Celebrating Diversity: Holidays in Sackville

From November to March, residents of Sackville celebrate a wide array of religious holidays that reflect the diversity of our community.

DIWALI - NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It’s a time of vibrant colours and joyous gatherings.

GURU NANAK GURPURAB - NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. This sacred occasion, observed on the full moon day of Kartik, is marked by spiritual devotion and hymn singing.

HANUKKAH - DECEMBER 7, 2023–DECEMBER 15, 2023

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, spans eight days and commemorates the restoration of the Altar of Israeli Temple in 164 BCE. It involves lighting the menorah, exchanging gifts, and savouring traditional delicacies. Hanukkah is a time for families to come together and celebrate their faith.

BODHI DAY - DECEMBER 8, 2023

Bodhi Day is an important holiday for Buddhists. It commemorates the day when Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Buddhists engage in meditation, prayer, and acts of kindness on this day to honour the teachings of compassion and enlightenment. Some people also dec orate Bodhi trees with colourful lights and ornaments.

CHRISTMAS - DECEMBER 25, 2023

Christmas, celebrated by Christians, is a holiday to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Sackville is adorned with festive lights, and traditions like gift-giving, decorating Christmas trees, and attending church services are observed with great enthusiasm.

CHINESE NEW YEAR - FEBRUARY 10, 2024

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is celebrated with parades, dragon dances, and delicious traditional meals. It marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar calendar and is a time of renewal, good fortune, and family gatherings.

RAMADAN - MARCH 10, 2024–APRIL 9, 2024

Ramadan is a significant Islamic observance. Muslims fast during daylight hours, engage in prayer, and reflect on their faith. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad and promotes spiritu al growth and self-discipline.

In addition to Ramadan, Muslims in Sackville also celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and is characterized by festive meals and community gatherings, as well as Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

HOLI - MARCH 25, 2024

Holi, a Hindu spring festival of colours, is celebrated with vibrant powders and water fights. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.