Dates of Significance

Vaisakhi (also pronounced Baisakhi) is a spring harvest festival primarily celebrated in Northern India. In 1699, the festival took on greater significance as the day Sikhism was solidified as a collective faith. Sikhs around the world therefore celebrate the festival in commemoration of the Khalsa (the collective order of initiated Sikhs) being established on this day.

Typically taking place on April 13 or 14 every year, Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi by visiting Gurdwaras (Sikh temples), which are specially decorated for the occasion. Many towns will host parades called Nagar Kirtans (Punjabi for “town hymn recitations”), led by a float carrying the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. In the spirit of giving back to the community, langar (free food) is prepared and widely distributed to all in attendance.

Farmers in Punjab use Vaisakhi as an opportunity to give thanks for a plentiful harvest and pray for a good one in the year to come. Colorful fairs and carnivals are held in many places in Punjab, with festivities including music, dance, and performances of Sikh martial arts.

In Toronto, Vaisakhi also aligns with the Khalsa Day Parade, which kicks off from the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, culminating at Toronto City Hall. This year, the parade takes place on Sunday, Apr 30, 2023. Get there with GO Transit! Plan you trip today.

Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic for “holiday of the breaking fast") is the first of two significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan— the Islamic month in which Muslims around the world fast daily from sunrise to sunset. Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic for “holiday of the breaking fast") is the first of two significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan— the Islamic month in which Muslims around the world fast daily from sunrise to sunset.

Since Islamic holidays follow a lunar calendar, the exact date of Eid is contingent on the sighting of the crescent moon. Preparations for the holiday begin almost immediately once the moon is spotted, with homes being decorated in festive lights, and women in many cultures applying henna designs to their hands and feet.

Typical celebrations on the day involve dressing up in new clothes, congregating for a morning prayer, giving to charity, and partaking in delicious, festive meals (which, for many Muslims, is their first daytime meal in a month). Relatives are visited, sweets are enjoyed, and gifts are exchanged in celebration. In some cultures, children receive Eidi: holiday gifts, most commonly in the form of cash.

The traditional greeting for this holiday is “Eid Mubarak” (Arabic for “have a blessed Eid"). In keeping with tradition: Eid Mubarak, from all of us at GO.