Sunni Muslims celebrate this festival 5 days before Shi'ite Muslims.

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1 Calendar and guide the most significant religious festivals in 2014 and 2017 related religions commonly found in the UK be taken in account when planning Open University events and learning activities indicars: It is essential avoid scheduling University wk or learning activities, e.g. examinations, degree ceremonies, day schools, conferences, committees etc on these festival dates. The festival has a major working/learning impact on staff and students observing it. If it is necessary schedule University work or learning activities on these festival dates alternative arrangements may be required for some people, especially for the Jewish festival dateswhere some observers will not be able work or study. Festival Faith/ Guru Gobind Singh's birthday (Nanakshahi calendar) Sikh The birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, founder of the Khalsa. Chiefly celebrated in gurdwaras and can involve street procession. This is normally celebrated during the weekend closest Guru Granth Sahib - this means the book is read aloud beginning end by different readers in turn) would take place Friday Sunday at the gurdwara. Individuals special day as well. This festival is unlikely prevent staff working and student activities during the day but staff should take account of this festival when scheduling activities on the evening of the festival and/or, the following weekend, such as residential staff development, turials, residential schools etc. There might be a need provide alternative arrangements for those Sikhs affected. Milad un-nabi, 12th Rabi ul- Awwal > Sunni > Shia (1 day) Muslim This festival commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (and his death). Sunni Muslims celebrate this festival 5 days before Shi'ite Muslims. This festival may be celebrated with parties and other gatherings. Some students may prefer spend time with their families at home but some may celebrate it in the evening with their friends. Whilst this festival is unlikely affect staff working or, staff should be sensitive and take account of this 1 day festival when scheduling activities on the day/evening of the festival. However, alternative arrangements might be required for those affected. Page 1 Religious-festivals-calendar

2 Vaisakhi/ Baisakhi Sikh The Sikh New Year festival is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It commemorates the foundation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, when according tradition the 5 Ks (the five outwards signs of Sikhism) were first introduced. Celebrations include a procession through wn streets. This is normally celebrated during the weekend closest Guru Granth Sahib - this means the book is read aloud beginning end by different readers in turn) would take place Friday Sunday at the gurdwara. Individuals special day as well. The street procession associated with this festival would always be held during the weekend. Staff should take account of this festival when scheduling activities on the evening of the festival and/or, the following weekend, such as residential staff development, turials, residential schools etc. This festival is unlikely prevent staff working and on the festival day. However, if there is a clash with an evening or weekend activity, alternative arrangements might be required for those affected. Pesach (Passover) (2 days at start of festival and 2 days at the end separated by 4 days in between - semi-festival days) , and and and and Jewish Major 8-day festival commemorate the liberation of the Exodus of Jews their slavery in Egypt. Passover is likely be celebrated at home as a large family occasion. Like the Sabbath, this festivals starts at the previous day and Jewish Festival law requires Jews refrain various acts of 'work' (see 'Sabbath' for details). This is one of the 'big three' Jewish festivals, the others being Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. Do not schedule meetings, deadlines, or for the afternoon of the previous day or on any of the festival days - 2 days at the start and 2 days at the end. If an activity seems likely clash with this festival consult those involved and if it is essential that the activity goes ahead, make alternative arrangements for those affected. Practising Jews will want leave work or learning activities in sufficient time arrive home by the start of the festival, and will restrict their diet (no leaven) for the duration of the festival. Many Jews can be expected seek all or some time off work/studies in particular Orthodox observant Jews. With the exception of the Seder meal at the beginning of Pesach/Passover, and the fast on Yom Kippur, it is impossible say that any of the Jewish festivals featured in this calendar are observed by everyone who identifies as Jewish. However, all modern movements within Judaism (Orthodox, Reform, Liberal, Masorti etc) share the basic festival calendar outlined in this document. Page 2 Religious-festivals-calendar

3 Good Friday Christian Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. A sombre day. Easter Sunday Christian The most important festival of the Christian year when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Easter is calculated on a lunar calendar consequently it moves each year in relation the solar calendar. Buddha Day (Wesak) Buddhist The most widely celebrated of Buddhist festivals. Commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment, birth and death. Bank holiday. Do not schedule activities for this festival date. Bank holiday. Do not schedule activities for this festival date. Since the date varies for Buddhists different countries, there is no need avoid meetings or learning/assessment activities on this date. Shavuot/ Pentecost/ Festival of Weeks (2 days) Jewish Seven weeks after Pesach, Shavuot celebrates the revelation of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the early harvest season. Like the Sabbath, this festival starts at the previous day and Jewish Festival law requires Jews refrain various acts of 'work' (see 'Sabbath' for details). This is one of the main 5 Jewish festivals. If possible avoid scheduling meetings, deadlines, or student activities for the afternoon of the previous day or on the festival days. If an activity seems likely clash with this festival consult those involved and if it is essential that the activity goes ahead, make alternative arrangements for those Jews affected. Practising Jews will want leave work or learning activities in sufficient time arrive home by the start of the festival. Many Jews can be expected seek all or some time off work/studies, in particular Orthodox observant Jews. With the exception of the Seder meal at the beginning of Pesach/Passover, and the fast on Yom Kippur, it is impossible say that any of the Jewish festivals featured in this calendar are observed by everyone who identifies as Jewish. However, all modern movements within Judaism (Orthodox, Reform, Liberal, Masorti etc) share the basic festival calendar outlined in this document. Page 3 Religious-festivals-calendar

4 Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Nanakshahi calendar) Sikh Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru was the first Sikh Guru be martyred. Guru Arjan supervised the completion of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, but his greatest contribution was make the first compilation of the Sikh Scriptures, called the Adi Granth. This is normally celebrated during the weekend closest Guru Granth Sahib - this means the book is read aloud beginning end by different readers in turn) would take place Friday Sunday at the gurdwara. Individuals special day as well. Staff should take account of this festival when scheduling activities on the evening of the festival and/or, the following weekend, such as residential staff development, turials, residential schools etc. This festival is unlikely prevent staff working and on the festival day. However, if there is a clash with an evening or weekend activity, alternative arrangements might be required for those affected. Ramadan begins (start) (start) (start) (start) Muslim Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting, dawn sunset. Fasting is (sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting means abstaining any kind of food or drink, smoking, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, on a journey, and pregnant or menstruating women are excused fasting, but they will have make this up another time. The breaking of the fast at the end of Ramadan is celebrated by the festival Eid-ul-Fitr. When breaking of the fast occurs during the working day (in winter months) it is normal for Muslims who are fasting wish be able break the fast and pray the sunset prayer at the appropriate time, and allowance should be made for this where possible. It is not unusual for Muslims who are fasting appear tired and lethargic, or lose concentration as the day progresses these tendencies might become more pronounced as the month goes on. This is partly due the fasting itself during the day and partly disrupted sleep patterns, as people tend stay up late at night in social and family gatherings, and wake up early for a pre-dawn meal. Most Muslims will attempt carry on studying/working as normal during Ramadan. Try schedule meetings so that Muslims can return home by so as not prolong the fast. If possible keep eating and socialising arrangements separate or provide some food-free socialising space during daylight hours. Out of courtesy avoid smoking openly in the presence of Muslims who are fasting. Sunrise and sunset times vary across the UK. Page 4 Religious-festivals-calendar

5 Eid-ul-Fitr (1st day) Muslim The festival of the breaking of the fast is celebrated on the first day after the month of Ramadan. Avoid the 1st day of this 3 day festival. Do not schedule meetings, deadlines, or for the 1st day of this 3 day festival. Some Muslims may seek take a few days off studies/work before the festival starts, so that they can fast the last few days of Ramadan with their families and prepare for Eid. Krishna Janmashtami Hindu The Janamashtami festival celebrates the birth of Krishna a popular incarnation of Vishnu. Many Hindus fast till midnight, those unable fast will take fruit and milk. There is great diversity in Hinduism with no single version of Hinduism operating among Hindu communities in Britain; observance varies. Rosh Hashanah Jewish Jewish New Year. The festival begins 10 days of repentance and self examination during which God sits in personal judgement on every individual. This festival is observed throughout the Jewish community. Like the Sabbath, festivals starts at the previous day and Jewish Festival law requires Jews refrain various acts of 'work' (see 'Sabbath' for details). This is one of the 'big three' Jewish festivals, the others being Yom Kippur, and Pesach. Do not schedule meetings, deadlines, or for the afternoon of the previous day or on the festival day(s). If an activity seems likely clash with this festival consult those involved and if it is essential that the activity goes ahead make alternative arrangements for those Jewish people affected. Practising Jews will want leave work or learning activities in sufficient time arrive home by the start of the Sabbath. For a ten day period ( Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur) people often aim practice higher than usual standards of piety; this may include avoidance of talking about and handling money. With the exception of the Seder meal at the beginning of Pesach/Passover, and the fast on Yom Kippur, it is impossible say that any of the Jewish festivals featured in this calendar are observed by everyone who identifies as Jewish. However, all modern movements within Judaism (Orthodox, Reform, Liberal, Masorti etc) share the basic festival calendar outlined in this document. Page 5 Religious-festivals-calendar

6 Yom Kippur/Day of Anement (1 day) Jewish Day of Anement. This is the final day of 10 days of repentance. It is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar - one of the 'big three' festivals (the others being Rosh Hashanah, and Pesach). The Sabbath of Sabbaths is marked by afflicting the soul expressed through a tal fast lasting 25 hours. This festival is observed throughout the Jewish community. Like the Sabbath, festivals starts at the previous day and Jewish Festival law requires Jews refrain various acts of 'work' (see 'Sabbath' for details). Anyone connected Judaism ( the most Orthodox the very Liberal) is likely seek one day off work/studies. Orthodox observant Jews fast completely sunset the previous evening the following sunset. Do not schedule meetings, deadlines, or learning/assessment activities for the afternoon of the previous day or on the festival day. Practising Jews will want leave work or learning activities in sufficient time arrive home by the start of the Sabbath. If an activity seems likely clash with this festival consult those involved and if it is essential that the activity goes ahead make alternative arrangements for those Jewish people affected. Eid-ul-Adha (2 days) Muslim This major festival, the Festival of Sacrifice, marks the end of the Hajj (Pilgrimage Mecca). It commemorates Prophet Abraham s willingness sacrifice his son Ishmael God. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Avoid the 2 days shown. Do not schedule meetings, deadlines, or learning/assessment activities for this 2 day festival. It is likely that Muslims would ask for 2 days off work/studies celebrate this festival. Sukkot (Tabernacles) Jewish This harvest festival commemorates the 40 years that the Jews spent in the wilderness on the way slavery in Egypt freedom in the Promised land. Like the Sabbath, this festival starts at the previous day and Jewish Festival law requires Jews refrain various acts of 'work' (see 'Sabbath' for details). This is one of the main 5 Jewish festivals. If possible avoid scheduling meetings, deadlines, or student activities for the afternoon of the previous day or on the festival days - 2 days at the start of the festival. If an activity is likely clash with this festival consult those involved and if it is essential that the activity goes ahead make alternative arrangements for those affected. Practising Jews will want leave work or learning activities in sufficient time arrive home by the start of the festival. Many Jews can be expected seek all or some time off work/studies, in particular Orthodox observant Jews. With the exception of the Seder meal at the beginning of Pesach/Passover, and the fast on Yom Kippur, it is impossible say that any of the Jewish festivals featured in this calendar are observed by everyone who identifies as Jewish. However, all modern movements within Judaism (Orthodox, Reform, Liberal, Masorti etc) share the basic festival calendar outlined in this document. Page 6 Religious-festivals-calendar

7 Shemini Atzeret Jewish Shemini Atzeret directly follows the Jewish festival of Sukkot and is devoted the spiritual aspects of the festival of Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret means the assembly of the eighth (day). If possible avoid scheduling meetings, deadlines, or student activities for the afternoon of the previous day or on the day of the festival. If an activity is likely clash with this date consult those involved and if it is essential that the activity goes ahead make alternative arrangements for those affected. Many Jewish observants can be expected seek all or some time off work/studies, in particular Orthodox observant Jews. Simchat Torah Jewish Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. The main celebration of Simchat Torah takes place in the synagogue during evening and morning services when the Torah scrolls and biblical passages are taken out of the ark and read. On each occasion, when the ark is opened, the worshippers leave their seats dance and sing with the Torah scrolls in a joyous celebration that can last for several hours. If possible avoid scheduling meetings, deadlines, or student activities for the afternoon of the previous day or on the day of the festival. If an activity is likely clash with this date consult those involved and if it is essential that the activity goes ahead make alternative arrangements for those affected.. Many Jewish observants can be expected seek all or some time off work/studies, in particular Orthodox observant Jews. Diwali (Divali, Deepavali) Hindu & Sikh The festival of lights is the most popular of all the festivals South Asia. For some Hindu communities, Divali marks the beginning of their new year. This is normally celebrated during the evening of this special day. Sikhs light candles at the gurdwara and home, and visit friends and relatives during the evening or the day. This festival is unlikely prevent staff working and student activities on the festival day - staff would attend work and celebrate during the evening if Diwali fell on a weekday. University activities could be affected if Diwali fell during the weekend e.g. residential school. In the event of a clash with an evening or weekend activity, alternative arrangements might be required for those affected. Page 7 Religious-festivals-calendar

8 Ashura Muslim Ashura is the 10th of Muharram (Muharram is the first month of the Muslim calendar) and marks several important events. For Shi'ite Muslims it commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Husain, at Karbala in 680, which is one of the principal annual events for many Shi'ite Muslims. For Sunni Muslims Ashura marks the day Noah left the Ark, and the day Moses was saved the Egyptians by Allah. This is a day of fasting for Sunni Muslims. Whilst this festival is unlikely affect staff working or student learning/assessment activities, staff should be sensitive and take account of this one-day festival when scheduling activities. However, if there is a clash, alternative arrangements might be required for those affected. Birthday of Guru Nanak (lunar calendar) Sikh Celebration of the first Sikh Guru born in Mainly celebrated at gurdwaras and can involve street procession. This is normally celebrated during the weekend closest Guru Granth Sahib - this means the book is read aloud beginning end by different readers in turn) would take place Friday Sunday at the gurdwara. Individuals special day as well. Staff should take account of this festival when scheduling activities on the evening of the festival and/or, the following weekend, such as residential staff development, turials, residential schools etc. This festival is unlikely prevent staff working and on the festival day. However, if there is a clash with an evening or weekend activity, alternative arrangements might be required for those affected. Page 8 Religious-festivals-calendar

9 Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadar (Nanakshahi calendar) Sikh Celebration of the life of the Ninth Guru, remembered for standing up for the right for religious freedom. For refusing convert Islam he was beheaded in 1675, in Delhi. He was the father of the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. This is normally celebrated during the weekend closest Guru Granth Sahib - this means the book is read aloud beginning end by different readers in turn) would take place Friday Sunday at the gurdwara. Individuals special day as well. Staff should take account of this festival when scheduling activities on the evening of the festival and/or, the following weekend, such as residential staff development, turials, residential schools etc. This festival is unlikely prevent staff working and on the festival day. However, if there is a clash with an evening or weekend activity, alternative arrangements might be required for those affected. Christmas Christian This major festival in the Christian calendar celebrates the birth of Jesus. Bank holiday. Do not schedule activities for this festival date. Shabbat the Jewish Sabbath Friday Saturday every week Friday Saturday every week Friday Saturday every week Friday Saturday every week Jewish Jewish law requires Jews refrain various acts of 'work' on the weekly Sabbath (day of rest), this includes acts such as travelling (other than on foot), writing, carrying, switching on and off electricity, using a telephone, and any transactions of a commercial nature including buying and selling. Jews will follow Sabbath observance for Jewish festivals. If at all possible avoid scheduling meetings, or setting deadlines for the end of Friday afternoon - this applies only for a few weeks in the winter (roughly end of Ocber February and a lesser extent March) when the sun sets (hence the festival begins) during or immediately after the working day. Times of sunset will vary according geographic location but as a general guide sunset at its earliest in midwinter is approximately 1525 in Aberdeen and 1550 in London. Practising Jews will want leave work or learning activities in sufficient time arrive home by the start of the Sabbath. Page 9 Religious-festivals-calendar