DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

* Adapted from University of Toronto, Multi-faith Centre Days of Significance 2024–2025 calendar

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences of

our employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major days

of faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be utilized

when scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar calculations and

influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that communities within the

same tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

JAN

Epiphany/Orthodox Christianity Theophany • Christian

Celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the world, the

visiting of the wise men who acknowledged Jesus as the

son of God Common

Greetings: Happy

Epiphany/Theophany

JAN

Orthodox Christmas • Orthodox Christian

A 3

-day celebration of the birth of Jesus. This may include

fasting on Christmas Eve and Holy Night Supper at the

appearance of the first star.

Common Greetings: Merry Christmas

JAN

Lohri • Sikhism

Mostly celebrated in Northern India, this day marks the end

of the short days of winter and the onset of longer days and

spring. It is also a time to pray for prosperity and be thankful

for harvest, food and joy.

Common Greetings: Happy Lohri

JAN

Orthodox Christian New Year • Orthodox Christian

This New Year is based on the Julian calendar and can

include New Year’s Day’s liturgies at churches. Celebrations

include social gatherings.

Common Greetings: Happy

New Year

JAN

Makar • Hinduism

This day follows the solar calendar and the transitioning of

the sun that marks the end of winter. Generally, this day

includes expressions of gratitude and prayers for a

prosperous year; however, it is celebrated in unique ways

among the various cultures found in South Asia.

Common Greetings: Happy Makar

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences of

our employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major days

of faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be utilized

when scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar calculations and

influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that communities within the

same tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

JAN

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti • Sikhism

This day honours Sikh leader Guru Gobind Singh and

marks his birthday. It is a day of reflection on his teachings.

Common Greetings: No greeting

JAN

Mahayana New Year • Buddhism

For Mahayana Buddhists, the new year is a time for

meditation and self

-reflection. The goal is to find ways to

improve and learn from past mistakes.

Common Greetings: Happy Mahayana

FEB

JAN

Lailat

al-Miraj • Islam

Observance

to commemorate the miraculous journey of

Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Al Quds and the

heavens.

Common Greetings: No specific or traditional greeting.

FEB

Nirvana Day • Buddhism

Commemorating the day of Buddha’s passing away and

attaining Nirvana. People meditate and visit places of

worship. Families and friends also gather for food and

exchanging of gifts. Celebrated by Mahayana Buddhists.

FEB

JAN

FEB

Lunar New Year

• Cultural - Asian

Holidays are celebrated in Asia in a variety of ways

according to the diversity of cultures and traditions. People

of Buddhist, Confucian and Daoist traditions celebrate this

holiday.

Common Greetings: Happy New Year or Happy Lunar

New Year

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences

of our employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major

days of faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be

utilized when scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar

calculations and influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that

communities within the same tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

FEB

JAN

FEB

First day of Ramadan • Islam

Ramadan is celebrated worldwide as a month of fasting

from sunrise to sunset, prayer, reflection, and community.

Common Greetings: Ramadan Mubarak, or Ramadan

Kareem.

FEB

JAN

Vasant

Panchami • Hinduism

This festival is celebrated by various Dharmic faiths in

preparation for the arrival of spring. This festival also

includes the worship of Saraswati, the goddess of

knowledge.

Common Greetings: Happy Vasant

Panchami

FEB

MAR

FEB

Ash Wednesday • Christian

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent that Christians can

observe by praying, fasting, abstaining from meat, and/or

using ashes from burned palm leaves to mark one's head.

No formal greeting

FEB

MAR

Magha Puja Day (

magha puja) • Buddhism

Refers to the worship that takes place on the full moon day

of the third lunar month. The celebration is held to

commemorate the day on which Lord Buddha gave

“Ovadha Patimokkha” (the Fundamental Teaching) to the

assembly of Buddhist monks. Celebrated in South and

Southeast Asia in different cultural ways.

No formal

greeting

MAR

FEB

Mahashivratri • Hinduism

Maha Shivratri is a major Hindu observance and worship of

Lord Shiva. It is a more solemn holiday that includes

chanting of prayers and mantras, meditating, and self

reflection on virtues like non

-violence and honesty.

Common Greetings: Wish everyone to observe a

meaningful Maha Shivrat

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences

of our employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major

days of faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be

utilized when scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar

calculations and influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that

communities within the same tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

MAR

Norooz/Nowruz • Zoroastrian, Baha’i

The Iranian New Year, also known as the Persian New Year,

begins on the spring equinox, marking the first day of

Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar calendar

Common Greetings: “Nowruz

Mobarak” (Happy

Nowruz). “

Eyd e Shoma Mobarak” (Happy Eyd e

Nowruz). “Sal e No

Mobarak” (Happy New Year)

MAR

Purim • Judaism

Purim is a day of celebration commemorating a story from

the Hebrew Bible of the survival of Jewish people from

Haman. It is a day of public celebrations, parades and

wearing costumes and masks. Common Greetings: Happy

Purim or Chag Purim Sameach

MAR

APR

MAR

Palm Sunday • Christian

Celebrates the day Christ entered Jerusalem where he was

greeted by people waving palm branches. Palm Sunday

marks the beginning of Holy Week.

Common Greetings:

No formal greeting but can wish people a Happy Palm

Sunday

MAR

Holi • Hinduism

Festival of Spring or Festival of Colours, this Hindu festival

is commonly celebrated by throwing colourful powders,

dancing and sharing sweets.

Common Greetings: Happy

Holi or Wishing you a joyful Holi

MAR

APR

Good Friday • Christian

Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Can include

fasting and prayer as part of the Holy Week.

Common

Greetings: Wishing you a blessed Good Friday

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences

of our employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major

days of faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be

utilized when scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar

calculations and influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that

communities within the same tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

MAR

APR

Easter • Christian

Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a joyful day

with prayer and gathering of family and friends for games

and festivities.

Common Greetings: Happy Easter

APR

MAR

Eid Al

-Fitr • Islam

A major Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan

with prayer, feasts and family/social gatherings.

Common

Greetings: Happy Eid or Eid Mubarak

MAR

APR

MAR

Sikh New Year’s Day/Vaisakhi • Sikhism

This holiday celebrates the Solar New Year and spring

harvest festival. Also commemorates the establishment of

the Khalsa under Guru Gobind Singh. Common Greetings:

Happy Vaisakhi

APR

MAR

Ram Navami • Hinduism

Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama

- the

seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu by reciting/re

enacting stories

of Lord Rama, visiting temples, offering prayers and

participating in puja ceremonies.

Common Greetings:

Happy Ram Navami

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences

of our employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major

days of faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be

utilized when scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar

calculations and influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that

communities within the same tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

APR

22-30

APR

12-20

APR

1-9

Pesach

- Passover • Judaism

Passover, Pesach or the Festival of Liberation is a major

Jewish holiday that celebrates the Exodus from ancient

Egypt. This week

-long celebration includes storytelling,

lighting candles, and a ritual feast.

Common Greetings:

Chag Sameach (Happy Holidays) or Chag Pesach

Sameach (Happy Passover Holiday)

MAY

APR

Orthodox Christian Holy Friday

• Christian

A solemn day of mourning marking the crucifixion of Christ.

Can include fasting and prayer and the Passion of Christ in

Church.

No greeting

MAR

APR

Hanuman Jayanti • Hinduism

A major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of the Hanuman,

an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. It is celebrated differently

in different parts of India and amongst the Indian diaspora

around the world by offering prayers, distributing sweets

and prasad and chanting devotional hymns.

Common

Greetings: Happy Hanuman Jayanti

MAY

APR

Pascha (Orthodox Christianity Easter) Christian

Day of Easter for Orthodox Christians that celebrate the

resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Common Greetings: Happy Easter

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences

of our employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major

days of faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be

utilized when scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar

calculations and influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that

communities within the same tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

MAY

Vesak/Buddha Day • Buddhism

Vesak/Buddha Day/

Visakha Puja is the most important day

of the year for Theravada and Tibetan Buddhists. It

commemorates the birth, awakening and passing away of

Buddha

. Common Greetings: Happy Buddha Purnima

(South Asia), Wishing you joy on Vesak Day, Happy

Buddha Day

JUN

11-13

JUN

1-3

MAY

21-23

Shavuot • Judaism

Feast of Weeks commemorating the revelation of the Torah

on Mount Sinai.

Common Greetings: Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday) or

Happy Shavuot

JUN

MAY

Eid al

-Adha (Islam) • Islam

Eid al

-Adha falls on the 12th and final month of the Islamic

calendar. During Eid al

-Adha, Muslims remember the

sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim in prioritizing Allah (God)

over worldly matters.

Common Greetings: Happy Eid or Eid Mubarak

JUN

National Indigenous Peoples Day • Indigenous

It is a time for Canadians to celebrate the unique heritage,

traditions, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis

Peoples.

No greeting

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences of our

employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major days of

faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be utilized when

scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar calculations and

influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that communities within the same

tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

JUL

JUN

Islamic New Year • Islam

Also called the Hijri New Year, it takes place on the 1st of

Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.

Historically marks the moment Mohammed migrated from

Mecca to Yathrib (now called Medina) to escape religious

persecution.

Common Greetings: May Allah bless you throughout

the new year.

JUL

JUN

Ashura • Islam

The day of Ashura is commemorated by Muslims as a

whole, but for Shia Muslims, it signifies the major religious

observance of the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the

Prophet Muhammad, at Karbala.

No greeting

JUL

Guru Purnima • Jainism/Buddhism/Hinduism

Is a sacred festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and

Buddhists. Honouring spiritual and academic guides,

teachers, and mentors who impart knowledge and wisdom.

Common Greetings: Happy Guru Purnima

AUG

International Day of the World’s Indigenous

People

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is a

United Nations day of observance.

No greeting

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences of our

employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major days of

faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be utilized when

scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar calculations and

influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that communities within the same

tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

AUG

12-13

AUG

2-3

JUL

22-23

Tisha B’Av • Judaism

a time of fasting, mourning, and prayer to commemorate the

destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem,

along with other tragedies that happened on this date.

greeting

AUG

Raksha Bandhan • Hinduism

Dedicated to the sibling love. This Hindu and South Asian

ceremony celebrates the bond between siblings. Sisters tie a

rakhi around their brothers' wrists for protection, and brothers

give gifts to their sisters.

Common Greetings: Happy Rakhi

or Happy Raksha Bandhan

AUG

Sri Krishna Jayanthi (Krishna Janmashtami)

•

Hinduism

A two

-day festival celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, the

eighth Hindu avatar of Vishnu. This major Hindu holiday is

marked by prayers, ceremonies, dance, and other festivities.

Common Greetings

: Happy Janmashtami

SEP

AUG

SEP

Ganesh Chaturthi • Hinduism

A major Hindu festival celebrates Lord Ganesha’s descent to

earth. Idols of Ganesh are created and displayed for ten days,

after which they are immersed in water to symbolize his return

home to the divine.

Common Greetings: Happy Ganesh

Chaturthi or May Lord Ganesh bless you with prosperity and

luck.

SEP

AUG

Mawlid ( Eid

-e-Milad an-Nabid al-Adha) • Islam

Celebrated in Muslim communities as the birthday of their

prophet, Muhammad.

Common Greetings:

Happy Mawlid al-Nabi

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences of our

employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major days of

faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be utilized when

scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar calculations and

influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that communities within the same

tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

SEP

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal

statutory holiday that falls on the same day as Orange Shirt

Day, September 30th. This day is in honour of the lost children

and survivors of residential schools.

No greeting

OCT

2-4

SEP

22-24

SEP

11-13

Rosh Hashanah

• Judaism

The Jewish New Year. It is a time to rejoice and reflect,

celebrating the completion of another year. Marks the

beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10

day period of introspection

and repentance that culminates in the

Yom Kippur.

Common Greetings: Shanah

tovah (good year)

OCT

3-11

SEP

22-

OCT 1

OCT

11-20

Navratri begins (9

-night festival) • Hinduism

Navratri is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of

good over evil and focuses on worshipping the Goddess

Durga. Hindu communities around the world celebrate this

holiday in unique cultural and regional ways.

Common Greetings

: Happy Navratri

OCT

11-12

OCT

1-2

SEP

20-21

Yom Kippur • Judaism

the Day of Atonement is known as the holiest day

in the

Jewish faith. The holiday is observed with a 25

hour fast and a

special religious service. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are

known as Judaism’s “High Holy Days.”

Common Greetings:

Have an easy fast or Good Yuntif, or Yom Tov.

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences of our

employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major days of

faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be utilized when

scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar calculations and

influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that communities within the same

tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

OCT

Dussehra • Hinduism

The festival commemorates the victory of the Hindu god Ram

over the 10

-headed demon king Ravan, symbolizing the

triumph of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated across

Hindu communities

with various rituals and activities.

Common Greetings:

Happy Dussehra

OCT

16-23

OCT

6-13

SEP

25-

OCT

Sukkot • Judaism

Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish holiday that occurs five days

after Yom Kippur. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the

harvest and commemorates the miraculous protection G

-d

provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt.

Common Greeting:

Chag Sameach! (Happy Holiday).

OCT

Inaugural installation of the Adi Granth, the first

rendition of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the

Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab in 1604 •

Sikhism

The Sikh community celebrates the installation of the Adi

Granth, the first rendition of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the

Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab in 1604. Today, the Sri

Guru Granth Sahib is considered the primary scripture of the

Sikh community and is regarded as the final, sovereign, and

eternal Guru.

No greeting

OCT

23-25

OCT

13-15

OCT

2-4

Shemini

Atzeret • Judaism

Celebrating the conclusion Jewish festival of Sukkot are

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. This holiday marks the

completion of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings. This

is a joyous time spent in family and community.

Common Greetings

Chag Sameach (Happy Holidays)

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences of our

employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major days of

faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be utilized when

scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar calculations and

influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that communities within the same

tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

OCT

NOV

Bandi Chhor Divas • Sikhism

Bandi Chhor Divas is a significant celebration in the Sikh

community. It translates to "prisoner release day." Sikhs

commemorate this day as the day of liberation for their Sixth

Guru, Hargobind Sahib, along with 52 Hindu political prisoners.

Common Greetings:

Happy Bandi Chhor Divas

OCT

NOV

Diwali

• Hinduism

Diwali, or

Dipawali, or the Festival of Lights is a major holiday

observed by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and some Buddhist

communities. Over five days, people take part in festive

gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayer.

Common Greeting:

Happy Diwali

NOV

All Saints Day • Christian

All Saints' Day is a Christian holiday that honours all church

saints, known or unknown. It is part of a tradition that also

includes All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) on October 31st and All

Souls' Day on November 2

nd.

Common Greeting: Happy All

Saints Day or Happy All Souls Day

NOV

3-9

NOV

2-8

NOV

1-7

Treaties Recognition Week • Indigenous

Treaties Recognition Week is recognized annually with events

to learn about and honour the treaties between Indigenous and

non

-Indigenous people.

No specific greeting

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences of our

employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major days of

faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be utilized when

scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar calculations and

influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that communities within the same

tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

NOV

Inuit Day |

International Circumpolar Inuit Day •

Indigenous

International Inuit Day celebrates the rich history and culture of

Inuit communities in Arctic regions of the world.

No specific greeting

NOV

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab • Sikhism

It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the

first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev also known as Gurpurab or

Prakash Utsav. It is a day of reflection on the teachings of

Sikhism.

No greeting

DEC

Christmas • Christian

A religious and cultural holiday. Christians celebrate Christmas

Day as the birthday of Jesus with gift

-giving and other

festivities.

Common Greetings

: Merry Christmas

Dec

25 –

JAN 2

DEC

14-22

DEC

4-12

Hanukkah • Judaism

Hanukkah (Chanukah) is the Jewish eight

-day, wintertime

“festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting,

special prayers and foods.

Common Greetings

: Happy Hanukkah or Chag Hanukkah

Sameach

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Part of IDEAA’s work is to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that acknowledge the range of lived experiences of our

employees, volunteers, students, families, and clients. This calendar is meant to create mindfulness around major days of

faith-based or ceremonial significance (Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh) and can be utilized when

scheduling in-house meetings and events. Be aware that given dates may be adjusted based on lunar calculations and

influenced by the type of calendar a community adheres to. It is also important to recognize that communities within the same

tradition are diverse and may observe these days in various ways.

2024 2025 2026

DEC

JAN

DEC

26 -

JAN

DEC

26 -

JAN 1

Kwanzaa (kwaan·zuh) • Cultural African

-American

Kwanzaa is a week

-long festival observed from December 26

to January 1. Rooted in ancient African harvest celebrations

and is a non

-religious festival that celebrates African heritage,

unity, and culture. Established by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966,

the term Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda

ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits of the harvest." Each day of

Kwanzaa highlights one of the seven principles known as

Nguzo Saba (pronounced en·goo·zo sah·bah): Umoja,

Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani.

Common Greetings

: Happy Kwanzaa or “Heri za Kwanzaa!”

(Swahili for “Happy Kwanzaa!”)

Sources

Days of Significance (University of Toronto, Multi-faith Centre)

Interfaith Calendar 2025 (Diversity Resources)

Holidays and Observances in Canada in 2025 (Time and Date)

Learn about significant religious and cultural days (University of Toronto, Student Life)

Religious Observance Calendar – 2023-2026 (Golden Gate University)