Information about upcoming faith-related dates, including Yom Kippur (October 2025)

Awareness of faith-related dates and understanding in relation to their impact on members of these communities helps the University to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all our students and staff.

Please note the following dates, understanding that students and colleagues may request temporary absence, annual leave or require adjustments to their schedules to accommodate religious observance.   

From 22 September – 2 October:Navratri (Hindu)  
‘Nav’-nine; ‘Ratri’-nights in celebration of the goddess Durga, ending with Dusshera, a commemoration which celebrates goodness overcoming evil. Some devotees may choose to fast from certain foods during this festival.   

1-2 October: Yom Kippur (Jewish)  
The holiest day in the Jewish calendar. A day of prayer and fasting. From Wednesday, 1 October at sunset until nightfall of Thursday, 2 October. No work is permitted.  

6-13 October: Sukkot (Jewish)  
Celebrates the gathering of the harvest and God’s protection of Jewish people in the escape from Egypt, as in the book of Exodus). Begins from 6 October at sunset until nightfall of 13 October. The first two days of this festival are considered the most holy and may result in requests for absence.  

13-15 October: Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah (Jewish)  
A celebration of the significance of the Torah, the Jewish Bible. From 13 October at sunset until nightfall of 15 October 2025.   

For any queries or support please contact the University Chaplaincy