November’s cultural and identity-linked celebrations and awareness days include:
Consider the relevance of these events to your own pharmacy practice. We’ve shared some useful information below where appropriate.
November is a hugely important month in a number of religions where commemorations and celebrations take place. Pharmacy professionals should be aware of these occasions and how they are marked – team members may ask for annual leave and colleagues and visitors to pharmacies alike will appreciate ‘Happy Diwali’ greetings.
Diwali: The main day of Diwali takes place this year on Friday 1 November, and for some it is celebrated across five days. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and many Buddhists across the world. Each faith has a different story and marks it in different ways, but ultimately Diwali is a reminder of the victory of good over evil, light over dark, the new moon and new beginnings. Diwali means ‘row of lights’ – houses, shops and public places in India are decorated with small oil lamps called Divas. Celebrations may also include gatherings, feasts, fireworks, exchanging gifts, and Rangoli designs to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
Bandhi Chhor Divas: The celebration of Diwali coincides with the Sikh celebration of Bandhi Chhor Divas. Sikhs mark the date to celebrate freedom and human rights with the giving and receiving of gifts, and the name Bandhi Chhor Divas means ‘liberation of prisoners day’. It harks to the release from prison and return to Amritsar city of Guru Hargobind, Sikhism’s sixth Guru, on the day of Diwali in 1619. It is said that he agreed to leave prison if 52 Hindu princes that were in prison with him were also freed. The Emperor Jahangir hoped to restrict that number by ruling that only those who could hang on to the Guru’s coat could leave, but the Guru cleverly attached 52 tassels to the coat in order to secure the release of every single prince.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab: The most sacred day in the Sikh calendar, this festival (also known as Gurpurab) marks the birth of the first guru of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is commemorated annually on the full moon day of the Kartik month and is celebrated with processions, worship and prayers while food and drink are given to the needy.
Shaheedi Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji: This day marks the bravery and sacrifice of the ninth Sikh Guru. In 1675 Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji refused to comply to the tyrannical Emperor Aurangzeb's wishes to bring the whole of India under Islam, punishing those who didn't obey. The Guru said he would rather sacrifice his life than give up his faith of freedom and, following days of imprisonment and torture, was beheaded.
Transgender Day of Remembrance honours the memory of transgender people who lost their lives in acts of discriminatory violence, and aims to raise visibility for trans people and the issues that the community continues to face. At CPPE and across pharmacy, the day can serve as a reminder of the importance of using inclusive language and behaviours in all our work as pharmacy professionals.
Taking place on 19 November each year, International Men’s Day aims to highlight the importance of men’s and boys’ wellbeing and mental health. It also tackles physical health challenges such as cancers that are particularly prevalent in men, and issues that have been associated with male suicide. Many workplaces hold special events where men come together to talk about the issues, and provide support and help for those who need it. You could consider doing something similar in your practice – perhaps sharing information and guidance with your team and people attending your pharmacy. You and your team could also look at CPPE’s dedicated Men’s Health gateway for learning, case studies and information.
The United Nations has designated 25 November as an annual day for raising awareness around the world of violence – domestic and otherwise – and sexual attacks against women. The date was chosen to mark the assassination of the Mirabal sisters, who were killed for their political activism against the then-dictator of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Trujillo.
The event encourages organisations around the world to organise activities that support women and girls, calling for action by governments to make changes that end gender-based violence and end gender inequality. Health bodies such as pharmacies can play their part by promoting campaigns that support women locally and offering advice, guidance and information about dedicated charities.
Housekeeping
We draw our listed events from The University of Manchester’s 2024 Diversity Calendar. Concerning religions, this calendar covers the six major faiths in the UK. We acknowledge that the calendar does not include every possible significant event, celebration and observance day.
If you would like to contribute a few words on an event in the calendar or suggest an event that it does not cover, please contact sneha.varia@cppe.ac.uk.
