In 2016, the Government of Ontario declared the month of November each year as Hindu Heritage Month. Further to this, on April 18, 2018, the TDSB Board of Trustees voted to recognize the month of November as Hindu Heritage Month. Canadians of Hindu faith have greatly contributed to civic life in Canada for decades, and are a vibrant part of the growth and prosperity of Toronto, Ontario and Canada. November is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, mutual respect and inclusion – and hey, it is the birthplace of the number zero, without which the binary code in computers could not exist!

Hindu Heritage Month Poste 

The theme chosen this year to recognize Hindu Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board is Om Shanti: Living Together in Peace. The Sanskrit words OM Shanti are considered to be one of the most important mantras or sacred sounds in Hinduism. OM, or AUM, is energy, a vibration from which all the universe originates. Shanti refers to peace in many levels of existence. For example, OM Shanti refers to experiencing peace at the level of the body, mind and spirit. From a wider perspective, it is a prayer for peace in the whole world, including the environment and in our relationships with friends, family, communities and countries - indeed in the entire creation. The word Shanti is chanted three times in the belief that the desire to attain peace will come true. OM Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!

A poster challenge has been put forth to all TDSB students and in the upcoming weeks we will be excited to select two poster designs and post them.

Learn more about Om Shanti: Living Together in Peace

Learn more about Hindu Heritage Month, Hindus and their contributions, festivals and more