This circular reiterates the Government's commitment to valuing the culturally diverse nature of the public sector workforce, particularly in regard to accommodating religious beliefs.

Chief Executives are asked to draw to the attention of all managers and supervisors the existence of the policy Observance of Religious Duties, published in the August 1999 edition of the New South Wales Personnel Handbook (Chapter 6, Section 13).

This policy outlines procedures for accommodating employees in accessing leave entitlements and flexible work hours arrangements (where they exist) to meet religious obligations.

Chief Executives are also asked to distribute the attached list of Days of Religious Significance for Multicultural NSW for the Year 2000 to all managers and supervisors to raise awareness of the differing needs of employees in regard to their religious obligations.

The list should not be interpreted as being absolutely inclusive and some dates are indicative.

Any enquiries regarding this matter may be directed to Donna Vaughan on 9228 5511 or Caroline Davidson on 9228 3563.

R. Kruk
Acting Director-General

DAYS OF RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE FOR MULTICULTURAL
NEW SOUTH WALES FOR THE YEAR 2000

JANUARY

6 Christmas (Armenian Apostolic), Epiphany (Christian, including Orthodox)
7 Christmas (Eastern and Oriental Orthodox)
8 Eid al-Fitr (Islamic). This festival marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan.
14 Buddha's Enlightenment (Mahayana Buddhist). Mayahana Buddhism or the Great Vehicle tradition is practiced by Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnam Buddhists. 

FEBRUARY

5  Xin Nian (Chinese) or Tet (Vietnamese). This festival marks the beginning of New Year and a new outlook in the Chinese and Vietnamese calendars. Festivities are held over a three day period.
15 Death of Buddha (Mahayana Buddhist). Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese Buddhists commemorate the death or the attainment of the final Nirvana of the Buddha.

MARCH

17 Eid al-Adha or Feast of Sacrifice (Islamic). The Feast of Sacrifice recalls Abraham's test of obedience when God ordered him to sacrifice his son, Ismael. Date of observance may vary according to the sighting of the new moon. 
21 Naw-Ruz (Baha'i, Iranian, Parsee). Naw-Ruz literally means New Year. The day is celebrated by the Baha'i, Parsee, Iranian, Turkish, Azerbaijani and Kurdish communities. Purim (Jewish). The Festival commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from the threat of extermination in Persia in the 5th Century B.C. Purim is celebrated with the exchange of food, gifts and the enactment of the story of Esther.

APRIL

4 Qing Ming (Chinese) Qing Ming is a day on which Chinese families visit the tombs of their ancestors to pay them respect. 
6 Islamic New Year (Islamic). 1 Muharram. Date of observance may vary according to the sighting of the new moon.
13 Vaisakhi Celebration (Hindu and Sikh) 
15 Ashura (Islamic). Commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet. Date of observance may vary according to the sighting of the new moon.
20-27 Pesach or Passover (Jewish). This eight day festival celebrates the escape of the Jewish people from Egypt.
21 Good Friday (Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Protestant). Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is one of the most solemn observances in the Christian year. First Day of Ridvan (Baha'i). On the first, ninth and twelfth day of Ridvan, work and school are suspended.
23 Easter (Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Protestant). The three days of Easter, from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, marks the culmination of the entire Christian Church year. Easter Sunday celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The date of Easter is moveable as it is linked with the first full moon after the spring equinox.
28 Good Friday (Orthodox)
30 Easter (Orthodox). The celebration of Easter to commemorate the Resurrection of Christ by the Orthodox Churches. 

MAY

10 Birth of Buddha (Mahayana Buddhist). The celebration of the birth of Buddha is referred to as Fo Dan by the Chinese or Phat Dan by the Vietnamese.
17 Vesak Day (Theravada Buddhist). Theravadan Buddhists from Cambodian, Thai, Sri Lankan, Burmese and Laotian communities commemorate the Birth, Death and Enlightenment of Buddha on Vesak day. Date may vary according to the full moon.
23 Declaration of the Bab (Baha'i). Commemorates the declaration of the mission of the Bab who was sent to prepare the way for the "Baha'u'llah", the founder of the Baha'i faith.
29 The Ascension of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i). 

JUNE

15 Birth of the Prophet Mohammad (Islamic). Date of observance may vary according to the sighting of the new moon. 

JULY

9 The Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha'i)
17 Vassa or Rains Retreat (Theravada Buddhist). The retreat commences on 17 July and ends on 14 October. 

AUGUST

17 Vu Lan (Chinese/ Vietnamese Buddhist). Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists offer prayers for the souls of their ancestors and the souls of those who died without living descendants to care for them. 
22 Krishna-Janmashtami or Birthday of the Lord Krishna (Hindu) 

SEPTEMBER

1 Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu). Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten day period of worship dedicated to Ganesha. 
30 Rosh Hashanah or New Year (Jewish). Rosh Hashanah is considered to be the day on which the world was created according to the Jewish religion. Rosh Hashanah festivities last for two days.

OCTOBER

6 Saraswati Puja (Hindu). During Navaratri, a period of nine nights of prayers (28 September to 7 October), offerings are made to the deities Saraswati, Durga and Laksmi.
9 Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement (Jewish). This is the holiest day of the year of the Jewish religion. On this day Jewish people forgive and ask for forgiveness for their sins. The fast commences just prior to sunset on the evening before.
14 Succoth or The Festival of Tabernacles (Jewish). Commemorates the Jewish people's forty days in the desert following the Exodus from Egypt.
20 The Birth of the Bab (Baha'i) 
22 Simchat Torah or Rejoicing of the Law (Jewish). Marks the annual cycle of readings of the Torah (Pentateuch) in the synagogue. 
26 Deepavali or Festival of Lights (Hindu). Celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Hindus throughout the world celebrate this festival by decorating their homes with lights. 

NOVEMBER

11 Birth of Guru Nanak (Sikh) 
12 Birth of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i) 
28 Ramadan (Islamic). A religious fast is held between the hours of sunrise and sunset during the lunar month until 27 December. Date of observance may vary according to the sighting of the new moon.

DECEMBER

22-29 Chanukah or Dedication (Jewish). A festival lasting eight days, celebrating the rededication of the holy temple of Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrians in 164 BC.
25 Christmas (Christian, including Greek Orthodox). Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In many churches the main celebration occurs on Christmas Eve with a midnight mass. In the Christian Church's liturgical calendar it is second only to Easter.
28 Eid al-Fitr (Islamic). This festival marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. Date of observance may vary according to the sighting of the new moon.