Religion and spirituality
Holy days and festivals
Find out about on-campus and community events which celebrate Holy Days and Festivals.
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!
Saturday, 10 February 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Losar (Vajrayana Buddhism)
Tibetan New Year. Get in touch with our Buddhist Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Tuesday, 13 February 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Shrove Tuesday
In Christianity, the day before Lent begins with eating up all the rich food in the house in the form of pancakes. It is called Mardi Gras in Spanish and South American culture. Get in touch with our Chaplain for more information.
Open to everyone
Wednesday, 14 February 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Ash Wednesday
In Christianity, this is the first day of Lent. It is a day of repentance and fasting, often marked by the sign of a cross in ash on the forehead. Get in touch with our Chaplain for more information.
Open to everyone
Wednesday, 14 February 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Lent
Lent starts on 14 February and continues until 28 March. Many Christians fast by giving up something luxurious or take up charitable work. Get in touch with our Chaplain for more information.
Open to everyone
Thursday, 15 February 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Nehan-e (Japanese Mahayana Buddhism)
This day marks the Buddha's passing away. Get in touch with our Buddhist Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Saturday, 10 February 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Fifteen Days of Miracles (Vajrayana Buddhism)
This marks how Shakyamuni Buddha showed his supernormal powers. It culminates on the full moon, Chotrol Duchen. Contact our Buddhist Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Saturday, 24 February 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Magha Puja (Theravada Buddhism)
This day celebrates the Sangha, or the monastic community. It is marked by the February full moon. Get in touch with our Buddhist Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Monday, 26 February 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Ayyam-i-Ha
In Baha'i, this is a period dedicated to socialising, being hospitable, giving generously to the poor and in need, and preparing for the upcoming month of fasting. Get in touch with our Baha'i Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Friday, 8 March 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Maha Shivratri
In Hinduism, this festival is dedicated to Shiva. It involves all night worship the night before, fasting on the day, prayer and vigil. Get in touch with our Hindu Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Sunday, 10 March 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Ramadan
In Islam, Ramadan remembers the month the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan ends in the evening on 8 April. Read our short guide to Ramadan and supporting students and staff.
Open to everyone
Sunday, 17 March 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Higan-e (Japanese Mahayana Buddhism)
Within Japanese Mahayana Buddhism, this day serves as a reminder of impermanence. Get in touch with our Buddhist Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Tuesday, 19 March 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Naw-Ruz
This is the Bahá'í new year festival. The festival is usually observed with meetings for prayer and celebration. Get in touch with our Baha'i Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Saturday, 23 March 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Purim
A joyful Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th century BCE, were marked for death by their Persian rulers.
Open to everyone
Monday, 25 March 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Start of Holi
Festival of Colours, the celebration of spring. Get in touch with our Hindu Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
Tuesday, 9 April 2024
12.00 AM to 11.55 PM
Ugadi
The festival marks the beginning of a new Hindu calendar year. Get in touch with our Hindu Faith Adviser for more information.
Open to everyone
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.