religious festival dates for 2013 - justice.gov.uk · web view24 january 2013 mawlid-al-nabi - the...

UNCLASSIFIED

RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2013

This instruction applies to: Reference:

Prisons – Prison Service Instruction (PSI) PSI 35/2012

Issue Date Effective DateImplementation Date

Expiry Date

16 November 2012 1 January 2013 1 January 2014

Issued on the authority of

NOMS Agency Board

For action by (Who is this Instruction for)

All staff responsible for the development and publication of policy and instructions

NOMS HQ All prisons High Security Prisons only Contracted Prisons* Probation Trusts Governors Heads of Groups Contract Managers in Probation Trusts Probation Trust Chief Executives

* If this box is marked, then in this document the term Governor also applies to Directors of Contracted Prisons

Instruction type Delete as appropriate - service specification supportFor information All prison staff, IMB, Faith AdvisersProvide a summary of the policy aim and the reason for its development

This Instruction is issued annually to notify prisons of the dates of religious festivals for the coming year - 2013

Contact Kishwar [email protected] Headquarters0300 047 5178

Associated documents

Faith and Pastoral Care for Prisoners PSI 51/2011Catering Operating Manual at Annex B of PSI 44/2010.

Replaces the following documents which are hereby cancelled : PSI 66/2011 (not until January 2013)Audit/monitoring: Deputy Directors of Custody, Commissioners and Controllers will monitor compliance with the mandatory actions set out in this Instruction. (Self Audit)Introduces amendments to the following documents: None

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CONTENTS

Section Subject Applies toExecutive Summary

General Information/food at festivals All prison staff

Annex A Bahá’í Religious Festival Dates Bahá’í prisonersAnnex B Buddhist Religious Festival Dates Buddhist prisonersAnnex C Christian Religious Festival Dates Christian prisonersAnnex D Hindu Religious Festival Dates Hindu prisonersAnnex E Jain Religious Festival Dates Jain prisonersAnnex F Jewish Religious Festival Dates Jewish prisonersAnnex G Muslim Religious Festival Dates Muslim prisonersAnnex H Pagan Religious Festival Dates Pagan prisonersAnnex I Rastafarian Religious Festival Dates Rastafarian prisonersAnnex J Sikh Religious Festival Dates Sikh prisonersAnnex K Zoroastrian Festival Dates Zoroastrian prisonersAnnex L Chronological summary of all dates All prison staff

1. Executive summary

The Prison Service is committed to ensuring that prisoners from all religious faiths are given the opportunity and facilities to practise their religion. This instruction provides information to ensure staff are aware of the key religious dates, and their requirements, for the main faiths. Some of these festivals require prisoners to be excused from work or to fast. Details are provided in the attached annexes.

Background

1.1 This Instruction sets out the dates in 2013 of the main religious festivals for the Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Pagan and Zoroastrian faiths. In addition this year, we have included the dates for the Rastafarian festivals.

It also sets out the principles for providing food at religious festivals.

Desired outcomes1.2 Faith and Pastoral Care for Prisoners

(Output 6: Recognised religious feasts, fasts and festivals are observed)

This instruction aims to ensure that prisons have the necessary information to enablereligious festivals to be marked in an appropriate and equitable way.

Application

1.3 Arrangements for provision for food for religious festivals for 2013 should be discussed at the earliest opportunity by the Co-ordinating Chaplain(s), together with members of the Chaplaincy team, and other key stakeholders such as the Catering Manager and Security Department. Relevant faith chaplains can provide details of appropriate food; this should be prepared in-house except in the circumstances described in paragraphs 3.43 – 3.48 of the Catering Manual (see 1.4 below).

PSI 35/2012 UNCLASSIFIED Issue date 16/11/2012

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As in 2012, a year planner setting out the main festivals listed in the PSI is being produced by Chaplaincy HQ. Copies will be sent to the Chaplaincy team at each prison.

If establishments require advice or information in relation to any faith tradition not mentioned in this instruction, please contact Chaplaincy HQ.

Mandatory actions

1.4 Governing Governors and Directors of Contracted prisons must ensure that relevant staff, including Chaplains of all faith traditions, Race Equality Officers / Diversity Officers and Catering Managers, are aware of this Instruction.

Food for Religious Festivals

Information on this is set out in the Catering Manual at Annex B of PSI 44/2010, and the relevant extract is below:

“3.43 The dates of the main religious festivals are set out annually in a PSI issued by Chaplaincy HQ.

3.44 Governors and Directors of contracted prisons, together with Co-ordinating Chaplains, must ensure equitable provision, as far as practicable, across the faiths in terms of food for religious festivals. Food for religious festivals should always be provided in consultation with the relevant Faith Chaplain and should be provided at a communal gathering.

3.45 Where food is provided at public expense for religious festivals, this must be prepared in the prison kitchens. It should only be necessary to purchase food from outside sources in the event of an operating failure of kitchen equipment or for Kosher prepared meals. The cost of food must be proportionate to the number of prisoners involved and consistent with the cost per prisoner incurred in other religious festivals for other faiths. If the prison believes there are other exceptional circumstances requiring the food for a religious festival to be purchased from outside the prison, this should only be done in consultation with Co-ordinating Chaplain(s), the relevant Faith Chaplain and other key stakeholders such as the Catering Manager and Security Department. Governors and Chaplains should seek further advice from the relevant Faith Adviser, Chaplaincy HQ and Regional Catering Manager if necessary. The final approval of the Regional Custodial Manager must be obtained.

3.46 Faith communities may offer to donate food for religious festivals, but this should normally be prepared in-house. Subject to the agreement of the Governor, donations of additional small items of food such as dates for Ramadan, sweets for Diwali, sweets/hot cross buns for Christmas/Easter may be allowed. Prasad (a blessed sweetmeat from the Gurdwara), which Sikh Chaplains are permitted to bring in for religious services, must also be allowed for festivals.


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3.47 The Governor (food business proprietor) remains responsible for ensuring that all food served is fit for consumption and is not injurious to health. Exceptionally, therefore, if Governors wish to allow refreshments to be donated by faith groups, it is strongly advisable to limit these refreshments to items that have been purchased in sealed packaging and brought in unopened. Hot food and food requiring re-heating must not be brought in.

3.48 Governors and Chaplains should seek further advice from the relevant Faith Adviser, Chaplaincy HQ and Regional Catering Manager as necessary.”

Resource Impact

1.5 None. This Instruction is issued annually to notify prisons of dates for the year ahead

(signed)

Digby GriffithDirector of National Operational Services, NOMS


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Annex A

BAHA’I FESTIVALS – 2013

BAHA’I PRISONERS SHOULD BE OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE EXCUSED FROM WORK ON A MAXIMUM OF FOUR OF THE DATES BELOW

21 March Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year)

21 April First Day of Ridván

29 April Ninth Day of Ridván

2 May Twelfth Day of Ridván

23 May Declaration of the Báb

29 May Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

9 July Martyrdom of the Báb

20 October Birthday of the Báb

12 November Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh

Further information may be obtained from:

Pete HulmeAddress: Pastoral Care Sub-Committee

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK27 Rutland GateLondon SW7 1PD

Tel: 0207 584 2566E-Mail: [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

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Annex B

BUDDHIST FESTIVALS - 2013

DATES ON WHICH BUDDHIST PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

24 May Buddha Day

22 July Dhamma Day

19 October Sangha Day

N.B. Buddhism mostly follows a lunar calendar, therefore these dates will be different every year.

Buddhist prisoners must be allowed to be together for as much of the day as possible, with vegetarian food provided for a shared meal, and if the Buddhist Chaplain is not available a knowledgeable Buddhist prisoner may lead the observance. See also paragraphs 4.22 - 4.23 of part 1 of PSI 51/2011, which provides instructions and guidance on corporate worship where the relevant faith chaplain is not available.

Buddhism encompasses a range of traditions and a spread of social and cultural phenomena that cluster around and generally derive from and promote Buddhist teaching and training. Therefore, at festival times Buddhists may celebrate in a variety of ways but it is common that whatever happens will be guided by the Buddhist principles of Giving, Virtue and Cultivation. Giving and sharing usually involves food, symbolic offerings on the Shrine as well as eating together. Virtue will mean more careful observance of moral precepts with kind, tolerant and virtuous conduct. Cultivation should include meditation, listening to a sermon or teachings, and perhaps discussing Buddhist principles. Buddhist festivals should be expressive of loving-kindness and support in the Buddhist life and training, therefore, as well as ceremonies and formal observances there should be a relaxed and social dimension to the day.

Further Information

Religious Consultative Service for Buddhist matters:

Venerable Ajahn Khemadhammo (Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht), OBE The Buddhist Adviser to the Prison Service.

Angulimala, the Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy Organisation, The Forest Hermitage Lower Fulbrook Warwickshire CV35 8AS

Tel: 01926 624385 Mobile: 07941 013319 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]




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Annex CCHRISTIAN FESTIVALS – 2013

DATES ON WHICH CHRISTIAN PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

For some Orthodox prisoners only:

7 January Christmas Day

18 March First Day of Lent

3 May Holy Friday

5 May Easter Day/Pascha

OTHER CHRISTIAN FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

Other Christian dates when Services may be provided In Addition Roman Catholic Holy Days of

Obligation6 January Epiphany 6 January

2 February Candlemas

13 February Ash Wednesday

28 March Maundy Thursday

30 March Holy Saturday

13 April Good Friday – Orthodox prisoners

9 May Ascension Day 12 May

19 May Pentecost

24 May Ascension Day – Orthodox prisoners

30 May Corpus Christi 2 June3 June Pentecost – Orthodox prisoners

29 June SS Peter and Paul 30 June


29 March Good Friday

31 March Easter Day

25 December Christmas Day

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15 August Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

15 August

1 November All Saints 1 November

2 November All Souls

Holy Days of Obligation: are days on which Roman Catholics have to attend Mass; prisoners do not have to be released from attending work, other than for the time of the Mass. Other Christian prisoners may also attend chapel for services on these days.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday

On 2 days each year, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, many Christians will wish to fast and/or abstain from eating meat (a vegetarian or fish dish would be required). For Roman Catholics, it is a requirement on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, to fast and abstain from eating meat (a vegetarian or fish dish is required)

On all Fridays throughout the year Roman Catholics, and some other Christian denominations, are encouraged to abstain from meat, so a vegetarian or fish dish is needed.

Orthodox Christians follow a vegan diet on all Wednesdays and Fridays and for the whole of Lent and Advent and before the Feast of the Dormition (August 15th).

Further information

For further information on Christian festival dates, please contact

Reverend Canon Mike Kavanagh, Anglican Advisor 0300 047 5182, e mail: [email protected]

Monsignor Malachy Keegan, Catholic Bishops’ Prisons Adviser 0207 901 4857, e mail: [email protected]

Reverend Bob Wilson, Free Church Adviser, 0207 529 8138, e mail: [email protected]

Reverend Philip Hall – Orthodox traditions, e mail: [email protected] or [email protected]




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Annex D

HINDU FESTIVALS – 2013

DATES ON WHICH HINDU PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

9 March Maha Shivaratri(day of fasting)

20 August Rakhee/Raksha Bandhan

27 August Shri Krishna Janmashtami

8 September Shri Ganesha Pooja

13 October Vijayadashami – Navaratri ends

2 November Diwali

OTHER HINDU FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

Further information

For further information on Hindu festival dates please contact:

Bhadresh Trivedi (Hindu Chaplain/ London prisons) E-mail: [email protected]


14 January Makara Sankramana

26 March Holi

11 April Yugadi/Gudi Parva

14 April Baisakhi(celebrated in the Punjabi community)

19 April Shri Ram Navami

22 July Guru Poornima

18 September Shraddha Paksha begins

5 October Navaratri begins

12 October Durgashtami

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Annex EJAIN FESTIVALS – 2013

DATES ON WHICH JAIN PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

23 April Mahavir Janma Kalyanak

(The Lord Mahavira’s Birthday)9 September Samvatsary

(This is the last day of Paryushan – see below) A day of fasting.

3 November Lord Mahavir's Nirvan (Diwali)

(A celebration of the attainment of moksha (enlightenment) by Mahavira. This is the last day of the year)

4 November New Year

(This day is celebrated by special prayers)

OTHER JAIN FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

Further guidance may be obtained from:

Manhar MehtaChairman NCVA

Address: The National Council of Vanik Associations (UK) [NCVA]37 Howberry Road, EdgwareMiddlesex HA8 6SS

Tel: Phone 020 8952 1165E-mail: [email protected]: www.ncva.co.uk


2 – 9 September Paryushan (A period of eight days of religious austerity/fasting and forgiveness)

The degree of fasting and period of fasting depends on the individual, but is considered obligatory to fast on the last day of Paryushana. The fast may vary from giving up one or two specific foods or having restricted number of meals to a complete fast. Drinking water is to be boiled and then cooled. Jain inmates can observe Paryushana within the establishment routine.

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Annex F

JEWISH FESTIVALS - 2013

Sabbath

1. The Jewish Sabbath extends from sunset on Friday to nightfall (i.e. one hour after sunset) on Saturday. Jewish prisoners should not be required to work from half an hour before sunset on Fridays.

2. Jewish prisoners must be released from work on the days preceding the festivals by at least one hour before commencement.

3. Catering arrangements for the special diet for the 8 days of Passover (25 March to 2 April inclusive) must begin after breakfast or not later than 10.40am on Monday 25 March.

4. Most Jewish prisoners can work on the interim days of Passover (March 29, 30, 31) and Tabernacles (September 22 – 25). They must however be able to eat special Passover food in the intervening days at Passover. Some Orthodox Jews may not be able to work on these intervening days (or may not be able to undertake certain sorts of work). Please consult your Jewish Chaplain, or the Jewish Faith Adviser, for further advice or if there are difficulties.

Start Finish Festival

25 Marchsunset

31 Marchsunset

28 Marchnightfall

2 Aprilnightfall

Passover (Pesach)

Passover (Pesach)

14 Maysunset

16 Maynightfall

Pentecost (Shavuot)

4 Septembersunset

7 Septembernightfall

New Year (Rosh Hashanah)

13September

sunset


Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)(Day of fast))

18September

sunset

25September sunset


28 September nightfall

Tabernacles (Sukkot)(includes Sabbath)

Rejoicing of the Law(includes Sabbath)



OTHER JEWISH FESTIVALS (not excused from work)

25 Januarynightfall

26 January nightfall

New Year For Trees

21 Februarydawn

21 Februarynightfall

Fast of Esther(minor fast)



Purim

25 Junedawn

25 Junenightfall

Fast of Tammuz(minor fast)

15 Julysunset

16 Julynightfall

Fast of Av(major fast)

8 Sept dawn

8 Septnightfall

Fast of Gedaliah (minor fast)

27 Novembernight fall

5 Decembernightfall

Festival of Dedication (Lights/ Chanukah)

13 Decemberdawn

13 Decembernightfall

Fast of Tevet

Further information

For further information about Jewish festival dates please contact the Religious Consultative Service for the Jewish faith:

Reverend Michael Binstock MBEVisitation Committee, United Synagogue305 Ballards Lane, London N12 8GBE mail: [email protected]

Visitation Committee Office, Michelle MinskyE mail: [email protected]: 0208 343 5669




Annex G

MUSLIM FESTIVALS AND THE FAST OF RAMADHAN - 2013 (AD) 1434/1435.

DATES ON WHICH MUSLIM PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK (NOTE: Dates are based on the Lunar Calendar and may vary by a day)

GREGORIAN DATE (CE)

FESTIVAL INFORMATION LUNAR MONTH (AH)

24 January 2013 Mawlid-Al-Nabi - The Prophet Mohammad’s (pbuh) birthday

celebration

(Holiday, festival food and communal programme for those Muslim

prisoners who wish to celebrate the Prophet's (pbuh) birthday)

12 Rabi-Al-Awaal 1434

8 August 2013 Eid-Al-Fitr (Festival marking the completion of Ramadhan)

(Holiday, Muslim prisoners worship in congregation led by a Chaplain – it is a day of celebration, festival food and

prayer)

1 Shawwal 1434

15 October 2013 Eid-Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

(Holiday, Muslim prisoners worship in congregation led by a Chaplain – it is a day of celebration, festival food and

prayer)

10 Dhul-Hijjah 1434

14 November 2013

For 3 days, beginning from the day before

this (13t to 15th

November inclusive), there is recommended

fasting - not compulsory.

Yaum Ashurah

Important day for all Muslims but especially for Shia Muslims.

Holiday for Shia Muslim prisoners who wish to commemorate this

10th Muharram 1435



OTHER MUSLIM FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

21 March Nawruz - Persian & Kurdish Festival(some Shi’a Muslims)

9th Jumadul Ula 1434

24 May Wiladat (birthday) Imam Ali (pbuh)(especially for Shi’a Muslims)

13 Rajab 1434

5 June Night

Laylat Al Israa Wal-Miraj (Night of journey to Heavens)

Where possible Muslim prisoners who wish to may be allowed to worship collectively in the evening.

Evening after 26 Rajab 1434

23 JuneNight

Laylat - Al –Baraat (Night of Salvation)

Where possible Muslim prisoners who wish to may be allowed to worship collectively in the evening, some may fast.

Evening after 14 Sha’ban 1434

9 July Ramadhan beginsMonth of Fasting

1 Ramadhan 1434

27 July Commemoration of Imam Ali (pbuh) (Shi’a Muslims)

19 Ramadhan 1434

29 July Shahadat (martyrdom) of Imam Ali (pbuh) (Shia Muslims)

21 Ramadhan 1434

3 AugustNight

(Some Muslims may also observe the 28th, 30th July and 1st, 5th August nights)

Laylat Al-Qadr (Night of power)

Where possible Muslim prisoners who wish to may be allowed to worship collectively in the evening.

Evening after 26 Ramadhan 1434

14 October Yaum al Arafat

During Hajj (Pilgrimage) No special requirements

9 Dhul - Hijjah 1434

5 November Islamic New Year 1435

(No special requirements)

1 Muharram 1435

5 – 14 November 10 days mourning for Shia Muslims 1st - 10th Muharram 1435

(pbuh – peace be upon him) (CE – Common Era) (AH – After Hijrah, Islamic year)



THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN

1. The date of the start of Ramadhan and the dates of all other festivals are subject to the (physical) sighting of the new moon and hence may be out by a day or so. The dates given are those when the moon is expected. This is to enable appropriate arrangements to be set in hand by governors and their staff. More locally accurate timetables are available from your Muslim Chaplain or the Muslim Adviser.

2 It should be noted that the fast of Ramadhan starts approximately 10 to 12 days earlier each year (in 2014 it will begin around 28th June).

Further information

3. Further information on Muslim festival dates, may be obtained from:

Ibrahim Mehtar, Acting Muslim Adviser at Chaplaincy Headquarters:Tel: 0300 047 5192, e mail: [email protected]



Annex H

PAGAN FESTIVALS - 2013

Most Pagans celebrate the 8 festivals set out below, but depending on the particular tradition would attach particular significance to certain days. Because of variations in emphasis between different Pagan Traditions it has been agreed with the Pagan Federation that prisoners may choose four festivals on which they should not be required to work. All others may be observed within normal routines.

The date of the solstices and equinoxes may vary by a day or two each year

PAGAN PRISONERS MAY CHOOSE FOUR DATES FROM THE FOLLOWING FESTIVALS WHERE THEY MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

2 February Imbolc

20 March Eostre - Spring Equinox

1 May Beltane

21 June Litha - Midsummer-Summer Solstice

1 August Lammas or Lughnasadh

22 September Mabon - Autumn Equinox

31 October Samhain

21 December Yule – Winter Solstice

Further Information:

The Pagan FederationHelene MobiusPO Box 1318 Bagshot GU19 5YN

E-mail: [email protected]



Annex IRASTAFARIAN FESTIVALS - 2013

The Rastafarian year is based on the Ethiopian calendar, which begins a newyear on 11 September and has 13 months, the last of which has only six days.

DATES ON WHICH RASTAFARIAN PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

7 January Ethiopian Christmas

Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ

5 MayThe victorious return in 1941 of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie 1 to

the Throne in Ethiopia after the time of exile in Britain

23 JulyThe Earthday/Birthday of HIM Haile

Selassie 1Marked as a day of celebration,

prayer reading and spiritual gatherings

2 NovemberThe anniversary of the Coronation of

HIM Haile Selassie 1 and HIM Empress Menen

OTHER RASTAFARIAN FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

3 April Empress Menen Earthday/Birthday

21 April Groundation Day

Commemoration of the visit of HIM Haile Selassie 1 to Jamaica in 1966

25 May African Liberation Day

16 June Leonard Howell Earthday /Birthday

17 August Marcus Garvey Earthday/Birthday

11 September Ethiopian New Year

Further Information

Chaplaincy Headquarters – 0300 047 5178/5181

(pending finalisation of guidance on Rastafarian practice in prison)



Annex J

SIKH FESTIVALS - 2013

DATES WHEN SIKH PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

5 January The birthday of Guru Gobind Singh

14 April Baisakhi/ Vaisakhi

16 June Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev

3 November Bandi Chor (Diwali)

17 November The birthday of Guru Nanak

24 November Commemoration of Guru Teg Bahadur

OTHER SIKH FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

1 September First reading of Guru Granth

20 October Formal installation of Guru Granth as guidance for Sikhs

Further information

For further information on Sikh festival dates, please contact:

Gagandeep Singh: [email protected] orInder Singh Chawla: [email protected]





Annex K

ZOROASTRIAN FESTIVALS - 2013

DATES WHEN ZOROASTRIAN PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

21 March Jamsheedi NoRuz

(Iranian Zoroastrian New Year)26 March Khordad Sal

(Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra as per the Iranian Zoroastrian calendar)

18 August Shenshai Navroze

(Parsee Zoroastrian New Year)23 August Khordad Sal

(Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra as per the Parsee Shenshai calendar)

Further information may be obtained from:

Dorab MistrySecretaryAddress: Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

Zoroastrian Centre 440 Alexandra Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex HA2 9TL

Tel: 0208 866 0765E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ztfe.com


http://www.ztfe.com/



Annex L

CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS – 2013

Bold - Dates Prisoners must be excused from work

January

5 January - The birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, Sikh6 January - Epiphany, Christian and Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation7 January - Christmas Day, for some Orthodox prisoners only 7 January- Ethiopian Christmas, Rastafarian14 January - Makara Sankramana, Hindu24 January - Mawlid Al Nabi, Muslim25-26 January - New Year for Trees, Jewish

February

2 February - Imbolc, Pagan2 February - Candlemas, Christian13 February - Ash Wednesday, Christian21 February - Fast of Esther, Jewish24 February - Purim, Jewish

March

9 March - Maha Shivaratri, Hindu18 March - First Day of Lent, for some Orthodox prisoners only20 March - Spring Equinox, Pagan21 March - Nawrooz – Persian & Kurdish festival, Shi’a Muslim21 March - Jamsheedi NoRuz (Iranian Zoroastrian New Year), Zoroastrian21 March - Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year), Bahá’í25- 28 March - Passover (Pesach), Jewish26 March - Khordad Sal (Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra), Zoroastrian26 March - Holi, Hindu28 March - Maundy Thursday, Christian29 March - Good Friday, Christian30 March - Easter Day, Christian30 March - Holy Saturday, Christian31 March - 2 April - Passover (Pesach), Jewish

April

3 April - Empress Menen Earthday/Birthday, Rastafarian11 April - Yugadi/Gudi Parva, Hindu13 April – Good Friday, for some Orthodox prisoners only14 April - Baisakhi/ Vaisakhi, Sikh14 April - Baisakhi, Hindu19 April - Shri Ram Navami, Hindu21 April - First Day of Ridván, Bahá’í21 April - Groundation Day, Rastafarian23 April - Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Jain 29 April - Ninth Day of Ridván, Bahá’í



May

1 May - Beltane, Pagan2 May - Twelfth Day of Ridván, Bahá’í3May- Holy Friday, for some Orthodox prisoners only5 May - Easter Day / Pascha, for some Orthodox prisoners only5 May - Victorious return in 1941 of HIM Haile Selassie 1 to Throne, Rastafarian9 May - Ascension Day, Christian12 May - Ascension Day, (Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation)14 - 16 May - Pentecost (Shavuot), Jewish19 May - Pentecost, Christian23 May - Declaration of the Báb, Bahá’í24 May - Ascension Day, for some Orthodox prisoners only24 May - Buddha Day, Buddhist24 May - Birthday Imam Ali, Shi’a Muslims25 May - African Liberation Day, Rastafarian29 May - Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í30 May - Corpus Christi, Christian

June

2 June - Corpus Christi, (Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation) 3 June – Pentecost, for some Orthodox prisoners only5 June (Night) - Laylat Al Israa Wal-Miraj, Muslim16 June - Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, Sikh16 June - Leonard Howell Earthday /Birthday, Rastafarian23 June (Night) – Layat Al Baraat, Muslim25 June - Fast of Tammuz, Jewish21 June - Midsummer – Summer Solstice, Pagan29 June - SS Peter and Paul, Christian 30 June – SS Peter and Paul, Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation

July

9 July - Ramadhan Fast begins - Month of Fasting, Muslim9 July - Martyrdom of the Báb, 16 July - Fast of Av, Jewish22 July - Dhamma Day, Buddhist22 July - Guru Poornima, Hindu23 July- Earthday/Birthday of HIM Haile Selassie 1, Rastafarian27 July - Commemoration of Imam Ali (AS), Shi’a Muslims29 July - Martyrdom of Imam Ali, Shi’a Muslims

August1 August - Lammas, Pagan3 August (Night) - Laylat Al-Qadr, Muslim8 August - Eid-Al-Fitr, Muslim15 August - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christian and RCHDO17 August - Marcus Garvey Earthday/Birthday, Rastafarian18 August - Shenshai Navroze (Parsee Zoroastrian New Year), Zoroastrian20 August - Rakhee/Raksha Bandhan, Hindu23 August - Khordad Sal (Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra as per the Parsee Shenshai calendar), Zoroastrian27 August - Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Hindu



September

1 September - First reading of Guru Granth, Sikh2 – 9 September - Paryushan, Jain4 – 7 September - New Year (Rosh Hashanah), Jewish8 September - Shri Ganesha Pooja, Hindu8 September - Fast of Gedaliah, Jewish9 September - Samvatsary (This is the last day of Paryushan), Jain 11 September - Ethiopian New Year, Rastafarian13 - 14 September - Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), Jewish18 - 21 September - Tabernacles (Sukkot), Jewish18 September - Shraddha Paksha begins, Hindu22 September - Autumn Equinox, Pagan25 - 28 September - Rejoicing of the Law, Jewish

October

5 October - Navaratri begins, Hindu12 October - Durgashtami, Hindu 13 October -Vijayadashmi, Hindu14 October - Yaum al Arafat (Event during Hajj, Muslim)15 October - Eid-Al-Adha, Muslim19 October - Sangha Day, Buddhist20 October - Formal installation of Guru Granth as guidance for Sikhs.20 October - Birthday of the Báb, Bahá’í31 October - Samhain, Pagan

November

1 November - All Saints, Christian and Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation2 November - All Souls, Christian2 November - Diwali, Hindu2 November - Anniversary of Coronation of HIM Haile Selassie 1 and HIM Empress Menen, Rastafarian 3 November - Bandi Chor, Sikh Diwali 3 November - Lord Mahavir's Nirvan (Diwali), Jain4 November - New Year, Jain5 November - Islamic New Year 1435 12 November - Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í14 November - Yaum Ashoorah, Muslim5 - 14 November - 10 days mourning, Shia Muslims17 November - The birthday of Guru Nanak, Sikh 24 November - Commemoration of Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, Sikh27 November - 5 December - Festival of Dedication (Lights/ Chanukah), Jewish

December13 December- Fast of Tevet, Jewish21 December -Yule, winter Solstice, Pagan25 December - Christmas Day, Christian

NB. Although none of the Bahá’í or Pagan dates are shown in bold, Bahá’í and Pagan prisoners may choose up to 4 of their festival days on which to be excused from work.



Stage 1 – initial screening EIA Religious Festival Dates 2013The first stage of conducting an EIA is to screen the policy to determine its relevance to the various equalities issues. This will indicate whether or not a full impact assessment is required and which issues should be considered in it. The equalities issues that you should consider in completing this screening are: Race Gender Gender identity Disability Religion or belief Sexual orientation Age (including younger and older offenders). Marriage and civil partnership Maternity and Pregnancy

AimsWhat are the aims of the policy?The yearly published Religious Festival dates PSI provides information to establishments on the dates of the important religious festivals for the main faiths for the year ahead. This is to enable them to plan ahead to meet the religious needs and observances of those faiths.

EffectsWhat effects will the policy have on staff, offenders or other stakeholders?Staff will be aware of the main Festival Dates to ensure smooth running of faith activities. Prisoners will be able to attend and observe/worship religious festivals.

EvidenceIs there any existing evidence of this policy area being relevant to any equalities issue?

Identify existing sources of information about the operation and outcomes of the policy, such as operational feedback (including local monitoring and impact assessments)/Inspectorate and other relevant reports/complaints and litigation/relevant research publications etc. Does any of this evidence point towards relevance to any of the equalities issues?

No

Stakeholders and feedbackDescribe the target group for the policy and list any other interested parties. What contact have you had with these groups?The target group are prisoners registered under a particular faith who wish to observe the festival dates. Interested parties will be Chaplaincy teams, Catering teams,



Diversity officers, Security staff and Faith Advisers to the prison service. The Religious Festival Dates PSI has been produced in consultation with input from the key stakeholders and is used as a source of information.

Do you have any feedback from stakeholders, particularly from groups representative of the various issues, that this policy is relevant to them?All main Faith Advisers have been consulted on the needs of prisoners for religious observation of special Festival Days.

ImpactCould the policy have a differential impact on staff, prisoners, visitors or other stakeholders on the basis of any of the equalities issues? No

Local discretionDoes the policy allow local discretion in the way in which it is implemented? If so, what safeguards are there to prevent inconsistent outcomes and/or differential treatment of different groups of people?There is local discretion by chaplaincy teams and Governors in the way that major religious festivals are observed and celebrated. They are required to meet to discuss the management of their budget and resources to ensure fair and equitable treatment of the different faiths and to discuss arrangements with key stakeholders e.g. Catering and security department. All Governors are aware of their duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure equal access to religious observance for prisoners across the faiths.

Summary of relevance to equalities issues

Strand Yes/No Rationale

Race No

Gender (including gender identity)

No

Disability No

Religion or belief No

Sexual orientation No

Age (younger offenders) No

Age (older offenders) No

If you have answered ‘Yes’ to any of the equalities issues, a full impact assessment must be completed. Please proceed to STAGE 2 of the document.



If you have answered ‘No’ to all of the equalities issues, a full impact assessment will not be required, and this assessment can be signed off at this stage. You will, however, need to put in place monitoring arrangements to ensure that any future impact on any of the equalities issues is identified.

Monitoring and review arrangementsDescribe the systems that you are putting in place to manage the policy and to monitor its operation and outcomes in terms of the various equalities issues.Chaplaincy Teams for every prison may raise any concerns and problems which arise with Chaplaincy HQ’s senior management team. These matters are discussed as necessary with Faith Advisers at Chaplaincy Council meetings to seek resolution. The main monitoring is done locally by Governors who have to ensure compliance with the PSI. The PSI is published yearly and will be amended to take into account any issues which have arisen during the year for the next PSI.

State when a review will take place and how it will be conducted.

Name and signature Date

Policy lead Kishwar Ahmed 14/11/ 2012

Head of group Revd Canon Michael Kavanagh 14/11/2012


religious festival dates for 2013 - justice.gov.uk · web view24 january 2013 mawlid-al-nabi - the...

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