Multicultural Calendar

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September Significant Observances

NOTE: The Multicultural Calendars are educational and informational resources only. They are not intended to be, nor should be relied upon as an authority on significant days of observance or to guide accommodation decisions. If you require information and advice about the accommodation of religious, cultural and significant observances, please consult the Ontario Human Rights Commission website.

While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of these dates, the actual day of observance may vary.

We rely on the expertise of our community and faith groups to assist in making our list as accurate and representative as possible. Please send any feedback, updates or corrections to diversity@durham.ca.

Ganesh Chaturthi - September 7
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival to honour Ganesha. It’s celebrated by Hindu communities around the world. This holiday is observed with prayer, public and private displays of Ganesha idols, chanting Vedic hymns and fasting. Learn more about Ganesh Chaturthi.
Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) – September 11
Ethiopia’s New Year, Enkutatash, takes place in September each year. This holiday marks the end of the rainy season and the growth of bright yellow flowers. Festivities include enjoying a meal with loved ones, singing and dancing. Learn more about Enkutatash.
Keiro No Hi (Respect for the Aged Day) - September 16
Keiro No Hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, is a Japanese holiday that pays respect to elders. It’s influenced by Buddhist and Shinto religions, as well as Confucianism. Learn more about Keiro No Hi.
Anant Chaturdashi - September 16 to 17
Anant Chaturdashi is an important holiday for communities practising Hinduism and Jainism. Observances include fasting, prayers and sacred rituals. Learn more about Anant Chaturdashi.
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) - September 16 to 18
Chuseok, or Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the largest holidays in Korea. Families gather together and show gratitude to their ancestors for the fruitful harvest. Learn more about Chuseok.
Mid-Autumn Festival - September 17
Mid-Autumn Festival – also called Moon Festival—is a celebration that marks of the end of the autumn harvest, and occurs during the middle of autumn, when the moon is at its fullest. This festival is celebrated in China and in many countries in East and Southeast Asia. Communities observe this festival by gathering for dinners, lighting paper lanterns and eating mooncakes. Learn more about Mid-Autumn Festival.
Powley Day - September 19
Powley Day celebrates the landmark Métis rights victory at the Supreme Court of Canada. This victory led to the recognition of Métis as a distinct Indigenous peoples with a culture and identity of their own in Canada and paved the way toward full Métis self-government. Learn more about Powley Day.
International Day of Peace - September 21
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. This year’s theme is, “Cultivating a culture of peace”. It serves as a call to action to promote dialogue, empathy and human rights in the face of conflict and discrimination. Learn more about the UN’s International Day of Peace.
International Day of Sign Languages - September 23
More than 300 different sign languages are used worldwide. The International Day of Sign Languages is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all sign languages users. Learn more about International Day of Sign Languages.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - September 30
September 30, 2023, marks the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are encouraged to continue learning about the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of colonialism and Canada’s residential school system. It is critical to the reconciliation process that we acknowledge wrongdoings and commit to listening to Indigenous voices. Learn more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to actively participate in reconciliation.

Ganesh Chaturthi - September 7

Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival to honour Ganesha. It’s celebrated by Hindu communities around the world. This holiday is observed with prayer, public and private displays of Ganesha idols, chanting Vedic hymns and fasting. Learn more about Ganesh Chaturthi.

Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) – September 11

Ethiopia’s New Year, Enkutatash, takes place in September each year. This holiday marks the end of the rainy season and the growth of bright yellow flowers. Festivities include enjoying a meal with loved ones, singing and dancing. Learn more about Enkutatash.

Keiro No Hi (Respect for the Aged Day) - September 16

Keiro No Hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, is a Japanese holiday that pays respect to elders. It’s influenced by Buddhist and Shinto religions, as well as Confucianism. Learn more about Keiro No Hi.

Anant Chaturdashi - September 16 to 17

Anant Chaturdashi is an important holiday for communities practising Hinduism and Jainism. Observances include fasting, prayers and sacred rituals. Learn more about Anant Chaturdashi.

Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) - September 16 to 18

Chuseok, or Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the largest holidays in Korea. Families gather together and show gratitude to their ancestors for the fruitful harvest. Learn more about Chuseok.

Mid-Autumn Festival - September 17

Mid-Autumn Festival – also called Moon Festival—is a celebration that marks of the end of the autumn harvest, and occurs during the middle of autumn, when the moon is at its fullest. This festival is celebrated in China and in many countries in East and Southeast Asia. Communities observe this festival by gathering for dinners, lighting paper lanterns and eating mooncakes. Learn more about Mid-Autumn Festival.

Powley Day - September 19

Powley Day celebrates the landmark Métis rights victory at the Supreme Court of Canada. This victory led to the recognition of Métis as a distinct Indigenous peoples with a culture and identity of their own in Canada and paved the way toward full Métis self-government. Learn more about Powley Day.

International Day of Peace - September 21

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. This year’s theme is, “Cultivating a culture of peace”. It serves as a call to action to promote dialogue, empathy and human rights in the face of conflict and discrimination. Learn more about the UN’s International Day of Peace.

International Day of Sign Languages - September 23

More than 300 different sign languages are used worldwide. The International Day of Sign Languages is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all sign languages users. Learn more about International Day of Sign Languages.

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - September 30

September 30, 2023, marks the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are encouraged to continue learning about the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of colonialism and Canada’s residential school system. It is critical to the reconciliation process that we acknowledge wrongdoings and commit to listening to Indigenous voices. Learn more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to actively participate in reconciliation.