Acknowledging holidays and celebrations in July and August

In July and August, we acknowledge Canada Day, Guru Purnima, Obon Festival, Civic Holiday, Krishna Janmashtami, Paryushana and Ganesh Chaturthi. Read more about each holiday/celebration below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Canada Day: July 1

Canada Day, celebrated on July 1, marks the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when Canada became a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire. Canada Day is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to live in this country, while also acknowledging the complex and painful history that has shaped it. As we celebrate the values and freedoms many enjoy, it is equally important to recognize the experiences and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. The legacy of residential schools and colonial policies continues to impact Indigenous communities across Canada.

This Canada Day, we are reminded of the importance of listening, learning and committing to reconciliation, so we can move forward in building respectful and meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

Guru Purnima: July 10

Guru Purnima is a sacred festival that honours and expresses gratitude to our gurus, including teachers, mentors and spiritual guides, who illuminate our lives with knowledge, wisdom and direction. Observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June to July), the day holds deep spiritual and cultural significance in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

The word guru means “dispeller of darkness.” This day offers a chance to reflect on the invaluable role of those who guide us, both personally and professionally.

Let us take a moment to express gratitude to those who have shaped our journey, whether it is a parent, teacher, elder, coach, colleague or spiritual guide.

Obon Festival: July 13 to 15

The Obon festival, also known as Bon, is an annual Japanese tradition that honours and remembers deceased ancestors. It is believed that during Obon, the spirits of ancestors return to visit their living relatives. Families mark the occasion by hanging paper lanterns (chochin) to guide the spirits, performing traditional Obon dances (bon odori), and gathering for family reunions. Many also visit ancestral graves and make food offerings at home altars and temples as a sign of respect and remembrance.

Civic Holiday: August 4

The Civic Holiday is observed on the first Monday of August and serves as a public holiday in several provinces and territories across Canada. While it is not a federally mandated statutory holiday, it provides a welcome day off for many Canadians. The holiday’s name and significance vary by region, reflecting each municipality’s authority to designate its own observance.

Known collectively as the “Civic Holiday” because cities and towns determine how to mark the occasion, it is recognized under various names nationwide. For example, it is called Regatta Day in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador; Terry Fox Day in Manitoba; Saskatchewan Day in Saskatchewan; and British Columbia Day in B.C. In Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, it is known as Natal Day.

Other regional names include Simcoe Day in Toronto, Colonel By Day in Ottawa, New Brunswick Day in New Brunswick, Heritage Day in Alberta, Joseph Brant Day in Burlington, Ontario, and Benjamin Vaughan Day in the City of Vaughan, Ontario.

Despite its many names, the Civic Holiday is an opportunity for communities to celebrate local history, culture and contributions, and to take a well-earned mid-summer break.

Krishna Janmashtami: August 16

Krishna Janmashtami is a joyful Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, revered for his wisdom, compassion and playful spirit. Observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the waning moon in the month of Bhadrapada — typically in August or early September — the festival holds deep spiritual and cultural significance.

Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita continue to inspire millions, emphasizing duty, devotion and the triumph of good over evil. Traditions include fasting, prayer, midnight celebrations and bhajans, or devotional songs. In many places, the festival also features Dahi Handi, a ritual that involves breaking a pot of curd hung high above the ground. Krishna Janmashtami is often celebrated in community, bringing together family, friends and neighbours in shared joy and devotion.

Paryushana: August 21 to 28

Paryushan Parva is a sacred Jain festival dedicated to introspection, non-violence, truth and forgiveness. Observed over eight to ten days depending on the Jain sect — eight days for Śvētāmbara and ten for Digambara — it is a period of spiritual focus, self-discipline and seeking forgiveness from all living beings.

During Paryushan, followers engage in fasting or observe restricted diets, attend prayer sessions and spiritual lectures and take time for scriptural recitation and inner reflection. The festival emphasizes purification of the soul through self-awareness and non-violence.

The final day is marked by the tradition of Micchami Dukkadam, in which individuals ask forgiveness from others with the message: “If I have caused you any harm knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or deed, I seek your forgiveness.”

This message of universal compassion and humility lies at the heart of Jain philosophy, offering a powerful reminder to live with empathy, restraint and a commitment to peace.

Ganesh Chaturthi: August 26

Ganesh Chaturthi is the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesh, one of Hinduism’s most sacred deities. Lord Ganesh represents intelligence, listening, prosperity and wisdom. He is known for his powerful presence, removing obstacles and the protection of homes.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, Hindus create and install clay idols of the deity (recognizable for having an elephant head), in private homes and public places.

Communal feasts, music, dance and prayer are part of the festivities during the celebration. It is customary during worship for Hindus to offer sweets thought to be favourites of Lord Ganesh such as modak and ladoo. Wishing all Hindu Canadians and Friends a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Together, let us celebrate the intelligence, listening, prosperity and wisdom we bring to each other.