Canada is a diverse and accepting nation, but our holiday calendar does not reflect that. Most of the official holidays and statutory holidays in Canada are Christian holidays. As Canada continues to diversify, our country must acknowledge the contributions immigrants have made for the nation. How? Through an inclusive calendar.

Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most anticipated holidays in Hinduism. The festival symbolizes the victory of righteousness over spiritual evil. Diyas are lit and placed around homes and places of worship to lift these spiritual evils. In 2021, 500,000 Hindus celebrated Diwali in Canada. Declaring Diwali as a national holiday would show the South Asian community respect for the culture and a significant number of the Canadian population.

Eid-al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” and Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, are the two largest holidays in Islam. During the Eid festivals, Muslims go to mosques to pray, enjoy festivities, cuisine, and partake in traditions like gift-giving and forgiving wrongdoings. Over a million or 3.2% of Canada's population identify as Muslim. Having Eid recognized as an official holiday would make a significant impact on the Muslim-Canadian community by showing consideration for the religion. 

Declaring these as official national holidays would cater to Indian and Muslim families who may miss these holidays due to work or school and cannot get together to see each other, pray, and enjoy festivities. It would also allow Canadians who may not know what Diwali or Eid is to learn more about the different cultures. 

Islam and Hinduism are two of the largest religions in the world and Canada. As Canada claims to be a diverse country, it is essential that the holiday calendar accurately represents this.