July 2023

July 28 - 29 - Eid al-Adha - Begins at Sundown (Islamic)

Eid al-Adha is a major festival that celebrates the willingness to make sacrifices in the name of one’s faith. According to legend, the prophet Ibrahim was ordered to sacrifice his son in God’s name. When Ibrahim was prepared to kill his son, God stepped in and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. This holiday celebrates Ibrahim’s total faith in God, and Muslims view this holiday as an important annual reminder. The holiday practices include: prayers, gift given, and sometimes slaughtering of sheep, with a portionof the meat gifted to the poor.

Common Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first day. If planning an event, provide Islamic dietary accomodations if requested.

July 26 - 27 - Tisha B'Av - Begins at Sundown (Jewish)

Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. Practices include fasting and mourning, but fast is deferred due to the Sabbath.

August 2023

Aug 1 - Lammas/ Lughnasadh (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. Practices include: making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest.

Aug 30 - Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)

The Rakhi festivity falls in the holy month of Shravan; The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times. The holiday is considered a day to acknowledge siblings relationships.

September 2023

Sept 6 - Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)

This festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, a widely-worshiped Hindu god. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher. During this festival, Hindus are likely to forgo sleep in order to sing bhajans, traditional Hindu songs. Many Hindus also fast during the first day of the festival. Dances, songs, and plays depicting the life of Krishna are common.

Common Accomodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely students will be operating on very little sleep.

Sept 11 -19 - Paryushan (Jain)

The most important Jain religious observance each year, Paryushana means "abiding" or "coming together." It is a time of study, reflection, and purification, and can last either eight or ten days. This is a time of fasting and reflection.

Sept 15 -17 - Rosh Hashanah - Degins at Sundown (Jewish)

The Start of the Jewish New Year begins at sundown (first day) and ends at nightfall (last day). The Jewish calendar celebrates the New Year in the seventh month (Tishrei) as a day of rest and celebration ten days before Yom Kippur. Many celebrate with prayer in synagogues and festive meals.

Common Accomodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide kosher dietary accommodations as requested.

Sept 21 -29 - Mabon/ Alban Elfed/ Autumnal Equinox (Psagan, Wiccan, Druid)

Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, and Meán Fómhair. Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. It is a time to offer gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and begin preparing for turning inward. Making dishes with apples, squash and pumpkins are customary parts of the celebration ritual.

Sept 24 -25 - Yom Kippur - Begins at Sundown (Jewish)

Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year for Jews, and the day is dedicated to atonement and abstinence. During Yom Kippur, Jews fast from before sundown until after sunset, and light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the night of Yom Kippur.

Common Accomodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting.

Sept 29 - Oct 6 - Sukkoyt - Begins at Sundown (Jewish)

An eight day or week-long celebration which begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals; Sukkot is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land. Families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork.

Common Accomodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days.If planning an event, provide kosher dietary accommodations as requested.

October 2023

Oct 6 - 8 - Shemini Atzeret - Begins at Sundown (Jewish)

Also known as Atzereth, this is a fall festival, which includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel. Practices include lighting a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzereth (the 8th night of Sukkot).

Common Accomodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide kosher dietary accommodations as requested.

Oct 6 - 17 - Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Baha’i)

This holiday celebrates the birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, one of the Baha’I faith’s most important figures. For Bahá’ís, the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh is a Holy Day celebrating the rebirth of the world through the love of God, just as Christmas is for Christians.

Common Accomodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. (Baha’i employees will likely request to have this day off.)

Oct 7 - 8 - Simchat Torah - Begins at Sundown (Jewish)

Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and the beginning of the new cycle. Practitioners dance in synagogues as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits.

Common Accomodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this evening or the following day.

Oct 15 - 24 - Navaratri (Hindu)

Navarati is one of the greatest Hindu festivals, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are are often feasts and dances.

Oct 31 - Nov 1 - Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

One of the four “greater Sabbats” and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life. Practices include: paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died.

November 2023

Nov 1 - All Saints Day (Christian/ Roman Catholic)

All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, Hallowmas, the Feast of All Saints, or Solemnity of All Saints, is a Christian festival celebrated in honor of saints known and unknown. All Saints Day is a Holy Day of Obligation on the Catholic religious calendar, where practicing Catholics are required to attend Mass and have a day of rest.

Common Accommodations: Academic accommodations may be required. Practicing Catholic students and employees may request this day off.

December 2023

Dec 7 - 15 - Hanukkah/ Chanukah - Begins at Sundown (Jewish)

Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, and lasts for eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish struggle for religious freedom. The history of the holiday involves a historic military victory in which a Jewish sect called the Maccabees defeated the Syrian Greeks.

The celebration commemorates a miracle in which a sacred temple flame burned for eight days on only one day’s worth of oil. On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Jews celebrate with food and song, as well as exchanging gifts for eight days.

Common Accommodations: Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. Provide kosher dietary accommodations as requested.

Dec 22 - Yule/Midwinter/Alban Arthan/Winter Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

The longest night of the year followed by the sun’s “rebirth” and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. A common practice is burning of the yule log (which was traditionally part of last year’s yule tree) is an act of faith and renewal that, indeed, the light, and the warmth will return.

Dec 24 - 25 - Christmas (Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant)

Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion. Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees, and visiting family.

Dec 26 - Jan 1 - Kwannzaa

Kwanzaa is an annual holiday that celebrates family, community, and culture. It joins communitarian values and practices of Continental African and African American culture. Activities are organized around The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba): umoja (unity), kujichaguilia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamma (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith).

Celebrations include feasts, music, dance, poetry and narratives. The holiday concludes with a days of reflection and commitment to the Seven Principles.

February 2024

Feb 1 - 2 - Imbolc/Candlemas (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights, and Oimele. Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories.

Feb 2 - 3 - Setsubum-sai (Shinto)

Setsubum-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival. The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season.

Feb 10 - Chinese / Lunar New Year (Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist)

This is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. Families gather together to spend the evening preparing boiled dumplings and festive meals and giving of money to children in red envelopes. The holiday corresponds to the New Moon in Aquarius, which can fall from late January to mid-February.

Feb 14 - Ash Wednesday (Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant)

This is the first day of Lent, the period of forty days before Easter in which many Christians sacrifice ordinary pleasures to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day.

Feb 24 - Magha Puja Day (Buddhist)

Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha.

March 2024

Mar 10 - April 9 – Ramadan Begins at Sundown (Islamic)

Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer, and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind.

Common Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).

Mar 19 - Ostara/Alban Eilir/Spring Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

This holiday is also known as Eostre and is regarded as a time of fertility and conception. In some Wiccan traditions, it is marked as the time when the Goddess conceives the God’s child, which will be born at the winter solstice. Practices include lighting fires to commemorate the return of light in the spring and to honor the God and Goddess, as well as coloring eggs as a way of honoring fertility.

Mar 20 - 21 - Naw-Rúz – Begins at Sundown (Baha’i)

This is the Baha’i New Year, a traditional celebration in Iran adopted as a holy day associated with Baha’i. It is a celebration of spring and new life. The holiday is celebrated with festive music dancing, prayers, meetings, meals.

Mar 23 - 24 - Purim – Begins at Sundown (Jewish)

Purim begins at sundown and commemorates the time when the Jews who were living in Persia were saved from genocide by the courage of a young Jewish woman named Esther. Many Jews hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, dressing in costumes, and read the Book of Esther. Triangular, fruit-filled pastries are eaten in opposition to the villain Haman, who wore a three-cornered hat.

Mar 24 - Palm Sunday (Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant/Eastern Orthodox Christianity)

A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds. This holiday is marke with prayer and the distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.

Mar 24 - Maundy Thursday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)

Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles is Maundy Thursday. The day is commemorated with prayer, communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations.

Mar 25 - Holi (Hindu)

Also known as the “Festival of Colors,” this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures commemorating good over evil. This date is also a celebration of the colorful spring and a farewell to the dull winter. Hindus often sprinkle colored water and powder on others and celebrate with bonfires and lights, signifying victory of good over evil.

Mar 29 - Good Friday (Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant)

Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. Prayer, fasting, and noon or afternoon services are practices in some Christian denominations.

Common Accomodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some.

March 31 - Easter/ Pascha (Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant)

Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies. It is a celebration of renewal.

Common Accomodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some.

April 2024

Apr 9 -10 - Eid al-Fitr – Begins at Sundown (Islamic)

Eid al-Fitr means “break the fast”, and is the last day of Ramadan, marking the end of a month of fasting. Muslims often pray, exchange gifts, give money to children, feast, and celebrate with friends and family. Eid al Fitr is a three day celebration and begins at sundown.

Apr 13 - Vaisakhi (Sikh)

Vaisakhi is the Sikh festival that commemorates 1699, the year of the creation of the Khalsa Panth. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival. There are often parades, dancing, singing and celebrations involving chanting of scriptures and hymns.

Apr 22 - 30 - Pesach/Passover (Jewish)

Pesach is a week-long observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II (one of three pilgrimage festivals). Family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, reading of the Haggadah, and lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle occur at sundown on the last night of Passover.

Common Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday.

May 2024

May 1 - Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

The fire festival includes jumping the balefire, dancing the MayPole to celebrate the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year.

May 5 - Yom HaSho’ah - Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jewish)

Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day to remember the lives and names of Jewish relatives and friends. Ceremonies or events to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II; activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the deceased.

May 15 - Buddha Day / Vesak (Buddhist)

This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date.

May 28 - Ascension of the Baha'u'llah (Baha’i)

Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha’i faith (May 29, 1892) and is marked with devotional programs and reading from the scriptures.

June 2024

June 11 - 13 - Shavuot - Begins at Sundown (Jewish)

Commemorates receipt of the Torah on Mount Sinai. This holiday is marked by evening devotional programs, studying the Torah, and the lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot.

June 19 - Juneteenth

This US federal holiday day commemorates the day that the news of the end of slavery in the United States reached the enslavewd Africans in Galveston, Texas. People typically gather to celebrate freedom, learn about this momentous event in U.S. history, and renew a commitment to work toward social justice.

Jun 20 - Litha/Midsomer/Alban Hefin/Summer Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of the the Goddess manifesting as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest’s fruits. Solstice is often celebrated by lighting to bonfires and watching the sun rise.