
January
Theme: World Religion Day
World Religion Day is celebrated each year on the third Sunday of January. First observed in 1950, this day of reflection is a chance to celebrate the global and religious diversity of our QMU community and promote an understanding and union of different religions and beliefs.
Whether you are part of a religion or not, each and every one of us at QMU has a part to play in achieving the ultimate goal of World Religion Day; to help promote peace, understanding, and mutual respect amongst our different communities.
At QMU, we are proud to welcome staff and students from all faiths, spiritualities, beliefs or none. This calendar has given a special focus to religious dates as a feature, and although every effort has been made to ensure that the dates included are representative of our staff and student community, if you feel that there are significant dates missing that should be included in future calendars, please email DIW@qmu.ac.uk to let us know.
On Campus, we have a quiet Contemplation Room on Level 1 for personal prayer, reflection and contemplation, which is available to staff and students of all faiths and none.
The Origins of World Religion Day
Initially a Baháʼí observance, World Religion Day was inspired by the Baháʼí principles of the oneness of religion and of progressive revelation, which describe religion as evolving continuously throughout the history of humanity. The purpose of this day was to highlight the ideas that the spiritual principles underlying world’s religions are harmonious and each religion plays a significant role in unifying humanity.
Key Dates
World Braille Day – 4th January
World Religion Day – 19th January
International Day of Education – 24th January
Holocaust Memorial Day – 27th January
Religious Dates
3rd Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)
5th Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh (Sikh)
6th Epiphany (Christian)
7th Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian)
13th Maghi (Sikh)
14th Makar Sankranti (Hindu)
16th Lailat al-Miraj (Islam)
23rd Vasant Panchami (Hindu)