A Calendar of Religious Festivals
For the second season we have produced a calendar of some of the most prominent faiths' observed dates and festivals. This is to help clubs and leagues ensure our hockey season supports as many players to take part as possible.
We want this information to support you to create an inclusive league environment. It will help clubs, teams and administrators consider the best dates for fixtures in your area. Clubs should check with teams if there are players in their squads whose attendance will be affected by the dates in the calendar. If there are and, if the date and festival will significantly impact the squad’s ability to field a team, clubs should speak to their league at the start of the season about the fixtures that might need rearranging.
These dates may highlight the need for extra consideration, such as start times to be moved to accommodate specific practices. This is not a definitive list, and people will have different perspectives on how they choose to observe the occasion. Please talk to clubs, teams and faith groups about their views and needs to understand what's best for people who may be observing the dates included. England Hockey would like leagues and opposition teams to work with clubs who are affected by religious festivals and accommodate fixture changes wherever possible. The earlier it is raised by teams, the easier it will be to adjust.
We want hockey to be an inclusive and welcoming sport for everyone and this calendar provides you with some of the tools to support that aim. More details on the faith and religious festivals can be found below and we have a dedicated page on guidance for Ramaḍān which has been produced with support from the Muslim Sports Foundation.
Inclusion: making people feel respected and welcome
This guidance was produced with support from Inclusive Employers, City Sikhs and Muslim Sports Foundation.
England Hockey is a member of Inclusive Employers to help support the game to be more inclusive and welcoming. England Hockey partners with different, trusted, equality organisations to ensure that the guidance we share is accurate and reflects the perspective of the community.
England Hockey's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Framework is designed to support everyone in the sport to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The EDI framework has four key outcomes:
- To reflect society and ensure hockey remains relevant in the 21st century;
- To ensure safe, respectful, inclusive cultures valuing and welcoming everyone;
- To create access for anyone from any background to participate in hockey; and
- Ensure the reputation of hockey is regarded as excellent in its commitment to ED&I
The next section of this guide provides an overview of considerations for kit, as well as the 6 main religions in the UK, details of the festivals in the calendar and some key points for hockey clubs to consider to support members during the season.
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Respecting religious festivals is one part of being inclusive and welcoming for people of all faiths. Another is to be respectful of the decision people make in relation to the clothing that they wear.
The regulations for league matches and kit were revised several seasons ago. The changes clarified some existing practices and help players to freely wear kit that makes them more comfortable to take part in the game.
Hijabs, turbans, patkas and other headcoverings can be worn. They should be plain in colour or match the shirt in line with the listed club colours. There is not a requirement that they must match kit colours.
Headcoverings must not be fixed in place with metal fastenings or pins and should not have the potential to unravel.
If players wish to have kit that covers their arms and legs in full, then this is allowed by hockey’s competition regulations. The regulations allow for leggings, under shirts or cycling shorts under the main kit to be any colour or style as long as it doesn’t clash with the opposition’s colours.
Please also note that for Sikhs, the Kara is a steel/iron/metal bangle. It is one of five items which are articles of faith and so not considered to be jewellery. It is worn on the dominant wrist at all times and is not removed during play. The player may decide to wear a sweatband over it during play if they so wish. However, the choice is the player’s and should be respected by match officials and opposition players. Some Sikhs may also wear a kirpan (ceremonial dagger), another of the five articles of faith, but this would usually be kept securely under the kit and would not interfere with play.
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Buddhism is a religion that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of deep insight into the true nature and purpose of life. Buddhists can worship both at home and at a temple.
- In the 2021 Census, there were 273,000 Buddhists in England and Wales.
- Globally, there are estimated to be 488-535 million Buddhists.
Buddhists seek to reach a state of Nirvana, following the path of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who went on a quest for Enlightenment around 6th Century BC. There is no belief in a personal God.
Considerations for hockey
Many Buddhists are vegetarians or vegans. Also, some do not consume alcohol or other intoxicants, therefore these factors should be considered when organising social gatherings.
Key Dates in the Calendar
New Year – Often celebrated from the first full moon in January.
Vesak – often known as Buddha Day, a major festival incorporating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is celebrated on the first day of the full moon in May.
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Christianity centres on the faith and belief regarding the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians worship in Churches and their spiritual leaders are called priests or ministers.
- In the 2021 Census, there were 27.5 million Christians in England and Wales.
- Globally, there are estimated to be over 2 billion Christians.
Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament and that he is the Son of God. Christians believe that God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins.
Key Dates in the Calendar
Christmas – the second of the 6 seasons in the Christian calendar, lasting 12 days. The birth of Jesus as the entry of God is the central theme. It is an important milestone in the Western secular calendar, so it is usual for holidays to be taken during Christmas.
Considerations for hockey
While Christmas is a traditional holiday and celebration time in the UK, it can be a difficult time for others, both emotionally and financially. If you are holding any celebrations, please consider the impact on all members and respect that some may not wish to participate.
Easter - the fourth season in the Christian calendar, celebrating Jesus rising from the dead. The date of Easter varies from year to year, with it being celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon, on or after 21 March. The week leading up to Easter is known as the Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On Easter Sunday families will spend time together and give a gift of an egg (usually chocolate) which is used as a symbol of new life.
Considerations for hockey
In the UK, Easter weekend is a 4-day bank holiday, during which time many people will travel to see others, it usually coincides with school holidays.
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Hinduism could be the oldest religion in the world, and it is documented not to be a single religion but a compilation of many traditions and philosophies. Hinduism has no single founder, scripture, and no majority-agreed set of teachings. There have been several key figures teaching different philosophies and writing numerous holy books.
- In the 2021 Census, there were 1 million Hindus in England and Wales.
- Globally, there are estimated to be over 1 billion Hindus.
Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, governed by Karma. Hinduism originated around the Indus Valley near the River Indus in modern day Pakistan and is the religion of the majority of people in India and Nepal.
Considerations for hockey
Food purity - Some Hindus may consider certain kinds of food and drink, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, onion, garlic, and alcohol, to be ‘impure’. Vegetarian food is considered ‘purer’ than non-vegetarian food, therefore some castes and communities may follow a strictly vegetarian diet. Most Hindus also consider the consumption of beef taboo, following from the Hindu belief that cows are sacred animals.
Key Dates in the Calendar
The Hindu calendar is lunar and is divided into 12 months based on the phases of the moon and therefore key dates fall on slightly different dates in the secular calendar each year.
Diwali – The Festival of Lights is a 5 day festival with the main celebration on the 3rd day. It is usual to celebrate by lighting candles and oil lamps and exchanging sweets as gifts. There may be firework displays.
Considerations for hockey
Depending on family customs, players may not be available for the duration of Diwali. Whilst for some it is a vibrant and bright festival, it can also be a time for reflection and private worship.
Holi – A spring festival which is known for being celebrated with bright colours and the throwing of coloured powder. It marks the arrival of spring, celebrates love and the triumph of good over evil. There are several Hindu teachings connected with the festival.
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The word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission to the will of God’ and followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe that Islam was revealed over 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia. Muslims believe that there is only one God and the Arabic word for God is ‘Allah’.
- In the 2021 Census, there were 3.9 million Muslims in England and Wales.
- Globally, Islam is the second largest religion with nearly 2 billion Muslims.
According to Muslims, God sent a number of prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to his law. Jesus, Moses, and Abraham are respected as prophets of God. They believe that the final Prophet was Muhammad.
Considerations for hockey
Muslims are not permitted to consume alcohol or other intoxicants that interfere with the clear functioning of the mind. Some Muslims will prefer to avoid gatherings that involve the consumption of alcohol. Many Muslims follow a strict dietary law, which means that pork is prohibited in any form or food that has come into contact with pork products.
Key Dates in the Calendar
Ramaḍān - It is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the most spiritual times of the year and is a month of fasting, prayer, community and reflection. The start date of Ramaḍān is dependent on phases of the moon. During the month of Ramaḍān people celebrating will fast (including liquid) from dawn to sunset. Some Muslims will have an exemption from fasting and these include, but are not limited to, children, people with long term health conditions or illness, older people, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding.
Considerations for hockey
Please take the time to ask Muslim members if there is anything that they would appreciate your club doing to accommodate them during this time. If you are playing at sunset, agree the time that sunset will occur and wherever possible, enable a short break in playing for players and officials to be able to take a drink of water and consume dates or other energy giving food before resuming. If possible it may be better to play earlier in the day when energy levels for people fasting are higher. More detailed tips and considerations for clubs can be found here.
Eid al-Fitr - It marks the breaking of the fast on the first day after the month of Ramaḍān and continues for three days in a similar manner to Eid al-Adha. Many Muslims are likely to take the last few days of Ramaḍān as holiday, to spend time in reflection with their families and prepare for the Eid celebrations.
Eid al-Adha – the Festival of sacrifice and celebrates the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca, starting on the 10th day of the month of Dhu al Hijja. There are formal prayers and celebration meals and the celebrations may last for several days.
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Judaism is the oldest of the three Abrahamic faiths, which also includes Christianity and Islam. Spiritual leaders are called Rabbis and most Jews worship in Synagogues.
- In the 2021 Census, there were 271,000 Jews in England and Wales.
- Globally, there is an estimated 15.7 million Jews.
Jews believe that there is only one God with whom they have a covenant. People can be Jewish ethnically and culturally without necessarily believing in, or observing, any Jewish law. People can either be born Jewish or convert to Judaism.
Considerations for hockey
For many Jews Kashrut laws mean that food needs to be Kosher and this includes not eating birds of prey, shellfish, and animals such as hares and pigs. Additionally, meat-based products must not be mixed with milk based foods. When Jewish Festivals forbid Jews from working, observant Jews may include driving within the definition of work. The Jewish Sabbath begins on Friday evening at sunset, and ends on Saturday evening when dark, observant Jews will not work on the Sabbath including driving cars.
Key Dates in the Calendar
Rosh Hashanah - The Jewish New Year is one of the holiest days in Judaism. The day begins on the first of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, and means “head of the year”. It is traditional to eat sweet foods on Rosh Hashanah to encourage a sweet new year.
Yom Kippur – It is the Day of Atonement, 10 days after Rosh Hashanah and many Jews fast for 25 hours to atone for past wrongdoing.
Hanukkah – It is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.
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The Sikh faith was founded in the 15th century in the Punjab, a district which is in both India and Pakistan. It was founded by Guru Nanak and is based on his teachings, and those of the nine Sikh gurus who followed him. The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara.
- In the 2021 Census, there were 524,000 Sikhs in England and Wales.
- Globally, there are an estimated 25-30 million Sikhs, most of whom live in the Punjab state of India.
Sikhs believe in one God and the religion stresses the importance of carrying out sound moral deeds, rather than merely conforming to ritualistic norms and values.
Considerations for hockey
Some Sikhs will strictly abstain from both alcohol and smoking/shisha (seen as intoxicants). They may also be uncomfortable in social situations where these are prominent. Many Sikhs are vegetarian, and whilst some may eat dairy products, they may also strictly avoid all egg products. Sikhs are prohibited from eating halal or kosher meat, The kara or bangle is usually worn on the dominant wrist as a reminder to perform good deeds, and it is kept on the person at all times. A kirpan or ceremonial dagger may also be worn, sheathed and held in strap over the body, as a reminder to support justice for the oppressed.
Key Dates in the Calendar
Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas – The festival of lights is also celebrated by Sikhs and celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It is a time for giving and receiving gifts, usually sweets and dried fruit. The Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations are when the Sikhs remember the release from prison of the 6th Guru and so they celebrate freedom and human rights.
Considerations for hockey
Depending on family customs, players may not be available for the duration of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. Whilst for some it is a vibrant and bright festival, it can also be a time for reflection.
Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh’s birthdays – Sikhs will focus on the teachings of the respective Gurus on their birthdays. They may also have events at the gurdwara or street processions in the run up to or just after the birth anniversary dates.
Vaisakhi – The spring festival is a celebration of the birth of the Khalsa and a time for Sikhs to reflect on their commitment to Waheguru (the almighty). It will involve significant celebratory meals and street processions, either on or around the actual date of Vaisakhi, and some celebrations may take place over the course of April or into early May. More detailed guidance on Vaisakhi can be found here.
