MOST of the religions of world have the tradition of bringing out their own calendars to focus on their festivals and important events. Here in Vancouver, the pioneers of multifaith movement, Multifaith Action Society, embarked upon a unique publication of a multifaith calendar annually in 1986. It is in wide circulation now.

Later, some other organizations started publishing interfaith calendars: The Interfaith Alliance in 1994, Delton K. St. Paul in 1995, UNESCO in 1995 (Regional Interfaith), BBC in 2002, NCCJ in 2005 and so on. Seena Singh, a professional artist from Toronto, started publishing a Multi Cultural Calendar in1992 in which she includes some religious festivals also.

The MAS calendar is a unique educational resource that facilitates understanding of religious observances, occasions and festivals important to a wide spectrum of faith and cultural communities. It helps in recognizing and respecting the diversity across our faith communities, while at the same time seeking to celebrate the values we hold in common.

The MAS calendar provides accurate dates with description of the world’s major religions and the cultural festivals of most ethnic groups in North America, including Aboriginal Spirituality, Baha’i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shintoism, Sikhism, Unitarians, Wiccan, Zoroastrianism and 20th century Scientology.

The calendar also carries collection of art work chosen from the submission of artists across North America and internationally. This year, for the 2015 calendar, the artwork and theme “Stillness” were finalized in MAS’s meeting on March 24. Mr. Bernard, as a head of the Calendar Committee, is credited for his hard work.

– BY ACHARYA S. P. DWIVEDI, President, Multifaith Action Society