Religion and spirituality
Holy days and festivals
Find out about on-campus and community events which celebrate Holy Days and Festivals.
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At York St John University we pride ourselves on being open, inclusive and increasingly diverse.
On this page you will find details of upcoming religious events and holy days. If there is a specific service, festival or celebration you can join in with, details are here. If you just want to know more, contact details for the relevant Faith Adviser are also here.
Celebrating with a community is a great way to learn about their traditions. Don't be shy – join up with people of your own faith or explore that of others.
You’ll always find a warm welcome!
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Friday, 29 September 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Sukkot (29 September to 6 October)
Sukkot commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and celebrates the way in which God protected them under difficult desert conditions.
Open to everyone
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Friday, 6 October 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Shemini Atzeret (6 to 8 October)
Shemini Atzeret is literally the eighth day following the festival of Sukkot. It is a separate - yet connected - holy day devoted to the spiritual aspects of the festival of Sukkot.
Open to everyone
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Saturday, 7 October 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Simchat Torah (celebration of the Torah) (7 to 8 October)
Jewish religious observance held on the last day of Sukkot, when the yearly cycle of the Torah reading is completed and the next cycle is begun.
Open to everyone
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Sunday, 15 October 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Navaratri (Durga Puja) (15 to 23 October)
Navaratri (nine nights) is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Get in touch with our Hindu Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
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Monday, 16 October 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Twin Holy Days (16 to 17 October)
In Baha'i 'Twin Manifestations' refers to the unprecedented Revelation of the Bab and Baha'u'llah in rapid succession. Get in touch with our Baha'i Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
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Tuesday, 31 October 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Halloween / All Saints / All Souls
On Halloween we remember that good is stronger than evil by poking fun at 'evil spirits'. Email our Chaplain for more information.
Open to everyone
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Saturday, 4 November 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Lha Bab Duechen (Vajrayana Buddhism)
This day celebrates the Buddha teaching in the Realm of gods to his mother and other gods. Get in touch with our Buddhist Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
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Sunday, 12 November 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Diwali
The Festival of Lights is a major holiday that extends over 5 days and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Join our International team to light candles, eat snacks and explore creative ways to celebrate.
Open to current students
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Sunday, 12 November 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Bhandi Chor Divas
A Sikh celebration that commemorates the sixth Guru of Sikhs. It symbolises the struggle against political injustice and highlights human rights. Get in touch with our Sikh Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
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Saturday, 25 November 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Day of the Covenant (25 to 26 November)
In his will Baha'u'llah instructed all to turn to His eldest son, Abdu'l-Baha, as the perfect exemplar of the Faith's spirit and teachings. Get in touch with our Baha'i Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
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Sunday, 26 November 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Kathina (Theravada Buddhism)
On this day, offerings are made to the monastic community after their summer retreat. Get in touch with our Buddhist Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Monday, 27 November 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469. When he was 30 he disappeared for 3 days. On his return he began to preach the Sikh faith. Get in touch with our Sikh Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
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Monday, 27 November 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha (27 to 28 November)
An anniversary of Abdu'l-Baha's funeral. Get in touch with our Baha'i Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Friday, 1 December 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Advent (1 to 24 December)
The 4 weeks before Christmas. A time of waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ in Christianity. Please contact our Chaplain for more information.
Open to everyone
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Thursday, 7 December 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Hanukkah (7 to 15 December)
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It is celebrated for 8 days and commemorates the Jews' struggle for religious freedom.
Open to everyone
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Friday, 8 December 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Jodo-e (Japanese Mahayana Buddhism)
This day celebrates the Buddha's enlightenment. Get in touch with our Buddhist Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
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Monday, 25 December 2023
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Christmas Day
The birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Email our Chaplain for more information.
Open to current students
Calendar of religious festivals
Find out more about upcoming dates with the Open University calendar of religious festivals. Their calendar aims to raise awareness of dates that are likely to have an impact on work or study.