Multifaith Calendar 2018 This Calendar is intended to reflect the main religions within the area, please try to avoid planning any events or meetings on the main festival days
We hope you find the calendar most useful in supporting staff and patients of various Religions and Faiths. Awareness of religious obligations and festivals are vital to supporting Equality & Diversity at Pennine Acute Trust for our staff and patients. As part of Greater Manchester's diverse population, we are fortunate to have many communities and different faiths. After Christianity the two largest faiths are Islam and Judaism. Greater Manchester encompasses large Jewish and Muslim communities, and for both religions Friday prayers are important for reasons below. Throughout the year observant Muslims fulfil the Friday congregational prayers which are known as Jumu ah and is performed after noon. Shabbat (Sabbath) starts on Friday evening 30 minutes before the sun goes down and continues until the sun goes down on Saturday. Times vary each week as times are based on the lunar calendar. During winter months Shabbat can start as early as 3.30pm. Equally during summer these times change and Shabbat can start near midnight. Both Jumu ah and Shabbat have an impact on staff and patients.
January 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 World Braille Day Guru Gobindh Singh birthday 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 World Religion Day 22 Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 22 28th 23 24 25 26 27 Holocaust Memorial Day 28 29 30 31 Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Chinese Islam Hindu
New Years Day New Year's Day is observed on January 1, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar as well as the Julian calendar. Public Bank Holiday Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 22 28 th January Raising Public knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer prevention Guru Gobindh Singh Birthday World Religion Day 21st January Guru Gobind Singh is a Sikh festival that commemorates the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh. A celebration in which prayers for prosperity are offered and reading of Sikh scripture over 3 days. Inpatients may want to pray Staff may request leave
LGBT History Month A celebration and observance of LGBT history February 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 5 Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week 5 11th Imbolc 1 2 3 4 World Cancer Day 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Ash Wednesday 19 20 21 22 23 24 National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 24 2nd 26 27 28 Nirvana Day 25 Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Chinese Islam Hindu
Imbolc Imbolc or Imbolg, is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring. Most commonly it is held on 1st February, or about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox No patient or staff impact Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is an important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese Calendar Celebrations traditionally run from the evening preceding the first day, to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day Possible impact on patients and staff Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week 5 11 th February Targeting hate crime and building on the City's reputation for celebrating diversity Ash Wednesday/Lent Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting, is the first day of Lent in Western Christianity Possible appointment impact, staff may request leave Nirvana Day Nirvana Day or Parinirvana Day The day commemorates the death of the historical Buddha and his entry into final or complete Nirvana and is a time to think about those that recently passed away to support them in their afterlife. A days meditation for Buddhists Inpatients may want to meditate Staff may request time off
March 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Purim 1 Holi 3 4 Hola Mohalla Lantern Festival 5 6 7 International 9 10 11 Women s Day 8 World Kidney Day 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Spring Equinox 26 27 28 29 30 31 Rama Navami 25 Passover Day1 Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Islam Hindu
Maundy Thursday Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance in the United Kingdom, and falls on the Thursday before Good Friday. It commemorates Jesus Christ s last supper No patient impact, staff may request leave Purim Purim is a celebration of a narrow escape from genocide described in the biblical Book of Esther A day of celebration but no effect on appointments Staff may request day leave Hola Mohalla Guru Gobind Singh started this festival as a day for Sikhs to practise their military exercises battles. Today, Sikhs celebrate by watching and partaking in martial arts parades No patient care impact, staff may request leave Rama Navami At Rama Navami Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. A Day of family prayers, reflection and celebration. Possible patient and staff impact Lantern Festival Final day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations Holi Holi was originally a spring festival of fertility and harvest. Now it also marks some Hindu legends. No patient care impact, staff may request leave Good Friday Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday in the United Kingdom. Spring Equinox The first day of Spring. Spring Equinox celebrates the renewed life of the Earth that comes with the Spring. It is a solar festival, celebrated when the length of the day and the night are equal. A day of celebration but no effect on appointments Palm Sunday A celebration of Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. No patient or staff impact International Women s Day Celebration of women s achievements throughout history and across nations.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month Raising awareness of bowel cancer screening April 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 World Autism Awareness Day 2 Easter Monday 3 4 5 6 World Health Day 7 Last day of Passover Easter Sunday 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8 Vaisakhi 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 30 Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week 23 29th 24 25 26 27 28 29 Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Islam Hindu
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week 23-29 th April Raising awareness Easter Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. People who regularly attend church will probably attend a special church services at Easter. Good Friday and Easter Monday are Public Bank Holidays. There may be some patient and staff impact. Passover Begins sundown 31st March and last day is 7th April Passover lasts for eight days. Jewish people celebrate with special ceremonies, and observe specific customs which remember the escape from Egypt, as told in the Book of Exodus. Inpatients may want to celebrate with visiting family, special passover menu available. Staff may want time off Vaisakhi Sikhs around the world will celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. The festival marks several important dates, including the spring harvest festival, the Punjabi New Year and the year Sikhism was born as a collective faith in 1699. Possible patient and staff impact
May 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 International Day of the Midwife 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Bank Holiday May Day / Beltane 14 15 16 17 International Day Against Homophobia Ramadan Ascension Day and Transphobia 18 19 20 Shavuot 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 6 Buddha Day Shavuot 28 29 30 31 Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Islam Hindu
May Day / Beltane May Day / Beltane is a public holiday usually celebrated on May 1st. It is an ancient northern hemisphere spring festival. It is also a traditional spring holiday in many cultures and a Public Bank Holiday. Mental Health Awareness Week 14 20th May Ascension Day Ascension Day is the Christian celebration of Jesus rising into Heaven after He had spent 40 days on Earth after the Resurrection. Ascension Day is celebrated forty days after Easter Sunday on Ascension Thursday No inpatient or staff impact Ramadan (Begins) Ramadan a time when Muslims across the world will fast during the hours of daylight. Fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It serves to remind Muslims of those suffering due to hunger and poverty. It is obligatory upon all Muslims physically and mentally fit enough to do so. Fasting is complete abstention from food, drink and smoking. A pre dawn meal is taken, and the fast is broken at dusk. Extra prayers are offered during this special month. Some patients wish to fast if their medical condition allows. Staff may want time off during the Ramadan period to fulfil their obligations. Probable impact on clinical appointments. Dementia Awareness Week 15 21st May Buddha Day Buddhists celebrate today as the Buddha's (Shakyamuni) Birthday. It is considered by most to be the most vital day in Buddhism and most Buddhists invest the day in contemplation of the Buddha's life and knowledge. No patient impact, staff may request time off Shavuot 19 th - 21 st May NHS Equality & Human Rights Week 14 18th May Jewish people in the United Kingdom observe various traditions associated with Shavuot. Observant Jews say prayers and give thanks to God for the Torah (the five books of Moses) and refrain from work on Shavuot. Patient and Staff impact
June 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Men s Health Week 11-17th 18 Refugee Week 18-24th 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 Blind Deaf Summer Solstice Eid ul-fitr 25 26 27 28 29 30 Lailat-ul-Qadr Awareness Week 24-30th Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Islam Hindu
Eid ul-fitr Eid al-fitr marks the end of the month-long fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. It's one of the two major holidays in the Islamic year and is celebrated with prayer and thanksgiving to God, as well as feasting and gift giving. Inpatients may want to celebrate with family. Probable patient and staff impact. Blind Deaf Awareness Week 24-30th JUNE Awareness raising. There are an estimated 356,000 Blind Deaf people in the UK Summer Solstice Sunrise at Stonehenge At Summer Solstice Pagans celebrate Midsummer or Litha, which means 'standing still of the sun'. It s the longest day of the year. It s a time to celebrate growth and life, but also to acknowledge the Wheel of Life and that the sun will now begin to decline once more towards winter. Some inpatients may want to be awake at sunrise, some staff may request leave. Men s Health Week 11-17th June Raising awareness for men to look after themselves The 17th of Tammuz The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day commemorating the fall of Jerusalem, prior to the destruction of the Holy Temple. Inpatients may want to fast (health permitting) Staff may fast or request leave Lailat-ul-Qadr This falls on one of the last 10 days of Ramadan. Many believe that Laylat al Qadr marks the time when the Qur an s first verses were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammed. It is also believed that this night marks their fate in the following year. Therefore, many Muslims pray in the night to God for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Inpatients and staff may want to pray at night time. Possible impact on staff and patients.
Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month Raising awareness to BME communities UK July 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Nelson Mandela Day 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 World Hepatitis Day 28 30 31 Dharma Day 29 Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Islam Hindu
Tisha B'Av Tisha B Av is a sad day for Jewish people. It reminds them of the oppression and violence that caused suffering among Jewish people throughout history. Jewish communities follow various restrictions during Tisha B Av. Inpatients may want to fast. Staff may request leave Buddha Statue in Hong Kong Dharma Day Dharma Day, or Asala, is when many Buddhists celebrate the teachings of the Buddha. On Dharma Day Buddhists celebrate the day the Buddha began to teach his Four Noble Truths and Eight Fold Path, often referred to as the Wheel of Dharma. Inpatients and staff many want time to meditate Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month Awareness of cancer and uptake of some cancer services is lower among ethnic minorities, added to this some ethnic minorities tend to be diagnosed when the disease is more advanced, all of which can lead to poorer survival African-Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to white men. Mouth cancer is more common among South Asian communities Liver cancer is higher among Bangladeshi and Chinese communities
August 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 World Breastfeeding Week 1-7th 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 World Humanitarian Day 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Hajj 27 Summer Bank Holiday Eid-ul-Adha 28 29 30 31 Manchester Pride 24 27 th Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Islam Hindu
Hajj The Day of Arafa is an Islamic Holy Day, in which it is said that the religion had been perfected. 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. A series of ritual acts are performed by the pilgrims during the first two days of Hajj, prior to the three day festival of Eid-al-Adha which is celebrated in Mecca by the pilgrims Possible patient impact Staff may want to take leave for the Hajj pilgrimage Manchester Pride 25th 28th August World Breastfeeding Week 1-7th August Raising awareness that breastfeeding is a key to sustainable development Hajj pilgrimage Eid-ul-Adha Muslims in the celebrate Eid-al-Adha, which commemorates Ibrahim s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son to God. This festival also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, and is celebrated for 3 days. Families and friends will get together and greet each other with the greeting Eid Mubarak. Probable impact for all patients and staff
September 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 World Suicide Prevention Day 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Rosh Hashanah 17 18 19 20 21 22 Kol Nidrei Al-Hijra Yom Kippur Ashura 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan 23 Autumn Equinox Islam Hindu
Janmashtami At Janmashtami Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. Food is a key ingredient for Janmashtami including milk and curds. However, some Hindus choose to fast all day and night for the first day of Krishna Janmashtami, breaking the fast at midnight. Inpatients may want to celebrate with visiting family. Staff may request leave. Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) Yom Kippur translates as the Day of Atonement and is the holiest date in the Jewish calendar. This holiday involves fasting and praying. The fasting lasts for 25 hours and begins on the evening before Yom Kippur. The first communal prayer service of Yom Kippur takes place immediately prior to sunset on the evening of Yom Kippur is called Kol Nidre Possible impact for patients and staff Al-Hijra - Islamic New Year There are few rituals associated with Islamic New Year. There are no prescribed religious. Observances Many Muslims regard the day as a time for reflection on the Hijra and on the year to come. No patient or staff impact Autumn Equinox Autumn Equinox (Mabon) is celebrated by Pagans when day and night are of equal length. The Wheel of the Year has turned, and summer is making way for winter once again. No patient or staff impact Ashura At Ashura, Muslims remember the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Ashura is marked by many Muslims, but it s most important for Shia Muslims for whom it s a solemn day of mourning. Possible patient and staff impact Sukkot 23rd (Sundown) 30th September At Sukkot Jews remember the Israelites' 40 years of exile in the desert, living in makeshift dwellings, before they reached the promised land. Jewish people build a temporary booth known as the sukkah before the start of the Sukkot period. Sukkot is intended to be a joyful festival that lets Jews live close to nature and know that God is taking care of them. Rosh Hashanah Sundown on 20 th 22nd Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival and commemorates the creation of the world. Many Jewish families gather for special meals to celebrate Rosh Hashana. Celebrations begin after the evening prayer and reflection on the past and make a fresh start for the New Year. Impact for patients and staff
Black History Month A celebration and recognition of achievements of the Black community throughout history October 2018 ADHD Awareness Month Raising awareness nationally about adult ADHD Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Shemini Atzeret Simchat Torah 8 9 10 World Mental Navaratri Health Day 11 World Sight Day 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 World Osteoporosis Day 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 World Stroke Day 30 Halloween 31 27 28 29 Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Islam Hindu
Navaratri Navaratri is a nine day Hindu festival of music and dance celebrating triumph of good over evil, and is a social congregation of the Hindu community Inpatients may want to see family Staff may request time off Shemini Atzeret Shemini Atzeret is a Jewish holiday marking the day after the end of Sukkot and is an extra day of celebration. Simchat Torah Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings. The main celebration of Simchat Torah takes place in the synagogue Staff and patient impact Staff may request leave over the course of the 9 days of celebration Samhain Samhain is a important date in the Pagan calendar for it marks the Feast of the Dead. For Pagans, death is not a thing to be feared. Old age is valued for its wisdom and dying is accepted as a part of life as necessary and welcome as birth Possible patient and staff impact Halloween/All Hallows Eve Halloween/All hallows Eve is a historical event for remembering the dead. In many parts of the world, Christian religious observances of All Hallows' Eve include attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead. No patient impact staff may request leave
Disability History Month 22nd Nov - 22nd Dec A celebration and recognition of achievements of UK Disability November 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 Diwali Diwali 12 13 14 World Diabetes Day 7 All Saints' Day 8 9 10 Armistice Day 15 16 17 18 19 International Men s Day 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance 21 22 23 24 25 Birthday of Guru Nanak 26 27 28 29 30 Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Islam Hindu
All Saints' Day All Saints Day is a chance for people to remember the saints and martyrs who dedicated or sacrificed their lives to Christianity. Some people attend special church services on this feast day. Some Christian schools may offer certain activities to students prior to or on All Saints Day. These activities focus on the theme of various saints lives and their role in the history of Christianity. Although a time for reflection no Inpatient or staff impact Mawlid al-nabi Mawlid is the observance of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Families celebrate in different ways. No patient or staff impact Birthday of Guru Nanak Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh faith and the first of its 10 Gurus. He was born in the Punjab in 1469. Sikhs celebrate with prayers, the singing of religious songs and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Book). Free sweets and community meals are offered to everyone at the temples. Houses and temples are lit up for the festivities. Possible patient and staff impact Diwali Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs albeit for different reasons. For Hindus it's the most important annual festival when they celebrate New Year and give thanks to the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi. Diwali celebrations include decorating homes with lights and candles. Possible patient and staff impact Remembrance Sunday 11 th November International Men s Day Promotion of the men's and boys' health and safety, tackling tolerance of violence against men and boys.
December 2018 Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 World Aids Day Hanukkah 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2 Advent Sunday 10 International Human Rights Day Bodhi Day 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Christmas Eve 25 26 Boxing Day 27 28 29 30 31 Christmas Day Christian Sikhism Buddhism Judaism Pagan Islam Hindu
Advent Sunday Advent is the four week period before Christmas when Christians prepare for the coming of Christ. The word Advent means 'coming' or 'arrival'. Some Christians attend special church services on the first Sunday in Advent. Homes start to be decorated with Advent wreaths, candles and lights. No patient impact Staff may request leave leading up to Christmas Hanukkah (2 10th December) Commemorating when Maccabees rededicated the holy temple Jerusalem. When they came to, the menorah they had enough oil to last only a day. But the menorah miraculously stayed alight for eight days. This became known as the miracle of the oil. Because of this miracle candles are lit daily from right to left during Hanukkah. Hanukkah is also known as the festival of lights. No inpatient or staff impact Boxing Day Boxing Day follows Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would traditionally receive gifts Inpatients may have visiting family, Public bank holiday, probable staff impact Northern Care Alliance Produced by the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team Winter solstice (Yule) The Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere this is the December solstice and in the Southern Hemisphere this is the June solstice. Celebrations include a log being lit to conquer the darkness. No inpatient impact, Possible staff impact Christmas Day Christmas Day is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. There are many celebratory customs associated with Christmas all over the world, with non Christians joining in. Inpatients may have visiting family, Public bank holiday, probable staff impact Bodhi Day Bodhi Day is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, experienced enlightenment. A time for reflection also may include lighting candles. No inpatient or staff impact