Today@Dal

The Multifaith Calendar provides our community with a robust and interactive calendar, highlighting the range of important religious and cultural observations that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of faiths and cultural observances celebrated within the University.

Explore educational resources from the Office for Equity and Inclusion. 

July: Raspberry Moon

The seventh moon of Creation is Raspberry Moon, when great changes begin. By learning gentleness and kindness, we may pass through the thorns of its bush and harvest its fruit, knowledge that will help in raising our families. (Ojibwe)

July 3: Ghambar Maidyoshem ends

Ghambar Maidyoshem (June 29 - July 4) celebrates the creation of water, the sowing of the summer crop and the harvesting of grain.

July 6: Birth date of H.H. Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso

Birth date of His Holiness Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso (b. 1935), the 14th and current Dalai Lama. (Mahāyāna - Tibetan)

July 7: First of Muḥarram (New Year’s Day 1446 AH)

The First of Muḥarram (first month of the Islamic year 1446 AH) celebrates the Ḥijra (migration) of Muḥammad and his followers in 622 CE, from Mecca to Medina, where they established the first Islamic community. (Observance begins at sunset of the previous day, but special worship and prayers begin July 7.)
Religious accommodation for special worship may be required for this observance/holy day.

July 9: Martyrdom of The Báb

The Martyrdom of The Báb memorializes His death. Bahá’í’­s suspend work on this day.
Religious accommodation for special worship may be required for this observance/holy day.

July 12: Kalimát

Kalimát (Words), the seventh month of the Bahá’í­ year.

July 16: ʻĀshūrā’

For Shiite Muslims Āshūrā’, which they call Muḥarram, has special importance as it commemorates the martyrdom of Ḥusain, Prophet Muḥammads grandson, in AH 61 (680 CE). They observe the event for 10 days, from the first of the month (ʻĀshūrā’ means ‘the 10th’). It is a time of great mourning.

July 21: Guru Purnima

Celebrated around the world by disciples to revere and honour their Gurus (spiritual masters). (Also observed by Buddhists and Hindus.)

July 21: Chaturmas

A holy period of approx. four months (July / Aug to Oct / Nov) where devotees observe some form of vow. Chaturmas is reserved for penance, fasting, and other religious observances.

July 21: Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day)

Commemorates the Buddha’s first discourse, given to the five monks at the Deer Park at Sarnath, near Varanasi. The day is observed by donating offerings to temples and listening to sermons. (Theravāda)

July 21: Vassa (Rains Retreat) begins

Monks and nuns begin the three month rainy season retreat: 21 July - 16 October. (Theravāda)

July 30: Oh-harai-taisai

(The Grand Purification Ceremony), has been held since ancient times to obtain purification from sins and offences committed during the first half of the lunar year. In earlier times, the Imperial Japanese Court led the ceremonies. A large ring of woven grasses and reeds is placed at the entrance of the shrine premises. Walking through the ring symbolizes inner purification.

July 31: Kamál

Kamál (Perfection), the eighth month of the Bahá’í­ year.