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://multifaithcalendar.org/cal/dologin.php?id=469

Sunday, April 1: CHRISTIANITY-Easter
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. It initiates the fifty-day period culminating in Pentecost.

Sunday, April 1: JUDAISM-Second Day of Pesaḥ
(Until April 6 for Reform Jews; Until April 7 for Orthodox and Conservative Jews) Pesaḥ commemorates the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. It is the first of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Shavuot and Sukkot). The evenings of the first and second days begin with Seders (festive meals and the telling of the Passover story).​

Monday, April 2: UN OBSERVANCE / EVENT-World Autism Awareness Day (UN)
This Day’s objective is to increase people’s awareness about individuals, especially children, with autism. It often features educational events for teachers, health care workers and parents, as well as exhibitions showcasing work created by children with autism.

Thursday, April 5: JAINISM-Shrimad Rajchandra Dehvilay
A prominent Jain philosopher and scholar, this observance marks the day of His emancipation (1901).​

Sunday, April 8: EASTERN / OLD / ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY-Pascha (E)
(Easter for those Christians who follow the Julian calendar.) Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. It initiates the fifty-day period culminating in Pentecost.

Sunday, April 8: BUDDHISM-Buddha’s Birth date
Anniversary of the historical Buddha’s birth. (Mahāyāna) Japan, North America

Monday, April 9: BAHA’I FAITH-Jalál
Jalál (Glory) is the second Bahá’í month.

Thursday, April 12: JUDAISM-Yom HaShoah
Held in memory of the six million Jews who died as victims of Nazi atrocities (World War II). Observance begins at sundown of the previous day, April 11.

Friday, April 13: BUDDHISM-Saka New Year
Observed over two days, the Saka calendar’s New Year’s Day is a religious and cultural celebration for Sinhalese, Indians, Burmese, Kampucheans, Laotians and Thais. (Theravāda)​

Friday, April 13: ISLAM-Lailat al Mi‘rāj
Lailat al Mi‘rāj (or Isra and Mi‘rāj commemorates the ascension (al-Mi‘rāj) of the Prophet to heaven. Muslims may attend special prayer services at a mosque, or they may commemorate the holiday privately at home by telling the story to children or reciting special nighttime prayers. (Special worship, including prayers, fasting and other observances begin at sunset of the previous day, April 12.)

Saturday, April 14: HINDUISM-Vaisakhi (Solar New Year)
The first day of the solar year, Vaisakhi celebrates the harvest. It is especially important in North India. Vaisakhi, as a Hindu festival, is celebrated in several different ways across different countries.