The following list of Commonly Observed Dates of Religious Significance is meant as a guide to religious accommodations.
The guide has been compiled in consultation with York’s student Interfaith Council to ensure it is inclusive for York’s student body. You can also consult the Interfaith Calendar (not maintained by York).
There are many holy days associated with various faiths, and the absence of such dates on this list should not be interpreted to mean that accommodation will not be provided to students who observe those days. University event planners and faculty members are encouraged to take these days into consideration when scheduling events.
The complete policy, guidelines and procedures for Accommodation for Students' Religious Observances can be read on the York Secretariat Policies website. You can also read more information on Statutory Dates in the academic year.
Additional information for students, faculty and staff on religious accommodation can be found on the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion website.
Senate-approved list of Commonly Observed Dates of Religious Significance: 2020-2021
| Religious Observance | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Rosh Hashanah | Begins at sunset on Sept. 18, 2020 and ends on Sept. 20, 2020. |
| Yom Kippur | Begins at sunset on Sept. 27, 2020 and ends on Sept. 28, 2020. |
| First Two Days of Sukkot | Begins at sunset on Oct. 2, 2020 and the second day ends at nightfall on Oct. 4, 2020. |
| Shemini Atzeret | Begins at sunset on Oct. 9, 2020 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 10, 2020. |
| Simchat Torah | Begins at sunset on Oct. 10, 2020 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 11, 2020. |
| Diwali (Deepavali) | Nov. 14, 2020 |
| Hanukkah | Begins at sunset on Dec. 10, 2020 and ends at nightfall on Dec. 18, 2020. |
| Epiphany | Jan. 6, 2021 |
| Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox) | Jan. 7, 2021 |
| Lunar New Year | Feb. 12, 2021 |
| Ash Wednesday | Feb. 17, 2021 |
| Purim | Begins at sunset on Feb. 25, 2021 and ends at nightfall on Feb. 26, 2021. |
| Norooz | March 21, 2021 |
| First two days of Passover (Pesach) | Begins at sunset on March 27, 2021 and ends at nightfall on March 29, 2021. |
| Maundy Thursday | April 1, 2021 |
| Good Friday | April 2, 2021 |
| Easter Sunday | April 4, 2021 |
| Last two days of Passover (Pesach) | Begins at sunset on April 2, 2021 and ends at nightfall on April 4, 2021. |
| Ramadan* | Begins at sunset April 12, 2021 and ends at nightfall on May 11, 2021. Muslims may fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food and drink. Examinations scheduled in the evening may pose a special burden. |
| Holy Friday (Orthodox) | April 30, 2021 |
| Easter (Orthodox) | May 2, 2021 |
| Eid-al-Fitr* | Begins at sunset on May 12, 2021 and ends May 13, 2021. |
| Shavuot | Begins at sunset on May 16, 2021 and ends at nightfall on May 18, 2021. |
| National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21, 2021 |
| Eid-al-Adha* | Begins at sunset on July 19, 2021 and ends July 23, 2021. |
| *Some observances are based on the lunar calendar, and thus may vary by one or two days. | |
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