RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2017

This instruction applies to:-

Reference:-

Prisons

PSI 19/2016

Issue Date Effective Date Implementation Date

Expiry Date

14 December 2016 1 January 2017

1 January 2018

Issued on the authority of

NOMS Agency Board

For action by All staff responsible for the development and publication of policy and instructions

NOMS HQ Public Sector Prisons Contracted Prisons* NOMS Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) Governors Heads of Groups

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

Instruction type Service specification support

For information All prison staff, IMB, Faith Advisers, Catering Managers, Chaplaincy Teams. National Probation Service and CRCs

Provide a summary of the policy aim and the reason for its development / revision

This Instruction is issued annually to notify prisons of the dates of religious festivals for the coming year – 2017. In addition, this year we have included dates for Jehovah’s Witness and Spiritualist festivals.

Contact Kishwar Ahmed, kishwar.ahmed@noms.gsi.gov.uk Chaplaincy Headquarters, 0203 193 5672

Associated documents

PSI 05//2016 - Faith and Pastoral Care for Prisoners PSI 44/2010 – Annex B - Catering Operating Manual Service Specification for Faith and Pastoral Care for Prisoners See the NOMS directory of service specifications

Replaces the following documents which are hereby cancelled: PSI 34/2015 - AI 22/2015 – Religious Festival Dates for 2016

Audit/monitoring: Mandatory elements of instructions must be subject to management checks (and may be subject to self or peer audit by operational line management), as judged to be appropriate by the managers with responsibility for delivery. In addition, NOMS will have a corporate audit programme that will audit against mandatory requirements to an extent and at a frequency determined from time to time through the appropriate governance. Chaplaincy HQ will also monitor compliance through the annual Assurance and Compliance visit to each prison by a Chaplaincy HQ Adviser.

Introduces amendments to the following documents: None

Notes: All Mandatory Actions throughout this instruction are in italics and must be strictly adhered to.

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CONTENTS Hold down “Ctrl” and click on section titles below to follow link.

Section Subject Applies to

Section 1 Executive Summary All prison staff

Section 2 Guidance on Food for Religious Festivals All prison staff

Annex A Bahá’í Religious Festival Dates Bahá’í prisoners

Annex B Buddhist Religious Festival Dates Buddhist prisoners

Annex C Christian Religious Festival Dates Christian prisoners

Annex D Hindu Religious Festival Dates Hindu prisoners

Annex E Jain Religious Festival Dates Jain prisoners

Annex F Jehovah’s Witness Festival Dates Jehovah’s Witness prisoners

Annex G Jewish Religious Festival Dates Jewish prisoners

Annex H Muslim Religious Festival Dates Muslim prisoners

Annex I Pagan Religious Festival Dates Pagan prisoners

Annex J Rastafarian Religious Festival Dates Rastafarian prisoners

Annex K Spiritualist Festival Dates Spiritualist prisoners

Annex L Sikh Religious Festival Dates Sikh prisoners

Annex M Zoroastrian Festival Dates Zoroastrian prisoners

Annex N Chronological summary of all dates All prison staff

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1. Executive Summary

Text in shaded boxes indicates specification requirements within the Service Specification for Faith and Pastoral Care for Prisoners.

1.1 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 1.2 This Instruction sets out the dates in 2017 of the main religious festivals for the Bahá’í,

Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Pagan, Rastafarian and Zoroastrian faiths. In addition this year, we have included the dates for Jehovah’s Witness and Spiritualist festivals.

1.3 It also sets out the principles and some guidance for providing food at religious festivals. Desired outcomes

Service Element: Religious Provision

Output 6: Recognised religious festivals are appropriately marked and observed

1.4 This instruction aims to ensure that prisons have the necessary information to enable

religious festivals to be marked in an appropriate and equitable way. 1.5 If establishments require advice or information in relation to any faith tradition not

mentioned in this instruction, please contact Chaplaincy HQ. Application 1.6 Section 2 provides guidance on planning and providing food for religious festivals. All staff

involved in the planning and preparation for religious festivals should consider this. The annexes provide the religious dates for each faith.

Mandatory actions 1.7 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.

Multi faith year planner 1.8 As in previous years, 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 during December

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Resource Impact 1.9 None. This Instruction is issued annually to notify prisons of dates for the year ahead (Approved for Publication) Alan Scott Acting Director of Public Sector Prisons, NOMS

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2. Guidance on Food for Religious Festivals Planning for the year ahead 2.1 Arrangements for the provision of food for religious festivals for 2017 should be discussed

at the earliest opportunity by the Managing Chaplain, or Chaplaincy line manager in those prisons without a Managing Chaplain, together with members of the Chaplaincy team, and other key stakeholders such as the Catering Manager. The Chaplaincy Council and the Chaplaincy HQ team strongly recommend that following these discussions and within one month of the issue of the PSI, that the Managing Chaplain/Line Manager creates an action plan setting out the arrangements for marking the festivals for the year ahead.

Appropriate food items 2.2 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 below). Faith Advisers can provide any further information about appropriate food, as needed. Provision for Langar must be prepared in house for the six main Sikh festivals, as set out in the guidance on Sikh meals and Langar, issued through the Senior Leader’s Bulletin in June 2012, and in PSI 05/2016.

Marking the festival with food 2.3 In most prisons the festival is marked by the prisoners from that faith tradition sharing

together in an appropriate meal or food item(s). In some prisons festivals have been marked by a main menu item available for the whole prison to help raise awareness of the festival more broadly.

2.4 There is real significance for the prisoners marking the festival to have an opportunity to

share food together communally as a faith group. This can help engender being part of a community, and encourage sharing and pro social behaviour. Where there is a main menu option to mark the festival, the prisoners from the tradition should still be able to share together some small appropriate symbolic food items, communally as a faith group (in the place where the corporate worship/meditation takes place). The sort of items that may be appropriate for particular festivals include dates, cakes, cream eggs, hot cross buns, savoury snacks, samosas, sweets, but the relevant faith chaplain can provide more specific advice. Where a meal is provided to the prisoners celebrating the festival, this will be in house and be provided in place of the appropriate prison meal option of the day. .

What is equitable? 2.5 One group of prisoners should not be advantaged over another and all prisoners should

have the same opportunity to mark their festivals together; it would not be appropriate for instance to allow only one faith group to share food/snacks together and all others to have the festival marked only by a main menu choice. In other words if one faith group has the opportunity to mark the festival together communally with food or snacks, all other traditions should be afforded the same opportunity. However, equity does not mean the same, and what is provided to mark each festival may vary in the light of what is appropriate for the particular festival and the advice received from the faith chaplain and Faith Advisers.

2.6 Some prisons, in attempting to provide equitable provision, have decided to mark two

festivals for each faith with food. This is not acceptable, nor compliant, and the main festival dates across all faiths (those on which prisoners are excused from work) should be marked appropriately.

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Costs

2.7 It is important prisons know the costs of meals they provide. The cost of food for festivals,

in whatever form it takes, should be from within the agreed food budget for each prison and represent the average cost of equivalent main menu meals served. It is recognised the cost per person for each faith may not be the same as the cost of particular ingredients, (e.g. meat as opposed to vegetables) will differ.

Summary

2.8 The arrangements should be planned in advance by the team as at 2.1 above, together

with the Catering Manager. Each chaplain should advise what would be appropriate for their faith and how this can best be marked. At the same time the team should take collective responsibility to ensure that the provision is equitable.

Food for Religious Festivals 2.9 Information on this is set out in the Catering Manual at Annex B of PSI 44/2010, and the

relevant extract is below. NB: References to Co-ordinating Chaplain should now be read as Managing Chaplain or Chaplaincy Line Manager:

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Extract from Annex B of PSI 44/2010 (Catering Manual) “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.

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.”

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Annex A

BAHA’I FESTIVALS – 2017

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

20 March Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year)

20 April

First Day of Ridván

28 April

Ninth Day of Ridván

1 May

Twelfth Day of Ridván

23 May

Declaration of the Báb

28 May

Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

9 July

Martyrdom of the Báb

21 October

Birthday of the Báb

22 October

Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh

There is a Bahai month of fasting leading up to the Bahai New Year. The Bahai Fast starts at sunrise and ends sunset each day. In 2017, the Bahai Fast will start 1st March until 19th (inclusive). A Bahai month is 19 days.

Further information may be obtained from:

Mike Hainsworth Address: Chaplaincy Coordinating Team

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK 27 Rutland Gate London SW7 1PD

Tel: 0207 584 2566 E-Mail: scc@bahai.org.uk

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Annex B BUDDHIST FESTIVALS – 2017 DATES ON WHICH BUDDHIST PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

10 May Buddha Day

8 July Dhamma Day

5 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 05/2016, 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: ajahn.khemadhammo@angulimala.org.uk or

ajahn.khemadhammo@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

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Annex C

CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS – 2017 DATES ON WHICH CHRISTIAN PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

For some Orthodox prisoners only:

6 January Christmas Day

14 April Great Friday

16 April Easter Day/Pascha

15 August Dormition of the Theotokos

OTHER CHRISTIAN FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

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

6 January Epiphany Theophany – Orthodox prisoners

8 January

2 February Candlemas

1 March Ash Wednesday (Beginning of Lent)

13 April

Maundy Thursday

15 April

Holy Saturday

10 _ 15 April Great and Holy Week – Orthodox prisoners

25 May

Ascension Day Ascension Day – Orthodox

prisoners

28 May

4 June

Pentecost Pentecost – Orthodox prisoners

4 June

15 June

Corpus Christi 18 June

29 June SS Peter and Paul 29 June

15 August

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

15 August

1 November

All Saints

1 November

2 November

All Souls

14 April Good Friday

16 April Easter Day

25 December Christmas Day

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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 Holy Fast of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at Easter. 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. Further information For further information on Christian festival dates, please contact

Reverend Canon Mike Kavanagh, Head of Chaplaincy and Anglican Advisor Tel : 0300 047 5182,

e mail: Michael.kavanagh@noms.gsi.gov.uk

Reverend Monsignor Roger Reader, Catholic Bishops’ Prisons Adviser Tel :0207 901 4857, e mail: roger.reader@cbcew.org.uk

Reverend Bob Wilson, Free Church Adviser, Tel : 0207 529 8138, e mail: bob.wilson@freechurches.org.uk

The Very Revd. Archimandrite Philip Hall – Orthodox traditions, e mail: Philip.Hall2@hmps.gsi.gov.uk or Fr.Philip@gmx.com

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Annex D

HINDU FESTIVALS – 2017 DATES ON WHICH HINDU PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

24 February Maha Shivaratri (day of fasting)

11 March Holi (Festival of colours)

4 April

Shri Ram Navami

7 August Rakhee/ Raksha Bandhan

14 August Shri Krishna Janmashtami

8 October

Karva Chauth (Festival for women prisoners only

prisoners may wish to fast on this day)

19 October Diwali (Festival of lights)

OTHER HINDU FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

14 January Makar Sankranti

13 April Tamil New Year (celebrated by Tamil Hindu community)

20 September

Navaratri begins

28 September

Durgashtami

30 September Vijayadashami – Navaratri ends

Further information For further information on Hindu festival dates please contact: Bhadresh Trivedi (Hindu Chaplain/ London prisons and Hindu Faith Adviser - NOMS)

E-mail: bhadresh.trivdedi@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

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Annex E

JAIN FESTIVALS – 2017 DATES ON WHICH JAIN PRISONERS MUST BE EXCUSED FROM WORK

9 April Mahavir Janma Kalyanak

(The Lord Mahavira’s Birthday)

7 August Rakhee/ Raksha Bandhan

(Commemorates the sacred relationship between brothers and sisters)

25 August

Samvatsary

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

19 October Lord Mahavir's Nirvan (Diwali)

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

(Celebrated with prayers and feast)

20 October New Year

(This day is celebrated by special prayers and feast)

OTHER JAIN FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

Further guidance may be obtained from:

Chairman NCVA : Manhar Mehta

Address: The National Council of Vanik Associations (UK) [NCVA]

37 Howberry Road, Edgware Middlesex HA8 6SS

Tel: Phone 020 8952 1165 E-mail: chairman@ncva.co.uk Website: www.ncva.co.uk

18 August – 25 August 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 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

11 April Memorial of Christ’s Death

This celebration does not impact on the working day as it is held in the evening. The Memorial is also known as the Last Supper or the Lord’s Evening Meal is the most important event of the year for Jehovah’s Witnesses. It commemorates the death of the Lord Jesus Christ and what this accomplishes; hence, a memorial of his death.

Further information

For further information please contact: David Kinson Watchtower House IBSA House The Ridgeway London NW7 1RN Tel: 0208 906 2211 Email: prisondesk.GB@jw.org

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Annex G

JEWISH FESTIVALS – 2017 Sabbath 1. The Jewish Sabbath extends from sunset on Friday to nightfall 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 days of Passover (10 April to 18 April

inclusive) must begin after breakfast or not later than 10.30 am on Monday 10 April.

4. Most Jewish prisoners can work on the interim days of Passover (13-16 April) and Tabernacles (8 -11 October). 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

10 April sunset

16 April sunset

12 April nightfall

18 April nightfall

Passover (Pesach)

Passover (Pesach)

30 May sunset

1 June nightfall

Pentecost (Shavuot)

20 September

sunset

23 September

nightfall

New Year (Rosh Hashanah)

(includes Sabbath)

29 September

sunset

30 September

nightfall

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

(Day of fast))

4 October sunset

11 October

sunset

7 October nightfall

14 October

nightfall

Tabernacles (Sukkot) (includes Sabbath)

Rejoicing of the Law (includes Sabbath)

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OTHER JEWISH FESTIVALS (not excused from work)

10 February sunset

11 February nightfall

New Year For Trees

9 March dawn

9 March nightfall

Fast of Esther (minor fast)

11 March nightfall

12 March nightfall

Purim

11 July dawn

11 July nightfall

Fast of Tammuz (minor fast)

31 July sunset

1 August Nightfall

Fast of Av (major fast)

24 September dawn

24 September nightfall

Fast of Gedaliah (minor fast)

12 December night fall

20 December nightfall

Festival of Dedication (Lights/ Chanukah)

8 January 2018 dawn

8 January 2018 nightfall

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 MBE Jewish Visiting, United Synagogue 305 Ballards Lane, London N12 8GB Email: Revbinstock@btinternet.com Visitation Committee Office, Michelle Minsky

Email: admin@jvisit.org.uk Tel: 0208 343 5669

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Annex H MUSLIM FESTIVALS AND THE FAST OF RAMADHAN - 2017 (AD) 1438/1439 (AH). 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)

* 25 June Eid-Al-Fitr (Festival marking the completion of Ramadhan)

(Muslim prisoners worship in

congregation led by a Chaplain – it is a day of celebration and prayer)

1 Shawwal 1438

* 1 September Eid-Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

(Muslim prisoners worship in congregation led by a Chaplain – it is a

day of celebration and prayer)

10 Dhul-Hijjah 1438

* 30 September

For 3 days, beginning from the day before this

(29thSeptember to 1st October inclusive), there is recommended fasting

- not compulsory

Yaum Ashura

Excused from work day - only for Shi’a Muslim prisoners who wish to

commemorate this

10 Muharram 1439

* 30 November Mawlid An-Nabi (Celebration of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh))

(Communal programme for those Muslim prisoners who wish to celebrate this day)

12 Rabi-Al-Awaal 1439

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OTHER MUSLIM FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

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

10 April Wiladat (birthday) of Imam Ali (pbuh) Especially for Shi’a Muslims

13 Rajab 1438

23 April 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 1438

10 May Night

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 1438

27 May Ramadhan begins Month of Fasting

1 Ramadhan 1438

14 June Commemoration of Imam Ali (pbuh) (Shi’a Muslims)

19 Ramadhan 1438

16 June Shahadat (martyrdom) of Imam Ali (pbuh)

(Shia Muslims)

21 Ramadhan 1438

21 June Night

(Some Muslims may also add to this the 15th, 17th, 19th & 23rd June 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 1438

31 August

Yaum Al-Arafah

Hajj Day (Pilgrimage) No special requirements

9 Dhul - Hijjah 1438

23 August - 1 September First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah (the month of Hajj)

1-10 Dhul - Hijjah 1438

21 September

Islamic New Year 1439 (No special requirements)

1 Muharram 1439

21 - 30 September Ashura (10 days of religious merit for all

Muslims) For Shia Muslims 10 days of

mourning

1 - 10 Muharram 1439

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

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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 2018 it will begin around 16th May). Further information

Further information on Muslim festival dates or any other Muslim matter, may be obtained from:

Ahtsham Ali Muslim Adviser Chaplaincy Headquarters Floor 4, Clive House 70 Petty France London SW1H 9EX Tel: 0300 047 5179 Mobile: 07976 450 995 Email: Ahtsham.Ali@noms.gsi.gov.uk

For any further information regarding specifically Shi’a matters please contact:

Yousif Al-Khoei The Khoei Foundation The Stone Hall, Chevening Road London NW6 6TN Tel: 0207 372 4049 Email: Yalkhoei@hotmail.com

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Annex I PAGAN FESTIVALS – 2017 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

1 February

Imbolc

20 March

Ostara - 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 Equinox

Further Information:

The Pagan Federation Helene Mobius PO Box 1318 Bagshot GU19 5YN E-mail: prisons@paganfederation.co.uk

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Annex J

RASTAFARIAN FESTIVALS – 2017 The Rastafarian year is based on the Ethiopian calendar, which begins a new year 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 May

The victorious return in 1941 of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie 1 to the Throne in Ethiopia after the time of exile

in Britain

23 July

The Earthday/Birthday of HIM Haile Selassie 1 Marked as a day of celebration, prayer reading and spiritual

gatherings

2 November

The 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 Rastafari Heritage: info@rastafariheritage.com

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Annex K SPIRITUALIST FESTIVALS – 2017 SPIRITUALIST FESTIVAL DATES (not excused from work)

31 March

World Spiritualist Day On this date in 1848 events at Hydesville, New York state, USA are regarded as the beginnings of Spiritualism. Phenomena that occurred from this point forward was recognised by Spiritualists are evidence that the human personality survives death. Communication with those who preceded us to this next stage of life also strengthened the belief in a deity - God.

1 July

Spiritualist World Peace Day. First Saturday in July. Spiritualists are committed to the cause of world peace. We believe that through the power of prayer we can bring changes in our world. On this day we hold peace services around the world with the focus on praying for world peace.

Further information

For further information please contact: Minister Steven Upton Spiritualists’ National Union Redwoods Stansted Hall Stansted Tel: 01279 816363 Email: steven@s-upton.com

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Annex L

SIKH FESTIVALS – 2017 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

19 October

Bandi Chor (Diwali)

4 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 Sahib

20 October Formal installation of Guru Granth Sahib as guidance for Sikhs

Further information For further information on Sikh festival dates, please contact: Sikh Chaplaincy Service: Gagandeep Singh: gagandeep.singh@hmps.gsi.gov.uk or Inder Singh Chawla: inder_singh_chawla@yahoo.co.uk

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Annex M ZOROASTRIAN FESTIVALS – 2017 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)

17 August Shenshai Navroze

(Parsee Zoroastrian New Year)

22 August Khordad Sal

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

Further information may be obtained from:

Secretary: Roshan E Avari Address: Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

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

Tel: 0208 866 0765 E-mail: secretary@ztfe.com Website: www.ztfe.com

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Annex N CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS – 2017 Bold - Dates Prisoners must be excused from work January 5 January - The birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, Sikh 6 January – Theophany, for some Orthodox prisoners only 6 January - Christmas Day, for some Orthodox prisoners only 6 January - Epiphany, Christian 8 January - Epiphany, Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation 7 January - Ethiopian Christmas, Rastafarian 14 January - Makara Sankranti, Hindu February 1 February - Imbolc, Pagan 2 February - Candlemas, Christian 10- 11 February - New Year for Trees, Jewish 24 February - Maha Shivaratri, Hindu March 1 March - Ash Wednesday, Christian 9 March - Fast of Esther, Jewish 11 March - Holi, Hindu 11 - 12 March - Purim, Jewish 20 March - Spring Equinox, Pagan 20 March - Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year), Bahá’í 21 March - Nawruz – Persian & Kurdish festival, Shi’a Muslim 21 March - Jamsheedi NoRuz (Iranian Zoroastrian New Year), Zoroastrian 26 March - Khordad Sal (Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra), Zoroastrian 31 March- World Spiritualist Day, Spiritualist April 3 April - Empress Menen Earthday/Birthday, Rastafarian 4 April - Shri Ram Navami, Hindu 9 April - Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Jain 10 April - Birthday Imam Ali, Shi’a Muslims 10 - 12 April - Passover (Pesach), Jewish 10 - 15 April – Great and Holy Week for some Orthodox prisoners only 11 April - Memorial of Christ’s Death, Jehovah Wittness 13 April – Tamil New Year, Hindu 13 April - Maundy Thursday, Christian 14 April - Good Friday, Christian 14 April - Great Friday, for some Orthodox prisoners only 14 April - Baisakhi/ Vaisakhi, Sikh 15 April - Holy Saturday, Christian, Catholic 16 April - Easter Day, Christian 16 April - Easter Day / Pascha, for some Orthodox prisoners only 16 - 18 April - Passover (Pesach), Jewish 20 April - First Day of Ridván, Bahá’í 21 April - Groundation Day, Rastafarian 23 April Night) - Laylat Al Israa Wal-Miraj, Muslim 28 April - Ninth Day of Ridván, Bahá’í May 1 May - Beltane, Pagan 1 May - Twelfth Day of Ridván, Bahá’í

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5 May - Victorious return in 1941 of HIM Haile Selassie 1 to Throne, Rastafarian 10 May - Buddha Day, Buddhist 10 May (Night) – Laylat Al Baraat, Muslim 23 May - Declaration of the Báb, Bahá’í 25 May - African Liberation Day, Rastafarian 25 May – Asscension Day, Christian 25 May - Ascension Day, for some Orthodox prisoners only 27 May - Ramadhan Fast begins - Month of Fasting, Muslim 28 May - Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í 28 May - Ascension Day, (Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation) 30 May – 1 June - Pentecost (Shavuot), Jewish June 4 June - Pentecost, Christian, Orthodox and Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation 4 June - Pentecost, for some Orthodox prisoners only 14 June - Commemoration of Imam Ali (AS), Shi’a Muslims 15 June - Corpus Christi, Christian 16 June - Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, Sikh 16 June - Leonard Howell Earthday /Birthday, Rastafarian 16 June - Martyrdom of Imam Ali, Shi’a Muslims 18 June - Corpus Christi, (Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation) 25 June - Eid-Al-Fitr, Muslim 21 June - Litha – Summer Solstice, Pagan 21 June (Night) - Laylat Al-Qadr, Muslim 29 June - SS Peter and Paul, Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation 29 June - SS Peter and Paul, Christian Holy Day of Obligation July 1 July - Spiritualist World Peace Day 8 July - Dhamma Day, Buddhist 9 July - Martyrdom of the Báb, Bahá’í 11 July - Fast of Tammuz, Jewish 23 July - Earthday/Birthday of HIM Haile Selassie 1, Rastafarian 31 July -1 August - Fast of Av, Jewish August 1 August - Lammas, Lughnasadh Pagan 7 August - Rakhee/Raksha Bandhan, Hindu 7 August - Rakhee/Raksha Bandhan, Jain 14 August - Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Hindu 15 August - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation 15 August - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christian Holy Day of Obligation 15 August - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dormition, for some Orthodox prisoners only 17 August - Marcus Garvey Earthday/Birthday, Rastafarian 17 August - Shenshai Navroze (Parsee Zoroastrian New Year), Zoroastrian 18 August – 25 August - Paryushan, Jain 22 August - Khordad Sal (Birth anniversary of prophet Zarathushtra as per the Parsee Shenshai calendar), Zoroastrian 23 August – 1 September – First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslim 25 August - Samvatsary (This is the last day of Paryushan), Jain 31 August - Yaum al Arafat (Event during Hajj, Muslim) September 1 September - Eid-Al-Adha, Muslim 1 September - First reading of Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh 11 September - Ethiopian New Year, Rastafarian

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20 – 23 September - New Year (Rosh Hashanah), Jewish 20 September - Navaratri begins, Hindu 21 September - Islamic New Year 1439 21- 30 September - Ashurah 10 days mourning, Shia Muslims 22 September - Autumn Equinox, Pagan 24 September - Fast of Gedaliah, Jewish 28 September - Durgashtami, Hindu 29 - 30 September - Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), Jewish 30 September - Yaum Ashurah, Muslim 30 September -Vijayadashmi, Hindu October 4 - 7 October - Tabernacles (Sukkot), Jewish 5 October - Sangha Day, Buddhist 8 October – Karva Chauth, Hindu 11 - 14 October - Rejoicing of the Law, Jewish 19 October - Diwali, Hindu 19 October - Lord Mahavir's Nirvan (Diwali), Jain 19 October - Bandi Chor, Sikh Diwali 20 October - New Year, Jain 20 October - Formal installation of Guru Granth Sahib as guidance for Sikhs. 21 October - Birthday of the Báb, Bahá’í 22 October - Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í 31 October - Samhain, Pagan November 1 November - All Saints, Christian 1 November - All Saints, Roman Catholic Holy Day of Obligation 2 November - All Souls, Christian 2 November - Anniversary of Coronation of HIM Haile Selassie 1 and HIM Empress Menen, Rastafarian 4 November - The birthday of Guru Nanak, Sikh 24 November - Commemoration of Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, Sikh 30 November - Mawlid An-Nabi, Muslim December 12 - 20 December - Festival of Dedication (Lights/ Chanukah), Jewish 21 December -Yule, winter Equinox, Pagan 25 December - Christmas Day, Christian N.B. 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.