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Multifaith Holy Day Calendar
2024-2025 Academic Year
This calendar is adopted from the religious observance calendars of Wesleyan University,1 the University of Michigan,2 the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign,3 Colorado State University,4 and Harvard Divinity School.5
The definitions of holy days and terms can be found here: https://www.interfaith-calendar.org/calendardefinitions.htm
This calendar is not an exhaustive list either of religious traditions or of the holidays observed in those traditions. If we have not included a religious tradition or major religious holiday of significance to you, please notify the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and/or the Office of Campus Ministry so that it might be included in future editions of this calendar.
While we have made extensive efforts to verify the accuracy of the information included here, some inaccuracies may remain. Please bring to our attention any you notice. The dates of some holidays, particularly those that are calculated according to a lunar calendar and rely on sightings of the New Moon (e.g., Islamic holidays), vary according to region; other observances and dates (e.g., Buddhist holidays) vary greatly across cultures and strands of a tradition.
1 “Wesleyan Multifaith Calendar,” Wesleyan University Office of Religious Life, accessed July 23, 2024, https://www.wesleyan.edu/orsl/multifaith-calendar.html
2 “2024-2025 Religious Holidays and Fact Sheets,” the University of Michigan Office of the Provost, accessed July 24, 2024, https://provost.umich.edu/resources-policies/calendars/
3 “Major Religious Observances August 2023-July 2024,” University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Office of Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” accessed July 24, 2024, https://diversity.illinois.edu/diversity-campus-culture/religious-inclusion/calendar/
4 “Faith, Belief, and Religious Observances,” Colorado State University University Events Calendar, accessed July 23, 2024, https://calendar.colostate.edu/observances/
5 “Multifaith Calendar,” Harvard Divinity School Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, accessed July 24, 2024, https://hds.harvard.edu/community-life/religious-and-spiritual-life/multifaith-calendar
| Days | Holiday | Religion | |
| 2024 | |||
| August 12 – 13 | sundown Monday – sundown Tuesday | Tish’a B’Avday of the communal morning; the culmination of the Three Weeks Recommendations: Tish’a B’Av, and the three weeks preceding it, commemorate the final siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. Those who observe avoid public celebrations and assume traditional mourning practices (fasting – especially from meat; prayer; refraining from washing and shaving, etc). Jewish students, faculty, and staff may request scheduling accommodations to observe | Judaism |
| August 13-16 | Tuesday – Friday | Obon holiday honoring one’s ancestors Recommendations: During Obon, Japanese families hang lanterns in front of houses to guide the ancestors, perform dances (bon odori), visit graves of loved ones, and make food offerings at house altars and temples. Those who observe may request scheduling accommodations. | Buddhism, Japanese ancestral religion |
| August 15 | Thursday | Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Marycommemorates assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven Recommended Accommodations: The Assumption of Mary is a holy day of obligation for Catholic Christians. Therefore, students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (RC) |
| August 15 | Thursday | Dormition of the Theotokoscommemorates dormition of the Virgin Mary Recommended Accommodations: The Dormition of the Theotokos is one of the twelve great feasts of the Orthodox church. The feast is preceded by 14 days of strict fasting. If planning an event during Dormition Fast, provide food accommodations as requested, as many Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, fish, fowl, dairy, and oil during strict fast. On the day of the feast, please be aware that students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious services and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (O) |
| August 19 | Monday | Janai Purnimasacred thread festival Recommended Accommodations: Hindu students, faculty, and staff may be practicing purity rituals including fasting and/or abstaining from certain foods. | Hinduism |
| August 26 – 27 | Monday-Tuesday | Krishna Janmashtami / Sri Krishna Jayanti/ Janmashtamifestival celebrating the birth of Krishna Recommended Accommodations: Observation includes celebration festivals, reading and recitation of religious texts, dance and enactments of the life of Krishna, devotional singing until midnight, and fasting. Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that Hindu students, faculty, and staff will be operating on very little sleep. | Hinduism |
| August 25-26 | Sunday – Monday | Arba’ein (Arba’een)martyrdom of the Prophet; 40 days after the Day of Ashura Recommended Accommodations: Shi’ite students, faculty, and staff may request time off for pilgrimage to Karbala. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (halal restrictions apply) | Islam (Shi’ite/Shia) |
| August 31 – September 7 *August 31 – September 9 | Saturday – Saturday*Saturday – Monday | Paryushanaholiest period of the year; emphasizes the five ethical duties/ vows Recommended Accommodations: Jain students, faculty, and staff may observe with by fasting, prayering, studying and reciting sacred texts, and/or freeing captive animals and preventing their slaughter. The festival ends with Samvatsari, a day of forgiveness for offenses committed during the previous year. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (lacto-vegetarian excluding root vegetables). Note that some Jains celebrate for ten days instead of eight. | Jainism |
| September 6 | Friday | Ganesh Chaturthia 10-day festival celebrating the birth of Ganesha Recommended Accommodations: Hindu students or employees may observe by chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts, prayers, martial arts, and on the last day with processions, and idol immersion. | Hinduism |
| September 8 – 17 | Sunday – Tuesday | Das Laxana solemn occasion of forgiveness and personal examination Recommended Accommodations: This ten-day festival is considered a holy convocation. Jains celebrate through prayer, and mediation. Be aware that some Jain students, faculty, and staff may be fasting. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date, Jains refrain from or significantly limit work and daily activities. | Jainism |
| September 12 – 16 | Thursday – Monday | Gahambar/Gahanbar/Ghambar Paitishemherding festival celebrating the creation of plants; one of six high feasts Recommended Accommodations: Faculty, staff, and students who observe may require scheduling accommodations for liturgy and celebration of communal feasts. | Zoroastrianism |
| September 14 – September 15 | sundown Saturday – sundown Sunday | Mawlid al-Nabi birthday of the Prophet Recommended Accommodations: Muslim students, faculty, and staff may observe by sharing food, gathering together in homes and mosques, attending lectures about the Prophet, salawat prayer service, marches, and reciting litanies from the Qur’an and devotional poetry of the Prophet. Observers may request to take the first day of the celebration off. Note that colleagues and remote students in Muslim countries will likely have a national holiday. | Islam (Sunni) |
| September 20 – 21 | sundown Monday – sundown Tuesday | Mawlid al-Nabibirthday of the Prophet Recommended Accommodations: Muslim students, faculty, and staff may observe by sharing food, gathering together in homes and mosques, attending lectures about the Prophet, salawat prayer service, marches, and reciting litanies from the Qur’an and devotional poetry of the Prophet. Observers may request to take the first day of the celebration off. Note that colleagues and remote students in Muslim countries will likely have a national holiday. | Islam (Shiite/Shia) |
| September 21 | Saturday | Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokosbirth of Mary Recommended Accommodations: Orthodox students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious services during the morning/afternoon and/or evening prior and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (O) |
| October 2 – 4 | sundown Wednesday- evening Friday | Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Year Recommended Accommodations: Jewish students, faculty, and staff may observe at synagogue and/or at home with their families. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date, as work and technology are often prohibited. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate electronically. | Judaism |
| October 3 – 12 | Thursday – Saturday | Dashain / Navaratrifestival of fertility, harvest, and family honoring the goddess Durga lasting nine nights (ten days) Recommended Accommodations: Those who practice may celebrate with prayer, feasts, plays/dramas, fairs, bonfires, new clothes, exchange of gifts, and/or puja and may require scheduling accommodations to observe with family/friends. Be aware that some Hindu students, faculty, and staff may be fasting. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (lacto-vegetarian). | Hinduism, Buddhism (Nepali) |
| October 6 | Sunday | Tzom Gedaliah fast of the Seventh Month; first of Ten Days of Repentance Recommended Accommodations: Jewish students, faculty, and staff who celebrate may be fasting from dawn until dusk. | Judaism |
| October 11 – 12 | sundown Friday – evening Saturday | Yom KippurDay of Atonement Recommended Accommodations: Jewish students, faculty, and staff may observe at synagogue and/or at home with their families, often with fasting and prayer. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date, as work and technology are often restricted and/or prohibited. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate electronically. | Judaism |
| October 12 – 16 | Saturday – Wednesday | Gahambar/Gahanbar/Ghambar Ayathremharvest festival celebrating the sowing of winter crops and the return of herds from pasture; one of six high feasts Recommended Accommodations: Faculty, staff, and students who observe may require scheduling accommodations for liturgy and celebration of communal feasts. | Zoroastrianism |
| October 16 – 23 | sundown Wednesday – evening Wednesday | SukkotFestival of Booths/Festival of Tabernacles Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days, as work and technology are often restricted and/or prohibited. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate electronically. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—although it is customary to eat dairy for this celebration). | Judaism |
| October 23 – October 25 | sundown Wednesday- evening Friday | Shemini AtzeretEighth day of Sukkot; marks the beginning of Simchat Torah Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days, as work and technology are often restricted and/or prohibited. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate electronically. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). Note that some observers combine into one holiday, while others celebrate both days. | Judaism |
| October 30 – November 3 | Wednesday – Sunday | Tihar/Diwali (Deepavali)five-day festival of lights Recommended Accommodations: Those who practice may celebrate by cleaning and redecorating their homes, lighting lamps, setting off fireworks, praying, holding processions and festivals, and/or exchanging gifts with family and friends. They may request time off and/or require scheduling accommodations to observe. Note that remote colleagues and students in NYC, Pennsylvania, and South Asian and Indo-Caribbean countries will likely have a public holiday. | Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism |
| October 31 – November 4*November 1 | Thursday – Monday | Tihar/Diwali (Deepavali)five-day festival of lights Recommended Accommodations: Those who practice may celebrate by cleaning and redecorating their homes, lighting lamps, setting off fireworks, praying, holding processions and festivals, and/or exchanging gifts with family and friends. They may request time off and/or require scheduling accommodations to observe. Note that remote colleagues and students in NYC, Pennsylvania, and South Asian and Indo-Caribbean countries will likely have a public holiday on November 1. | Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism |
| November 1 | Friday | All Saints’ Daysolemn feast that celebrates the lives of the saints Recommended Accommodations: All Saints’ Day is a holy day of obligation for Catholic Christians. Therefore, students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service. Avoid events/programming during the mass on campus (12:00-1:00 PM). Episcopalian, Anglican, and other Protestant traditions may also observe. | Christianity (RC, E, A) |
| November 1-2 | sunset Friday- sunset Saturday | birth of the Bábanniversary of Ali-Muhammad’s birth (the Báb) Recommended Accommodations: Practicing students, faculty, and staff gather with family and friends to read the writings of the Báb, to pray, and to celebrate with singing, dancing, and fellowship. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date, as work and school are typically suspended for this celebration. | Bahá’í |
| November 2-3 | sunset Saturday- sunset Sunday | birth of Baha’ullahbirthday of the co-founder of the Bahá’í Faith Recommended Accommodations: Practicing students, faculty, and staff gather in community for music and prayer. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date, as work and school are typically suspended for this celebration. | Bahá’í |
| November 2 | Saturday | All Souls’ Daycommemorates the souls of faithful who have died Recommended Accommodations: Catholic and Episcopal/Anglican students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service and require scheduling accommodations. Episcopalian, Anglican, and other Protestant traditions may also observe. | Christianity (RC, E, A) |
| November 15 – December 24 | Friday- Tuesday | Nativity Fastseason of fasting in anticipation of the Nativity of Christ Recommended Accommodations: If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested; many Orthodox abstain from meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil during all/part of this fasting season. | Christianity (O) |
| November 24 | Sunday | Day of the Covenantcommemorates appointment of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and celebrates the unity of the Baha’i faith Recommended Accommodations: One of two Baha’i holy days where work is not suspended. However, students, faculty, and staff may require scheduling accommodations to celebrate with their faith communities. | Baha’i |
| November 26 | Tuesday | Ascension of the ‘Abdu’l-Baha holy day commemorating the death of ‘Abdu’l-Baha Recommended Accommodations: One of two Baha’i holy days where work is not suspended. However, students, faculty, and staff may require scheduling accommodations to celebrate with their faith communities. Be aware that those who observe traditionally read devotionals at 1:00 AM and may be operating on little sleep. | Baha’i |
| December 8 | Sunday | Feast of the Immaculate ConceptionMarian feast day Recommended Accommodations: The Immaculate Conception of Mary is a holy day of obligation for Catholic Christians. Therefore, students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (RC) |
| December 8 *date varies among traditions and calendars | Sunday | Bodhi Daycelebrates Siddhartha Gautama’s attainment of Enlightenment Recommended Accommodations: Be aware that those who practice reflect on the cycle of life, the Eightfold Path, and the Four Noble Truths throughout the night and may be operating on little sleep. Some celebrate by eating a meal of milk and rice, praying, meditating, and/or decorating their homes and may request scheduling accommodations to observe. | Buddhism |
| December 12 | Thursday | Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe commemorates appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in 1531 Recommended Accommodations: This feast day is of particular importance to Mexican Americans and other communities from Central and South Americas. Students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (RC) |
| December 25 – January 2 | sundown Wednesday- evening Thursday | Hanukkah/Chanukahfestival of lights; commemorates Jewish struggle for religious freedom and rededication of the Temple Recommended Accommodations: Minor holy day for most American Jews: academics and work are permitted. Some families gather in evenings for lighting of menorah candles, food, games, and exchanging of gifts, so try to avoid evening deadlines. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). | Judaism |
| December 25 | Wednesday | Christmas / Feast of Nativity. birth of Jesus Christ Recommended Accommodations: University holiday. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities, as Christian students, faculty, and staff will be celebrating with family and friends. | Christianity (RC,P, O) |
| December 26 – January 1 | Thursday- Wednesday | Kwanzaaseven-day celebration and reflection on Nguzo Saba, culminating in the Karamu Ya Imani feast Recommended Accommodations: While Kwanzaa is typically celebrated outside of traditional work/academic hours, students, faculty, and staff who practice may request time off or a modified schedule to be with family and friends during the holiday. | Interfaith (African-American, pan-African) |
| December 31 – January 4 | Tuesday – Saturday | Gahambar/Gahanbar/Ghambar Maidyaremwinter solstice festival celebrating the creation of animals; one of six high feasts Recommended Accommodations: Faculty, staff, and students who observe may require scheduling accommodations for liturgy and celebration of communal feasts. | Zoroastrianism |
| 2025 | |||
| January 1 | Wednesday | The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Recommended Accommodations: The Immaculate Conception is a holy day of obligation for Catholic Christians. Therefore, students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (RC) |
| January 6(January 5) | Monday(Sunday) | Epiphany final (12th) day of Christmas season Recommended Accommodations: Roman Catholics typically celebrate on the Sunday closest to January 6. Students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (RC) |
| January 7 | Tuesday | Orthodox Christmas / Feast of the Nativityrevelation of the Trinity Recommended Accommodations: One of the most important feasts in the Orthodox tradition. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities. Students, faculty, and staff who practice may request time off or a modified schedule to be with family and friends during the holiday. | Christianity (O) |
| January 29 | Wednesday | Chinese New Year / Lunar New Yearspring festival that marks beginning of new lunisolar year (Year of the Snake) Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities, as some observers keep significant work restrictions. Students, faculty, and staff who practice may request time off or a modified schedule to be with family and friends during the holiday. Note that remote colleagues and students in China, Chinese diaspora, and other Asian countries who celebrate will likely have a national holiday. | Chinese and Simophone (Chinese-speaking)communities; Confucian, Taoist/ Daoist, Buddhist |
| February 28 – March 2 | Friday – Sunday | Losar/Lhosarcelebrates new year and harvest season Recommended Accommodations: Students, faculty, and staff who practice may request time off or a modified schedule to pray, to reunite and celebrate with family and friends, to hold religious ceremonies, and/or to prepare their homes (up to two days prior to the festival). Note that remote colleagues and students in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and parts of India will likely have a national holiday. | Tibetan Buddhism (and others living in Tibet, Bhutan, India, Nepal) |
| February 28 (until March 30) | begins sundown Friday | Ramadan month of fasting and prayer in commemoration of first revelation of Qur’an to Muhammad Recommended Accommodations: Be aware Muslim students, faculty, and staff are fasting from dawn to sundown. Iftar (breaking of the fast) is always in the evenings. Please avoid scheduling important academic or event deadlines so that believers can break their fast and eat. If planning an event, please provide halal or vegetarian food accommodations if requested. | Islam |
| March 5 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesdayfirst day of Lenten season Recommended Accommodations: Be aware that Roman Catholic students, faculty, and staff are fasting. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested, as Catholics abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday. Although not a holy day of obligation,students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service during the day/evening and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (RC, P) |
| March 5 – April 17 | Wednesday – sundown Thursday | Lent40-day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for Easter; begins on Ash Wednesday and ends sundown on Holy Thursday Recommended Accommodations: Be aware that Roman Catholic students, faculty, and staff are fasting. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested, as Catholics abstain from meat (fish permitted) on Fridays during Lent. | Christianity (RC, P) |
| March 2-3 | sundown Sunday – Monday | Clean Monday beginning of Great Lent Recommended Accommodations: Please avoid scheduling important academic or event deadlines during the evening, as Orthodox, Oriental, and Eastern Christian students, faculty, and staff will be at vespers. Note that remote colleagues and students in Greece and Cyprus will likely have a public holiday. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested, as those who practice abstain from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and vegetable oil during Great Lent. Strict observers will keep strict fast on Clean Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Others will break fast in the evening. | Christianity (O) |
| March 3 – April 19 | Monday sundown – Saturday | Great Lent40-day season of fasting in preparation for Pascha Recommended Accommodations: Be aware that Orthodox, Oriental, and Eastern Christian students, faculty, and staff may fast until sundown. Please avoid scheduling important academic or event deadlines so believers can break their fast and eat. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested, as those who practice abstain from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and vegetable oil during Great Lent. | Christianity (O) |
| March 13 – March 14 | sundown Thursday- sundown Friday | Purim / Feast of Lotscommemorates rescue of Jewish people in ancient Persia, as told in the Book of Esther Recommended Accommodations: Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays. However, Jewish students, faculty, and staff may request time off or schedule modification to celebrate with friends with feasting, costumes, exchanging of gifts, and carnival-like festivals. Additionally, some believers will avoid ordinary business and technology out of respect for the holiday. | Judaism |
| March 29-30 | sundown Saturday- sundown Sunday | Eid al-Fitr “Festival of Breaking Fast” marks the end of Ramadan Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities. Be aware that students, faculty, and staff who practice may request time off or a modified schedule to clean and decorate their homes in preparation for the festival, to visit mosques for prayer, and/or to feast and exchange gifts with loved ones. If planning an event, provide halal or vegetarian food accommodations if requested by the student(s). | Islam |
| April 10 | Thursday | Mahavira-Jayanti festival honoring the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara and esteemed spiritual leader Recommended Accommodation: This occasion serves as a time for reflection on Lord Mahavir’s profound teachings of compassion, non-violence, and self-discipline, inspiring followers to embrace his ethical principles and contribute positively to society. Be aware students, faculty, and staff who practice may spend the day in prayer and/or doing charitable deeds. Festival typically culminates in a ceremonial bathing of Lord Mahavir’s image. | Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism |
| April 12 – April 20 | sundown Saturday- sundown Sunday | Passover / Pesach commemorates the Jewish exodus from ancient Egypt and freedom from slavery Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday. Some students will only be eating food that is specifically kosher for Passover. If planning an event, please provide food accommodations if requested. **Passover/Pesach is 8 days with the first two days 4/22, and 4/23 and last two days on 4/29 and 4/30 being the ones that require accommodations | Judaism |
| April 13 | Sunday | Palm Sundaycommemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in preparation for his crucifixion and death; marks the beginning of Holy Week Recommended Accommodations: | Christianity |
| April 14 | Monday | first day of Baisakh / Vaisakhisolar new year; agricultural festival; celebrates the creation of the Khalsa (Sikhism) Recommended Accommodations: Sikh and Hindu students, faculty, and staff who practice may request time off or a modified schedule to celebrate Langar (large communal meal), visit temple and/or gurdwara, and/or gather for singing, prayer, and/or the reading/chanting of scripture. | Jainism, Sikhism, Hinduism |
| April 14-19 | Monday – Saturday | Holy Week Recommended Accommodations | Christian (RC, P) |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday Recommended Accommodations: Be aware that Roman Catholic students, faculty, and staff are fasting. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested, as Catholics abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday. Although not a holy day of obligation,students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service during the day/evening and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (RC, P) |
| April 18 | Friday | Holy Friday / Great Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Recommended Accommodations: Holy Friday is a strict day of fasting for many Orthodox Christians. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities so students, faculty, and staff who practice may attend services. Many refrain from working on Holy Friday. | Christian (O) |
| April 19-20 | Saturday night – Sunday | Easter / Pascha celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities as Easter/Pascha is a time for worship and celebration with friends and family. Be aware that many Orthodox worship throughout Saturday night and into Sunday. | Christianity (O) |
| April 20 | Sunday | Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Recommended Accommodations: University holiday. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities, as Western Christians will be worshiping and spending time with loved ones. | Christian (RC, P) |
| May 11/12**date varies widely among cultures and communities | Sunday/Monday | Vesak/Wesak (Day of Buddha)commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and Nirvana of the Buddha Recommended Accommodations: Buddhist students, faculty, and staff who practice may request time off or a modified schedule to visit temple, meditate, share meals, and/or give to charity. If planning an event, please provide vegetarian food accommodations if requested, as many Buddhists avoid eating meat on this day. | Buddhism |
| May 29 | Thursday | Feast of the Ascensioncelebrates Jesus’ ascension into heaven Recommended Accommodations: The Ascension of Jesus is a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics. Therefore, students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (RC) |
| May 29 | Thursday | Ascension Day celebrates Jesus’ ascension into heaven Recommended Accommodations: Ascension Day is one of the twelve great feasts for Orthodox Christians. Therefore, students, faculty, and staff who practice may be attending religious service and require scheduling accommodations to observe. | Christianity (Orthodox) |
| June 1 – June 3 | sundown Sunday- evening Tuesday | Shavuot (Feast of Weeks)festival marking the harvest of wheat in Israel and Israelites’ reception of the Torah on Mt. Sinai Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on these two holy days. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate electronically. Be aware that Jewish students, faculty, and staff may participate in all-night religious study sessions (Tikkun Leil Shavuot) and be operating on little sleep. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply, no leavened or fermented foods) | Judaism |
| June 5-6 | sundown Thursday- sundown Friday | Day of Arafatsecond day of Hajj pilgrimage, commemorates Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon Recommended Accommodations: Some Muslims will make pilgrimage to Mecca and may request scheduling accommodations. Please be aware that students, faculty, and staff who are not making Hajj, may fast and/or attend mosque for prayer. | Islam |
| June 6-7 | sundown Friday- sundown Saturday | Eid al-Adha / Tabaski celebration honoring Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael Recommended Accommodations: As this is one of the most important dates in the Muslim calendar, avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities. Muslim students, faculty, and staff may request scheduling accommodations (especially for the first day) to celebrate with friends and family. If planning an event, provide halal or vegetarian food accommodations if requested by the student(s). Note that colleagues and remote students in Muslim countries will likely have a national holiday. | Islam |
| June 14-25 | sundown Saturday – sundown Sunday | Eid al-Ghadir / Eid al-Ghadeerfeast day commemorating Ali ibn Abi Talib as the Prophet’s successor Recommended Accommodations: Shi’ite/Shia Muslim students, faculty, and staff may request scheduling accommodations for celebration and prayer. If planning an event, provide halal or vegetarian food accommodations if requested by the student(s). Note that colleagues and remote students in Muslim countries will likely have a national holiday. | Islam (Shi’ite/Shia) |
| July 5 – 6 | sundown Saturday – sundown Sunday | Ashura 10th day of Muharram; solemn occasion marking the martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson Imam Husayn ibn Ali (Shia/Shi’ite and Sufi); commemorating of parting of the Red Sea (Sunni) Recommended Accommodations: Muslim students, faculty, and staff may require scheduling accommodations to observe. For Shia/Shi’ite and Sufi Muslims, Ashura is a day of sadness and grief; mourners may attend mosques to commemorate. Please be aware that Sunni Muslims may fast during this holiday. If planning an event, provide halal or vegetarian food accommodations if requested. Note that colleagues and remote students in Muslim countries will likely have a national holiday. | Islam |
| June 25-26 | sundown Wednesday – sundown Thursday | Muharram – Al Hijrah New Yearmarks beginning of Islamic calendar and moment the Prophet fled from Mecca Recommended Accommodations: Muharram is considered the most holy Muslim holiday after Ramadan. | Islam |
| July 8-9 | evening Tuesday- evening Wednesday | Martyrdom of the Bábcommemorates the 1850 execution of the Báb Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date (especially at noon), as work and school are suspended for this celebration. Practitioners observe with prayer and reading of Tablets of Visitation. | Bahá’í |
| July 24 | Thursday | Pioneer Daycommemorates arrival of Brigham Young in Utah Recommended Accommodations: Celebrations may include pageants, concerns, parades, and reenactments; students, faculty, and staff who practice may request scheduling accommodations to observe. Note for remote colleagues and students that this is a state holiday in Utah. | Christianity (LDS) |