Today@Dal

See below for a sample of dates to observe, reflect, celebrate or promote throughout the university community. The spring and summer calendar is available on the website.

All Jewish and Islamic Holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the first date shown.

JUNE 16
Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (SI)
Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Born in Amritsar, Punjab, India on 15 April 1563 - 30 May 1606 Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan) was the fifth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism and became Guru on 1 September 1581 following in the footsteps of Guru Ram Das. Some of his accomplishments include: Huge number of hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib (over 2000), compiled and installed for the first time the holy Sikh Book(Adi Granth), enhanced the Structure of Sikh Society by introducing the Masund system, and was the first Sikh Guru to be martyred.

JUNE 18
Ramadan begins - Islam
Ramadan the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, the most spiritually-beneficial month of the Islamic year is considered the most venerated and blessed. Prayers, fasting, charity, and self-accountability are especially stressed at this time. It is the month in which the prophet of Islam (Mohammed) received the first verse of the Q’uran. The fourth pillar of Islam, which is fasting, is practiced during the month of Ramadan. The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat and sun-scorched ground. Religious observances associated with Ramadan are kept throughout the month. Daily fasting for all able, adult Muslims during the whole month of Ramadan is prescribed, beginning with the sighting of the new moon. The most holy night during the Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) has more blessing than a thousand months.

JUNE 20
World Refugee Day (UN)
For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own Refugee days and even weeks. One of the most widespread is Africa Refugee Day which is an expression of UN solidarity with Africa, which hosts the most refugees, and which traditionally has shown them great generosity.

JUNE 21
Father’s Day
The idea for creating a day for children to honour thier fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Dodd thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Sonora was raised by her father after her mother died. She wanted him to know how special he was to her and to acknowledge his parental sacrifice. She thought that he was a courageous, selfless and loving man and he was born in June. In 1926 a National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City. Father's Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. In 1972 President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday in June.

Litha (Wicca/Pagan)
(Also called Midsummer’s Eve) celebrates the consummation of the sacred marriage in which the energy of the God is poured out in the service of life. His sacrifice, resulting in his total immolation by the end of the season, sets the standard of self-giving in service to the Goddess. Litha comes on the June solstice.

National Aboriginal Day (Canada)
First proclaimed by the Governor General of Canada on June 13, 1996, June 21st every year has become a day in Canadian calendar that presents Aboriginal peoples with a great opportunity to express great pride for their rich diverse cultures with their families, neighbours, friends and visitors. National Aboriginal Day is a fun filled day for the whole family and an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contribution to make Canada the great nation that it has become.