The following list of commonly observed dates of religious significance is meant as a guide to religious accommodations for students. You may also consult the Interfaith Calendar (not maintained by York).

The complete policy, guidelines and procedures for Academic Accommodation for Students' Religious Observances can be read on the York Secretariat Policies website. Colleagues are invited to connect with the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion with any questions regarding religious accommodations (rights@yorku.ca).

There are many dates for religious observation that are 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. The University is closed on statutory holidays during the academic year. These dates and holidays can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website: Statutory Holidays - 2024-2025 Academic Year.

University event planners and faculty members are encouraged to take these days into consideration when scheduling events and due dates.

Want to learn more about religious accommodation?
Review Accommodating Creed (Religion): A Guide for Students, Faculty, and Staff created by the Centre for Human, Rights, Equity and Inclusion.

Commonly Observed Dates of Religious Significance: 2024-2025

Please note that there may be some additional religious observances that are not included on this list where students may need to visit a place of worship to participate in traditions or observances. Community members of Indigenous ancestry may observe sacred ceremonies held throughout the year pending life changes and other circumstances (for example: solstice, equinox, etc.). Spiritual observances are often highly personal and subjective and requests for accommodation need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Some of the dates listed below can have both religious and cultural significance. Religious accommodation for special worship may be required in those cases. Examples of dates with both cultural and religious significance include, but are not limited to:

• Lunar New Year, the first day after the new (dark) moon, which is celebrated by Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans of Buddhist and other backgrounds as New Year's Day. Tibetans celebrate on a different date.
• Bandi Chhor Divas, a celebratory day in the Sikh community.

*Some observances are based on the Lunar calendar, and thus may vary by one or two days. Local or regional customs may also use a variation of the dates listed below.