Celebrating World Religion Day
World Religion Day will be observed this year on Sunday 18 January. It is a wonderful opportunity for schools across the country to celebrate diversity, promote understanding and encourage respect for different faiths and beliefs. In today’s multicultural society, helping children and young people appreciate the richness of world religions is an essential part of fostering empathy and inclusion.
What is World Religion Day?
World Religion Day was established in 1950 by the Bahá’í community to highlight the common values shared by all religions and to promote unity among people of different faiths. The day encourages dialogue and learning, reminding us that while beliefs may differ, principles such as kindness, compassion and respect are universal.
For schools, this day offers a chance to introduce pupils to the fascinating traditions, festivals, and practices of major world religions in an age-appropriate way. It’s not about teaching doctrine—it’s about nurturing curiosity and understanding.
Why is it important in education?
Children encounter diversity in their classrooms and communities every day. By learning about world religions, they can develop cultural awareness and tolerance—skills that will serve them throughout life. Discussing similarities and differences between faiths can also spark meaningful conversations about shared human values.
World Religion Day aligns perfectly with the RE curriculum and supports the broader goal of promoting British values such as mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Student Planners: Helpful Resources
Boomerang’s Primary Planner includes a dedicated World Religions quick reference information page. This section provides concise summaries of the major faiths—Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Judaism—along with key festivals and symbols.
Key dates for all the major faiths are included on the relevant diary pages in our Academic and Pocket Planners.
Final Thoughts
World Religion Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to celebrate unity in diversity. By incorporating activities and using resources like the Student Planners, pupils can develop understanding and respect for all faiths. Classrooms where curiosity thrives and every child feels valued.
