commence at sunset on the evening of the day prior to the date shown.

26 December (Thursday) ST STEPHEN'S DAY / FEAST OF ST STEPHEN Christian (Western churches)
also 27 December (Friday) in the Eastern Churches, or 9 January for those Orthodox churches using the Julian Calendar

A Christian saint's day to commemorate Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr or protomartyr.

31 December (Tuesday) OMISOKA Japanese

Japanese festival which prepares for the new year by cleansing Shinto home shrines and Buddhist altars. The bells of Buddhist temples are struck 108 times to warn against the 108 evils to be overcome.

31 December (Tuesday) HOGMANAY National

A celebration widely observed throughout the UK, and especially in Scotland, where bagpipes, haggis and first footing are widespread.  Clearing one’s debts, cleaning the house, welcoming guests and strangers and a host of other traditions feature at this time.