UNCLASSIFIED
RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2012
This instruction applies to :-
Reference :-
Prisons
PSI 66/2011
Issue Date
Effective Date
Expiry Date
Implementation Date
26 October 2011
1 January 2012
1 January 2013
Issued on the authority of
For action by
NOMS Agency Board
Governing Governors, Directors and Controllers of contracted
prisons, Chaplaincy teams, Security Managers, Catering
Managers, Diversity Officers
For information
All prison staff. Faith Advisers. IMB
Contact
Kishwar Ahmed
Chaplaincy Headquarters
0300 047 5178
Associated documents
Information on the practice of religion in prisons
is contained in PSO 4550 Religion, (shortly to be replaced by
PSI 51/2011); information on religious diets and catering
arrangements for religious festivals is contained in the
Catering Operating Manual at Annex B of PSI 44/2010.
Replaces the following documents which are hereby cancelled :PSI 56/2010 (not until January 2012)
Audit/monitoring :
Self audit
Introduces amendments to the following documents. - None
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
1
CONTENTS
Section
Executive Summary
Annex A
Annex B
Annex C
Annex D
Annex E
Annex F
Annex G
Annex H
Annex I
Annex J
Annex K
1.
Subject
General Information/food at festivals
Bahá’í Religious Festival Dates
Buddhist Religious Festival Dates
Christian Religious Festival Dates
Hindu Religious Festival Dates
Jain Religious Festival Dates
Jewish Religious Festival Dates
Muslim Religious Festival Dates
Pagan Religious Festival Dates
Sikh Religious Festival Dates
Zoroastrian Festival Dates
Chronological summary of all dates
Applies to
All prison staff
Bahai prisoners
Buddhist prisoners
Christian prisoners
Hindu prisoners
Jain prisoners
Jewish prisoners
Muslim prisoners
Pagan prisoners
Sikh prisoners
Zoroastrian prisoners
All prison staff
Executive summary
The Prison Service is committed to ensuring that prisoners from all religious faiths are given
the opportunity and facilities to practise their religion. This instruction provides information
to ensure staff are aware of the key religious dates, and their requirements, for the main
faiths. Some of these festivals require prisoners to be excused from work or to fast.
Details are provided in the attached annexes.
Background
1.1
This Instruction sets out the dates in 2012 of the main religious festivals for the Buddhist,
Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Pagan faiths. In addition this year, we have
included the dates for Bahai, Jain and Zoroastrian festivals.
It also sets out the principles for providing food at religious festivals.
Desired outcomes
1.2
This instruction aims to ensure that prisons have the necessary information to enable
religious festivals to be marked in an appropriate and equitable way.
Application
1.3
Arrangements for provision for food for religious festivals for 2012 should be discussed at
the earliest opportunity by the Co-ordinating Chaplain(s), together with members of the
Chaplaincy team, and other key stakeholders such as the Catering Manager and Security
Department. Relevant faith chaplains can provide details of appropriate food; this should
be prepared in-house except in the circumstances described in paragraphs 3.43 – 3.48 of
the Catering Manual (see 1.4 below).
As in 2011, a year planner setting out the main festivals listed in the PSI is being produced
by Chaplaincy HQ. Copies will be sent to the Chaplaincy team at each prison. The
planner for 2012 will include the religions previously covered. We hope that for 2013, the
year planner will also include the dates for the Bahai, Jain and Zoroastrian faiths.
If establishments require advice or information in relation to any faith tradition not
mentioned in this instruction, please contact Chaplaincy HQ.
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
2
Mandatory actions
1.4
Governing Governors and Directors of Contracted prisons must ensure that relevant staff,
including Chaplains of all faith traditions, Race Equality Officers / Diversity Officers and
Catering Managers, are aware of this Instruction.
Food for Religious Festivals
Information on this is set out in the Catering Manual at Annex B of PSI 44/2010, and the
relevant extract is below:
“3.43 The dates of the main religious festivals are set out annually in a PSI issued by
Chaplaincy HQ.
3.44
Governors and Directors of contracted prisons, together with Co-ordinating
Chaplains, must ensure equitable provision, as far as practicable, across the faiths
in terms of food for religious festivals. Food for religious festivals should always be
provided in consultation with the relevant Faith Chaplain and should be provided at
a communal gathering.
3.45
Where food is provided at public expense for religious festivals, this must be
prepared in the prison kitchens. It should only be necessary to purchase food from
outside sources in the event of an operating failure of kitchen equipment or for
Kosher prepared meals. The cost of food must be proportionate to the number of
prisoners involved and consistent with the cost per prisoner incurred in other
religious festivals for other faiths. If the prison believes there are other exceptional
circumstances requiring the food for a religious festival to be purchased from
outside the prison, this should only be done in consultation with Co-ordinating
Chaplain(s), the relevant Faith Chaplain and other key stakeholders such as the
Catering Manager and Security Department. Governors and Chaplains should seek
further advice from the relevant Faith Adviser, Chaplaincy HQ and Regional
Catering Manager if necessary. The final approval of the Regional Custodial
Manager must be obtained.
3.46
Faith communities may offer to donate food for religious festivals, but this should
normally be prepared in-house. Subject to the agreement of the Governor,
donations of additional small items of food such as dates for Ramadan, sweets for
Diwali, sweets/hot cross buns for Christmas/Easter may be allowed. Prasad (a
blessed sweetmeat from the Gurdwara), which Sikh Chaplains are permitted to
bring in for religious services, must also be allowed for festivals.
3.47
The Governor (food business proprietor) remains responsible for ensuring that all
food served is fit for consumption and is not injurious to health. Exceptionally,
therefore, if Governors wish to allow refreshments to be donated by faith groups, it
is strongly advisable to limit these refreshments to items that have been purchased
in sealed packaging and brought in unopened. Hot food and food requiring reheating must not be brought in.
3.48
Governors and Chaplains should seek further advice from the relevant Faith
Adviser, Chaplaincy HQ and Regional Catering Manager as necessary.”
Resource Impact
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
1.5
Page
3
None. This Instruction is issued annually to notify prisons of dates for the year ahead
(Approved by Tony Watson)
p.p. Digby Griffith
Director of National Operational Services
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
4
Annex A
BAHA’I FESTIVALS – 2012
BAHA’I PRISONERS SHOULD BE OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE EXCUSED FROM
WORK ON A MAXIMUM OF FOUR OF THE DATES BELOW
21 March
Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year)
21 April
First Day of Ridván
29 April
Ninth Day of Ridván
2 May
Twelfth Day of Ridván
23 May
Declaration of the Báb
29 May
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
9 July
Martyrdom of the Báb
20 October
Birthday of the Báb
12 November
Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh
Further information may be obtained from:
Pete Hulme
Address:
Tel:
E-Mail:
PSI 66/2011
Pastoral Care Sub-Committee
National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK
27 Rutland Gate
London SW7 1PD
0207 584 2566
peter.hulme@bahai.org.uk
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
5
Annex B
BUDDHIST FESTIVALS - 2012
DATES ON WHICH BUDDHIST PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK
4 June
Buddha Day
2 August
Dhamma Day
30 October
Sangha Day
N.B. Buddhism mostly follows a lunar calendar, therefore these dates will be different every year.
Buddhist prisoners must be allowed to be together for as much of the day as possible, with
vegetarian food provided for a shared meal, and if the Buddhist Chaplain is not available a
knowledgeable Buddhist prisoner may lead the observance. See also paragraphs 2.38 – 2.40 of
chapter 2 of PSO 4550, which provides instructions and guidance on corporate worship where the
relevant faith chaplain is not available.
Buddhism encompasses a range of Buddhist traditions and a spread of social and cultural
phenomena that all cluster around the example and teachings of the Buddha. Therefore at festival
times Buddhists may celebrate in a variety of ways. Nevertheless it is common that Buddhist
festivals will include Giving, Virtue and Cultivation. Giving usually involves food, symbolic offerings
on the Shrine as well as the giving and sharing of a meal. Virtue will mean more careful
observance of moral precepts and kind, tolerant and virtuous conduct. Cultivation will include
meditation, listening to a sermon or teachings, and perhaps discussion. Buddhist festivals,
expressive of loving-kindness and support in the Buddhist life and training, are also occasions
when friendships are made, renewed and strengthened. At festival time therefore, as well as
ceremonies and formal observance there should be a relaxed and social dimension.
Further Information
Religious Consultative Service for Buddhist matters:
Venerable Ajahn Khemadhammo (Chao Khun Bhavanavitesa), OBE
The Buddhist Adviser to the Prison Service.
Angulimala, the Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy Organisation,
The Forest Hermitage
Lower Fulbrook
Warwickshire
CV35 8AS
Tel: 01926 624385
Email: LpKhem@foresthermitage.org.uk or ajahn.khemadhammo@hmps.gsi.gov.uk
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
6
Annex C
CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS – 2012
DATES ON WHICH CHRISTIAN PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK
6 April
Good Friday
8 April
Easter Day
25 December
Christmas Day
For some Orthodox prisoners only:
6 January
Christmas Eve
(Theophany)
Christmas Day
7 January
27 February
First Day of Lent
15 April
Easter Day/Pascha
OTHER CHRISTIAN FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)
Other Christian dates when Services may be
provided
6 January
Epiphany
2 February
Candlemas
22 February
Ash Wednesday
5 April
Maundy Thursday
7 April
Holy Saturday
13 April
Good Friday – Orthodox
prisoners
Ascension Day
17 May
24th May
27 May
20 May
Ascension Day – Orthodox
prisoners
Pentecost
7 June
Pentecost – Orthodox
prisoners
Corpus Christi
10 June
29 June
SS Peter and Paul
29 June
3 June
PSI 66/2011
In Addition Roman Catholic
Holy Days of Obligation
9 January
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
15 August
1 November
Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
All Saints
2 November
All Souls
Page
7
Holy Days of Obligation: are days on which Roman Catholics have to attend Mass; prisoners do
not have to be released from attending work, other than for the time of the Mass. Other Christian
prisoners may also attend chapel for services on these days.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
On 2 days each year, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, many Christians will wish to fast and/or
abstain from eating meat (a vegetarian or fish dish would be required). For Roman Catholics, it is
a requirement on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, to fast and abstain from eating meat (a
vegetarian or fish dish is required)
On all Fridays throughout the year Roman Catholics, and some other Christian denominations,
abstain from meat, so a vegetarian or fish dish is needed.
Orthodox Christians follow a vegan diet on all Wednesdays and Fridays and for the whole of Lent
and Advent and before the Feast of the Dormition (August 15th).
Further information
For further information on Christian festival dates, please contact

Reverend Canon Mike Kavanagh, Anglican Advisor
Michael.kavanagh@noms.gsi.gov.uk

Reverend Monsignor Malachy Keegan, Catholic Bishops’ Prisons Adviser 0207 901 4857,
e mail:
Malachy.keeganprisonsadviser@cbcew.org.uk

Reverend Bob Wilson, Free Church Adviser, 0207 529 8138, e mail:
Bob.Wilson@cte.org.uk

Reverend Philip Hall – Orthodox traditions, e mail: Philip.Hall2@hmps.gsi.gov.uk or
FrPhilip@aol.com
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
0300 047 5182,
e mail:
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
8
Annex D
HINDU FESTIVALS – 2012
DATES ON WHICH HINDU PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK
19 February
1 August
9 August
19 September
24 October
13 November
Maha Shivaratri
(day of fasting)
Rakhee/
Raksha Bandhan
Shri Krishna Janmashtami
Shri Ganesha Pooja
Vijayadashami – Navaratri ends
Diwali
OTHER HINDU FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)
14 January
Makara Sankramana
7 March
Holi
23 March
Yugadi/Gudi Parva
31 March
Shri Ram Navami
13 April
3 July
Baisakhi
(celebrated in the Punjabi
community)
Guru Poornima
30 September
Shraddha Paksha begins
16 October
Navaratri begins
22 October
Durgashtami
Further information
For further information on Hindu festival dates please contact the Religious Consultative Service
for the Hindu faith:
Dr H V S Shastry
E-mail: londonprabhu@yahoo.co.uk
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
9
Annex E
JAIN FESTIVALS – 2012
DATES ON WHICH JAIN PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK
5 April
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
19 September
(The Lord Mahavira’s Birthday)
Samvatsary
13 November
(This is the last day of Paryushan – see
below) A day of fasting.
Lord Mahavir's Nirvan (Diwali)
(A celebration of the attainment of moksha
(enlightenment) by Mahavira. This is the last
day of the year)
14 November
New Year
(This day is celebrated by special prayers)
OTHER JAIN FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)
12 – 19 September
Paryushan (A period of eight days of religious
austerity/fasting and forgiveness)
The degree of fasting and period of fasting
depends on the individual, but is considered
obligatory to fast on the last day of
Paryushana. The fast may vary from giving up
one or two specific foods or having restricted
number of meals to a complete fast. Drinking
water is to be boiled and then cooled. Jain
inmates can observe Paryushana within the
establishment routine.
Further guidance may be obtained from:
Manhar Mehta
Chairman NCVA
Address:
The National Council of Vanik Associations (UK) [NCVA]
37 Howberry Road,
Edgware
Middlesex HA8 6SS
Tel:
E-mail:
Website:
Phone 020 8952 1165
chairman@ncva.co.uk
www.ncva.co.uk
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
10
Annex F
JEWISH FESTIVALS - 2012
Sabbath
1.
The Jewish Sabbath extends from sunset on Friday to nightfall (i.e. one hour after sunset) on
Saturday. Jewish prisoners should not be required to work from half an hour before sunset on
Fridays.
DATES ON WHICH JEWISH PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK
2.
Jewish prisoners must be released from work on the days preceding the festivals by at
least one hour before commencement.
3.
Catering arrangements for the special diet for the 8 days of Passover (6 April to 14 April
inclusive) must begin after breakfast or not later than 10.40am on Friday 6 April.
4.
Most Jewish prisoners can work on the interim days of Passover (April 9- 12) and Tabernacles
(Oct 3 – 7). They must however be able to eat special Passover food in the intervening days at
Passover. Some Orthodox Jews may not be able to work on these intervening days (or may
not be able to undertake certain sorts of work). Please consult your Jewish Chaplain, or the
Jewish Faith Adviser, for further advice or if there are difficulties.
PSI 66/2011
Start
Finish
Festival
6 April
sunset
8 April
nightfall
Passover (Pesach)
12 April
sunset
14 April
nightfall
Passover (Pesach)
25 May
sunset
28 May
nightfall
Pentecost (Shavuot)
16 Sept
sunset
18 Sept
nightfall
New Year (Rosh Hashanah)
25 Sept
sunset
30 Sept
sunset
26 Sept
nightfall
2 Oct
nightfall
Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
(Day of fast))
Tabernacles (Sukkot)
(includes Sabbath)
7 Oct
sunset
9 Oct
nightfall
Rejoicing of the Law
(includes Sabbath)
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
11
OTHER JEWISH FESTIVALS (not excused from work)
5 Jan
dawn
7 Feb
nightfall
7 March
dawn
7 March
nightfall
8 July
dawn
28 July
sunset
19 Sept
dawn
8 Dec
night fall
23 December
dawn
5 Jan
nightfall
8 Feb
nightfall
7 March
nightfall
8 March
nightfall
8 July
nightfall
29 July
nightfall
19 Sept
nightfall
16 Dec
nightfall
23 December
nightfall
Fast of Tevet
New Year For Trees
Fast of Esther
(minor fast)
Purim
Fast of Tammuz
(minor fast)
Fast of Av
(major fast)
Fast of Gedalia
(minor fast)
Festival of Dedication
(Lights/ Chanukah)
Fast of Tevet
Further information
5.
For further information about Jewish festival dates please contact the Religious
Consultative Service for the Jewish faith:
Reverend Michael Binstock
Visitation Committee,
United Synagogue
305 Ballards Lane
London N12 8GB
E mail: Revbinstock@btinternet.com
Tel: 0208 343 5669
Visitation Committee Office – Suzanne Korn
E mail: Suzanne@jvisit.org.uk
Tel: 0208 343 5669
Annex G
MUSLIM FESTIVALS AND THE FAST OF RAMADHAN - 2012 (AD) 1433/1434.
DATES ON WHICH MUSLIM PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK (NOTE: Dates
are based on the Lunar Calendar and may vary by a day)
GREGORIAN DATE
(CE)
04 February 2012
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
LUNAR MONTH (AH)
Mawlid-Al-Nabi - The Prophet
Mohammad’s (pbuh) birthday celebration
12 Rabi-Al-Awaal 1433
(Holiday, festival food and communal
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
12
programme for those Muslim prisoners
who wish to celebrate the Prophet's
(pbuh) birthday)
19 August 2012
Eid-Al-Fitr (Festival marking the
completion of Ramadhan)
1 Shawwal 1433
(Holiday, Muslim prisoners worship in
congregation led by a Chaplain – it is a
day of celebration, festival food and
prayer)
26 October 2012
10 Dhul-Hijjah 1433
Eid-Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
(Holiday, Muslim prisoners worship in
congregation led by a Chaplain – it is a
day of celebration, festival food and
prayer)
24 November 2012
For 3 days, beginning
from the day before this
(23rd to 25th November
inclusive), there is
recommended fasting not compulsory.
PSI 66/2011
Yaum Ashurah
10th Muharram 1434
Important day for all Muslims but
especially for Shia Muslims.
Holiday for Shia Muslim prisoners who
wish to commemorate this
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
13
OTHER MUSLIM FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)
20 March
3 June
16 June
Night
Nawruz - Persian & Kurdish
Festival
(some Shi’a Muslims)
Wiladat (birthday) Imam Ali (pbuh)
(especially for Shi’a Muslims)
Laylat Al Israa Wal-Miraj
5th Rabiul Akhir 1433
13 Rajab 1433
27 Rajab 1433
Where possible Muslim prisoners
who wish to may be allowed to
worship collectively in the evening.
5 July
Night
20 July
Laylat - Al -Baraat
Where possible Muslim prisoners
who wish to may be allowed to
worship collectively in the evening,
some may fast.
Ramadhan begins
Month of Fasting
15 Sha’ban 1433
1 Ramadhan 1433
7 August
Commemoration of Imam Ali (pbuh)
(Shi’a Muslims)
19 Ramadhan 1433
9 August
Shahadat (martyrdom) of Imam Ali
(pbuh) (Shia Muslims)
21 Ramadhan 1433
15 August
Night
(Some Muslims may also
observe the 9th, 11th , 13th,
17th August nights)
25 October
Laylat Al-Qadr
27 Ramadhan 1433
Where possible Muslim prisoners
who wish to may be allowed to
worship collectively in the evening.
Yaum al Arafat
9 Dhul - Hijjah 1433
During Hajj (Pilgrimage)
No special requirements
15 November
15 – 24 November
Islamic New Year 1434
(No special requirements)
10 days mourning for Shia Muslims
1 Muharram 1434
1st - 10th Muharram 1434
(pbuh – peace be upon him) (CE – Common Era) (AH – After Hijrah, Islamic year)
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
14
THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN
1.
The date of the start of Ramadhan and the dates of all other festivals are subject to the
(physical) sighting of the new moon and hence may be out by a day or so. The dates
given are those when the moon is expected. This is to enable appropriate arrangements to
be set in hand by governors and their staff. More locally accurate timetables are available
from your Muslim Chaplain or the Muslim Adviser.
2
It should be noted that the fast of Ramadhan starts approximately 10 to 12 days earlier
each year (in 2013 it will begin around 9th July).
Further information
3.
Further information on Muslim festival dates, may be obtained from:
Ahtsham Ali, Muslim Adviser at Chaplaincy Headquarters on: 0300 047 5179,
e mail Ahtsham.Ali@noms.gsi.gov.uk
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
15
Annex H
PAGAN FESTIVALS - 2012
Most Pagans celebrate the 8 festivals set out below, but depending on the particular tradition
would attach particular significance to certain days. Because of variations in emphasis between
different Pagan Traditions it has been agreed with the Pagan Federation that prisoners may
choose four festivals on which they should not be required to work. All others may be observed
within normal routines.
The date of the solstices and equinoxes may vary by a day or two each year
PAGAN PRISONERS MAY CHOOSE FOUR DATES FROM THE FOLLOWING FESTIVALS
WHERE THEY MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK
1 February
Imbolc
20 March
Spring Equinox
1 May
Beltane
20 June
Midsummer-Summer Solstice
1 August
Lammas or Lughnasadh
22 September
Autumn Equinox
31 October
Samhain
21 December
Yule – Winter Solstice
Further Information:
The Pagan Federation
Jo Matthews
PO Box 1318
Bagshot
GU19 5YN
E-mail: pfprisonministry@gmail.com
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
16
Annex I
SIKH FESTIVALS - 2012
DATES WHEN SIKH PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK
5 January
The birthday of Guru Gobind Singh
14 April
Baisakhi/ Vaisakhi
16 June
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev
13 November
Bandi Chor (Diwali)
24 November
Commemoration of Guru Teg Bahadur
28 November
The birthday of Guru Nanak
OTHER SIKH FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)
1 September
First reading of Guru Granth
20 October
Formal installation of Guru Granth as
guidance for Sikhs
Further information
For further information on Sikh festival dates, please contact the Sikh Chaplaincy Service, the
Religious Consultative Service for the Sikh faith.
For contact details of the Sikh Chaplaincy Service Area Managers, please see the annex to
Chapter 3 of PSO 4550.
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
17
Annex J
ZOROASTRIAN FESTIVALS - 2012
DATES WHEN ZOROASTRIAN PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK
20 March
Jamsheedi NoRuz
25 March
(Iranian Zoroastrian New Year)
Khordad Sal
18 August
(Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra as
per the Iranian Zoroastrian calendar)
Shenshai Navroze
23 August
(Parsee Zoroastrian New Year)
Khordad Sal
(Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra as
per the Parsee Shenshai calendar)
Further information may be obtained from:
Dorab Mistry
Secretary
Address:
Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe
Zoroastrian Centre
440 Alexandra Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex HA2 9TL
Tel:
0208 866 0765
E-mail:
secretary@ztfe.com
Website:
www.ztfe.com
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
18
Annex K
CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS – 2012
Bold - Dates Prisoners must be excused from work
January
5 January - The birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, Sikh
5 January - Fast of Tevet, Jewish
6 January - Christmas Eve, for some Orthodox prisoners only
6 January - Epiphany, Christian
7 January - Christmas Day, for some Orthodox prisoners only
9 January - Epiphany (Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation)
14 January - Makara Sankramana, Hindu
February
1 February - Imbolc, Pagan
2 February - Candlemas, Christian
4 February - Mawlid Al Nabi, Muslim
7 – 8 February - New Year for Trees, Jewish
19 February - Maha Shivaratri, Hindu
22 February - Ash Wednesday, Christian
27 February - First Day of Lent, for some Orthodox prisoners only
March
7 March - Fast of Esther, Jewish
7 March - Holi, Hindu
8 March - Purim, Jewish
20 March - Spring Equinox, Pagan
20 March - Nawrooz – Persian & Kurdish festival, Shi’a Muslim
20 March - Jamsheedi NoRuz (Iranian Zoroastrian New Year), Zoroastrian
21 March - Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year), Bahá’í
23 March - Yugadi/Gudi Parva, Hindu
25 March - Khordad Sal (Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra), Zoroastrian
31 March - Shri Ram Navami, Hindu
April
5 April - Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Jain
5 April - Maundy Thursday, Christian
6 April - Good Friday, Christian
6 - 8 April - Passover (Pesach), Jewish
7 April - Holy Saturday, Christian
8 April - Easter Day, Christian
12 - 14 April - Passover (Pesach), Jewish
13 April – Good Friday, for some Orthodox prisoners only
13 April - Baisakhi, Hindu
14 April - Baisakhi/ Vaisakhi, Sikh
15 April - Easter Day / Pascha, for some Orthodox prisoners only
21 April - First Day of Ridván, Bahá’í
29 April - Ninth Day of Ridván, Bahá’í
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
19
May
1 May - Beltane, Pagan
2 May - Twelfth Day of Ridván, Bahá’í
17 May -Ascension Day, Christian
20 May - Ascension Day, (Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation)
23 May - Declaration of the Báb, Bahá’í
24 May - Ascension Day, for some Orthodox prisoners only
25 - 28 May - Pentecost (Shavuot), Jewish
27 May - Pentecost, Christian
29 May - Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í
June
3 June – Pentecost, for some Orthodox prisoners only
3 June - Birthday Imam Ali, Shi’a Muslims
4 June - Buddha Day, Buddhist
7 June - Corpus Christi, Christian
10 June - Corpus Christi, (Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation)
16 June - Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, Sikh
16 June (Night) - Laylat Al Israa Wal-Miraj, Muslim
20 June - Midsummer – Summer Solstice, Pagan
29 June - SS Peter and Paul, Christian, Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation
July
3 July - Guru Poornima, Hindu
5 July (Night) – Layat Al Baraat, Muslim
8 July - Fast of Tammuz, Jewish
9 July - Martyrdom of the Báb,
20 July - Ramadhan Fast begins - Month of Fasting, Muslim
28 - 29 July - Fast of Av, Jewish
August
1 August - Lammas, Pagan
1 August - Rakhee/Raksha Bandhan, Hindu
2 August - Dhamma Day, Buddhist
7 August - Commemoration of Imam Ali (AS), Shi’a Muslims
9 August - Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Hindu
9 August - Martyrdom of Imam Ali, Shi’a Muslims
15 August - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christian
15 August (Night) - Laylat Al-Qadr, Muslim
18 August - Shenshai Navroze (Parsee Zoroastrian New Year), Zoroastrian
19 August - Eid-Al-Fitr, Muslim
23 August - Khordad Sal (Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra as per the Parsee
Shenshai calendar), Zoroastrian
September
1 September - First reading of Guru Granth, Sikh
12 – 19 September - Paryushan, Jain
16 – 18 September - New Year (Rosh Hashanah), Jewish
19 September - Shri Ganesha Pooja, Hindu
19 September - Samvatsary (This is the last day of Paryushan), Jain
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Page
20
19 September - Fast of Gedalia, Jewish
22 September - Autumn Equinox, Pagan
25 - 26 September - Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), Jewish
30 September - Shraddha Paksha begins, Hindu
30 September - 2 October - Tabernacles (Sukkot), Jewish
October
7 - 9 October - Rejoicing of the Law, Jewish
16 October - Navaratri begins, Hindu
20 October - Formal installation of Guru Granth as guidance for Sikhs.
20 October - Birthday of the Báb, Bahá’í
22 October - Durgashtami, Hindu
24 October -Vijayadashmi, Hindu
25 October - Yaum al Arafat (Event during Hajj, Muslim)
26 October - Eid-Al-Adha, Muslim
30 October - Sangha Day, Buddhist
31 October - Samhain, Pagan
November
1 November - All Saints, Christian
2 November - All Souls, Christian
12 November - Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í
13 November - Diwali, Hindu
13 November - Bandi Chor, Sikh Diwali
13 November - Lord Mahavir's Nirvan (Diwali), Jain
14 November - New Year, Jain
15 November - Islamic New Year 1432
15 - 24 November - 10 days mourning, Shia Muslims
24 November - Yaum Ashoorah, Shia Muslim
24 November - Commemoration of Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, Sikh
28 November - The birthday of Guru Nanak, Sikh
December
8 - 16 December - Festival of Dedication (Lights/ Chanukah), Jewish
21 December -Yule, winter Solstice, Pagan
23 December - Fast of Tevet, Jewish
25 December - Christmas Day, Christian
NB. Although none of the Bahá’í or Pagan dates are shown in bold, Bahá’í and Pagan
prisoners may choose up to 4 of their festival days on which to be excused from work.
PSI 66/2011
UNCLASSIFIED
Issue date 26/10/2011