Today@Dal

See below for a sample of dates to observe, reflect, celebrate or promote throughout the university community. The full calendar is available on the website, http://www.dal.ca/dept/dalrespect/about/calendar.html

September 12-16
Gahambar Paitishem (ZO)
Zoroastrian festival commemorating the creation of the earth and the harvesting of summer crops. The feast of 'bringing in the harvest.' Gahambar means 'proper season,' and these seasonal festivals occur six times every year. They are observed for five days.

September 15
International Day of Democracy (UN)
In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe September 15 as the International Day of Democracy — with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy — and invited all member states and organizations to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness. Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives.

Ananta-Chaturdasi (JA)
Anant Chaturdashi is also the last day of the Hindu festival of Ganeshotsav. It is generally the tenth or eleventh day after Ganesh Chaturthi, and all the Ganesh idols brought into homes and communities are immersed in the sea or nearby lakes and rivers.

Kshamavani (JA)
Kshamavani or "Forgiveness Day" is a day of forgiving and seeking forgiveness for the followers of Jainism. It is celebrated on the Samvatsari, the last day of the annual Paryusana festival. On this sacred day, every member of the Jain community approaches everyone, irrespective of religion, and begs for forgiveness for all their faults or mistakes, committed either knowingly or unknowingly. Thus relieved of the heavy burden hanging over their head of the sins of yesteryears, they start life afresh, living in peaceful co-existence with others.