Tamil Heritage Month
2025-01-01 - 2025-01-26 | Ontario
Launched in 2010, Tamil Heritage Month, was established to celebrate the history of Canada’s Tamil community and its contribution to the social, cultural, political and economic strength of Canada. Visit the Tamil Heritage Month website to learn more and view upcoming events.
Read about the inaugural Tamil Heritage Month celebrated at U of T in 2019.
Government of Ontario proclamation
The Province of Ontario proclaimed January Tamil Heritage Month in 2014.
Proclamation on the provincial government’s website:
Tamils began migrating to Ontario as early as the 1940s. Since that time, Tamil Canadians have overcome tremendous obstacles and have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of Ontario.
January is an important month for Tamil Canadians. The Tamil Harvest Festival, Thai Pongal, as well as other Tamil artistic and cultural events, take place in January.
By proclaiming the month of January as Tamil Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the valuable contributions that Tamil Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Tamil Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the inspirational role that Tamil Canadians have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario.

Learn more about heritage months
Explore the list of national and provincial heritage months compiled by U of T Student Life.

Orthodox Christmas • Orthodox Christian
2025-01-07
Orthodox Christmas is a 3-day celebration of the birth of Jesus. It can include fasting on Christmas Eve and Holy Night Supper at the appearance of the first star.
Common Greetings: Merry Christmas

Religious and cultural days
Student Life has compiled a list of significant religious and cultural days.
Explore the list to learn more about the holidays of different faith and ethnic groups, when they are celebrated and how to greet or acknowledge those who observe.
For students: Accommodations for Religious Observances
Visit the Office of the Vice Provost Students website and learn more about Religious Accommodations. It is the policy of the University of Toronto to work with students who observe religious days other than those already accommodated by current scheduling and statutory holidays. Familiarize yourself with the Policy on Scheduling of Classes and Examinations and Other Accommodations for Religious Observances.
Do you have questions or need help?
Contact the FIFSW Director of EDI, Shahana Arain or visit The Office of the Vice Provost, Students.
Orthodox Christmas in the workplace
Read the Orthodox Christmas in the Workplace Inclusive Employer Guide from from the University of Toronto’s Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture.
