Acknowledging holidays and celebrations in February

In February, we acknowledge Vasant Panchami, Setsubun, Shab-e Barat, Nirvana Day and Ramadan. Read more about each holiday/celebration below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Vasant Panchami: February 2

Vasant Panchami is a famous festival that marks the end of the winter season and ushers in the springtime. Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of the Vasant Panchami festival. Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom. She embodies the different facets of learning, such as the sciences, arts, crafts and skills. She is often pictured seated on a lotus or a peacock, wearing a white dress. Many honour the Goddess Saraswati by waking up early and dressing in yellow (believed to be her favourite colour), eating and sharing yellow sweets and snacks, and performing rituals (puja) to her deity.

Setsubun: February 3

Setsubun (節分), meaning “seasonal division,” is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on February 3, 2024, to welcome the arrival of spring according to the Japanese lunar calendar. The festival includes the ritual of Mamemaki, a tradition of throwing roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune. While throwing the soybeans, individuals shout, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Devils out, happiness in”) as a means of purifying your space and minds. Although some customs are no longer popular during Setsubun, few people continue to traditionally ornament their homes with fish heads and holy tree leaves at their entrances to deter evil spirits from entering. This ritual symbolizes purification and is a lively family activity that emphasizes unity and tradition. Setsubun holds cultural and spiritual significance, marking the seasonal transition and creating a sense of harmony with nature.

Shab-e Barat: February 13 (depends on moon sighting)

Celebrated on the 15th of Shaban, Shab-e Barat, or the Night of Forgiveness, is a significant Islamic festival. On this night, Muslims worldwide ask forgiveness for their sins from the all-merciful Allah (God in Arabic). Additionally, the night can be used to seek mercy for the deceased and ill family members. It is believed that Allah decides the fortune and the future of every creature of the earth on this night. Muslims across the world celebrate the night differently depending on cultural diversity and local traditions.

Nirvana Day: February 15

Nirvana Day celebrated annually on February 15, holds significant importance in the Buddhist tradition as it commemorates the death of Buddha and his attainment of Nirvana. Buddhists believe in rebirth, meaning that all people are born again and again. During the Buddha’s life, he became enlightened, which means he understood the true nature of everything. So, when he died, he achieved complete Nirvana, which means he was free from ever being reborn again.

On Nirvana Day, Buddhists go to a temple or monastery and reflect deeply on the teachings of Buddha. People may engage in meditation sessions, participate in rituals, and engage in acts of charity and kindness to honour the Buddha’s teachings and legacy. It is also a time to think about impermanence, which means that we remember that people and things are precious, but they do not last forever, so we should enjoy them while we can. 

Ramadan (Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 30)

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred time for Muslims, marking the revelation of the Qur’an. During the month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink as an act of worship, spiritual discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. The fast is broken at sunset with prayer and a festive meal called iftar, often shared with family and friends. In addition to the five daily prayers, Muslims also perform the Tarawih night prayers and observe Laylat al-Qadr on the 27th night, believed to be when the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration of the fast’s conclusion, featuring meals, gift exchanges and charitable giving to the poor.