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Religion: Festivals and Special Occasions

Asked by Rupert LoweRestore BritainDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 12 December 2024UIN 17971

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to provide a breakdown of all religious festivals celebrated by the Department in 2023.

Answered by Andrew Western

The Faith & Belief Network (FBN) supports DWP colleagues and managers and the department by providing insight into issues relating to Faith, Belief and Non-Belief.

In 2023, DWP celebrated or signposted to the following faith festivals and events, via blogs, live events and podcasts:

  • World Religion Day - 15/01/23
  • Holocaust Memorial Day - 27/01/23
  • World Hijab Day – 01/02/23
  • Tu Bishvat and Imbolc (Pagan and Jewish colleagues reflect on the festivals of Tu Bishvat and Imbolc) – 06/02/23
  • Month of Festivals (Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Paganism and Jewish networks as we celebrate Ramadan, Easter, Holi, Hola Mahalla, Spring Equinox and Purim) – March 2023
  • Easter celebration – 04/04/23
  • Jewish Passover – 05/04/23
  • Eid-Ul-Fitr Celebration – 17/04/23
  • Buddha Day – 26/05/23
  • World Humanist Day - 21/06/24
  • Summer Solstice – 25/06/23
  • Hajj & Pilgrimage Event (Eid) – 03/07/23
  • Pioneers Day (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) – 24/07/23
  • South Asian Heritage Month – 18/07/23 – 17/08/23
  • Jewish festival of Rosh Hashanah – 15/09/23
  • Autumn Equinox – 21/09/23
  • Black History Month – 10/23
  • Halloween and the Pagan New Year – 31/10/23
  • Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) – 11/23
  • Interfaith Week - 12-19/11/23
  • Diwali Celebration - 11/11/23
  • Christmas Celebrations - 06/12/23
  • Winter Solstice – 21/12/23

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