Birthday of Guru Nanak

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Mon, 02 Nov 2009 All Day) The first Guru, who preached worship of one God and the equality of humanity. The distinctive Sikh communal free kitchen - 'langar' - where all could eat together, whatever their caste or status, was his idea.

Crowning of Emperor Haile Selassie I

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Mon, 02 Nov 2009 All Day) Rastafarians take their name from 'Ras Tafari' ('Prince Creator') crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930. It is an all day celebration.

Sangha Day

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Mon, 02 Nov 2009 All Day) A day to honour the Sangha - the Buddhist order of monks - and their teachings.

Birth of Baha'u'llah

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Thu, 12 Nov 2009 All Day) A day of rejoicing, prayers and a communal meal.

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Tue, 24 Nov 2009 All Day) Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, was executed for his belief in the need for religious liberty and freedom of worship.

Hajj Day

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Fri, 27 Nov 2009 All Day) The day which commemorates Hajj (Pilgrimage) - a pilgrimage to Makkah should be made atleast once a lifetime. Ceremonies during pilgrimage include discarding old clothes to dress instead in new and seamless cloth, and to make a circuit around the 'Ka'bah', the 'House of Allah'.

Eid-Ul Adha

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Sat, 28 Nov 2009 All Day)

The 'Feast of Sacrifice' celebrated by those on Pilgrimage, and those at home. A commemoration of the obedience shown by Ibrahim, it is remembered with reverence and thanksgiving, and animals sacrificed for the feast provide food for the poor as well as being shared by friends and family.

Advent

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Sun, 29 Nov 2009 All Day) A four-week long time of preparation for the symbolic birth of Jesus at Christmas.