Religious and Cultural Holiday Awareness: Observing Diwali

Dear Colleagues,

By increasing our knowledge of the diverse cultural and faith traditions of our patients, faculty members, staff members and students, we can strengthen our relationships with each other and positively impact the quality of patient care.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Department of Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy have created a Religious and Cultural Observances Toolkit to provide general education and information about cultural and religious observances, and how they may impact interactions with colleagues, students, and patients and their family members.

Please take the time to become familiar with Diwali, which will be observed Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. Diwali is a joyous five-day festival of lights celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains throughout the world.

Use this fact sheet as a guide for supporting our patients, staff members, faculty members and students who may observe Diwali. Please keep in mind that they are intended to provide a general overview, and the information may not apply to all individuals in any given culture or faith.

Sincerely,

James E. Page Jr., M.B.A.
Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer
Johns Hopkins Medicine

Paula Teague, D.Min, M.B.A.
Senior Director, Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy
Johns Hopkins Health System