Faith & Spirituality Centre
MSC 487, 2500 University Dr. NW T2N 1N4 Calgary, AB, Canada

Today is Jnana Panchami, or the Day of Acquiring Knowledge. It is a day where students and scholars seek wisdom and knowledge. It is dedicated to the worshiping of knowledge and the holy books, as well as prayers are offered to seek the right knowledge. Some ways of celebrating include writing, meditation, and some even observe the festival without speaking!

We're famous! Check out our article in the UThisWeek newsletter about our Compassion Cultivation Training and sign up if you haven't already!

Meet Usha, one of our Hindu representatives. She's known around our space as the Chai Lady, as she makes some amazing chai! Want to connect with Usha and ask questions about her life, Hinduism, and anything you can imagine? Don't miss out, find her contact information here! https://www.ucalgary.ca//fa/about-us/faith-representatives

Today marks the Jain New Year, and the Day of Enlightenment. For Jains, this holiday is celebrated the day after Diwali, and it is exemplified by a joyful gathering. This day is also for the Lord Gautam Swami, who achieved supreme knowledge on this day. It also signifies the beginning of a new financial year, as merchants will open a new financial book on this day.

This day celebrates the appointment of Abdu'l-Baha as the Centre of the Baha'ul'llah's Covenant. The day was originally known as the Jashn-i-A'zam in Persian (The Greatest Festival) because the Abdu'l-Baha was known as the Greatest Branch.

Advent is the beginning of the waiting and preparation season for both the celebration of Nativity of Jesus and Christmas, as well as the second coming of Jesus, for many Christian communities. Some ways of celebration include keeping an Advent calendar, lighting an Advent wreath, putting up a Christmas tree, and other decorations for Christmas.

Today marks the anniversary of the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Guru Tegh is remembered for not only the defense of the Sikh community, but for sacrificing his life for to protect the right of a person to practice their religion without interference. This martyrdom is said to have helped make the protection of human rights central to the Sikh identity.

Vikram Samvat is a calendar used by Hindus and Sikhs, and is one of several calendars used in some regions of India. It uses lunar months and is currently on the year 2077, not 2020. Many Hindu and Sikh festivals are based on this calendar, which is why the holidays and festivals vary in the Gregorian calendar. In Gujarat, the day after Diwali is celebrated as the Vikram New Year.

Notice on change of hours: Due to COVID-19 and the rising cases in Calgary and on campus, the Faith and Spirituality Centre is reducing our hours. Our physical space will be open on Thursdays and Fridays, 9-4pm. If you are on campus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the Women's Resource Centre (across the hall from us) is open instead if you are looking for a quiet, safe place to study and relax. We are always available virtually through email! Find our contact information here: h...ttps://www.ucalgary.ca/student-/faith-spirituality/contact Stay safe and healthy!