Interfaith Calendar

Dharma Day (Buddhism)

Monday, July 3, 2023 

Asalha Puja Day or Dharma Day is celebrated in Theravada countries on the full moon day of July. It honors the Buddha’s first teachings of the Dharma to the five hermits in the Deer Park at Benares. Upon hearing the Truth of his words, the five hermits overcame their doubts and became the Buddha’s first disciples--the beginning of the Buddhist sangha.

General Practices: Reading Buddhists scriptures, pray, visiting temple

Eid Al-Ghadeer (Islam)

Thursday, July 6 - Friday, July 7, 2023

Date details: Beginning at sundown

Eid-ul-Ghadeer is a Shi’a festival that celebrates the appointment of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Prophet Muhammad's (Peace Be Upon Him) cousin and son-in-law, as the Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) successor. The festival takes its name from the place where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is believed to have made this announcement, the Pond (Ghadeer) of Khumm. 

General Practices: Celebratory meals, gift giving, fasting

Ashura (Islam)

Thursday, July 27 - Friday, July 28, 2023

Date details: Beginning at sundown

For Shi’a Muslims, Ashura is a major religious commemoration of the martyrdom of Husayn, Ali’s son and a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). It falls on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

General Practices: Fasting, period of mourning, play re-enactments. 

Lammas /Lughnasadh (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

General Practices: Making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest.

Tisha B’Av (Judaism)

Wednesday, July 26 - Thursday, July 27, 2023

Date details: Begins at sundown, fast deferred because of the Sabbath.

Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem.

General Practices: Fasting and mourning

Raksha Bandhan (Hinduism)

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Also abbreviated to Rakhi, it is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love. It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar.

General Practices: A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships.

Arba’een (Islam)

Tuesday, September 5 - Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Date details: holiday starts at sundown of the first day

Arba’een is a religious observance and national holiday that’s observed on the fortieth day after the Day of Ashura. It commemorates the martyrdom of Al-Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who was martyred on the 10th day of the month of Muharram. Al-Husayn ibn Ali and 71 of his companions were martyred by Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad's army in the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE).

General Practices: Prayer

Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism)

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

The Krishna Janmashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, one of the most popular Gods in the Hindu pantheon.

Krishna is perceived by most Hindus to be an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, who is regarded as the highest avatar. It is believed that all other deities are manifestations of him. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher and philosopher by Hindus.

General Practices: Sing traditional songs, some choose to fast the first day, visiting temple

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day.

Paryushana (Jainism)

Tuesday, September 12 - Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Paryushana means ‘to stay in one place’, signifying a time of reflection and repentance for nuns and monks. For lay Jains (Swetamber branch), this eight-day festival is an inward journey of reflection, a time for fasting, taking vows, and imposing restrictions on oneself to keep the mind firmly fixed on spirituality.

General Practices: Reflection, fasting

Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)

Friday, September 15 - Sunday, September 17, 2023 

Holiday with significant work restriction 

Date details: Begins at sundown

The Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe (also known as the Ten Days of Repentance) that conclude on Yom Kippur. It marks the beginning of the holiest time of the year for Jews.

General Practices: Going to synagogue, lighting candles, enjoying festive meals

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. 

Mabon /Alban Elfed /Autumnal Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

Saturday, September 23, 2023

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. 

General Practices: At Mabon, day and night are in equal balance. It is a time to offer gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and also to begin to prepare for turning inward. Making dishes with apples, squash and pumpkins as part of ritual celebration is customary.

Yom Kippur (Judaism)

Sunday, September 24  - Monday, September 25, 2023

Holiday with significant work restriction 

Date details: Begins at sundown on the first evening listed and ends the second evening listed.

Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year for Jews, and the day is dedicated to atonement and abstinence.

General Practices: Fast from before sundown until after sunset, attend synagogue, and light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the eve of Yom Kippur.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Jewish students and employees may be fasting all day and/or attending religious services.

Mawlid al-Nabi (Islam)

Tuesday, September 26 - Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Observance of the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) which is commemorated primarily on 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.

General Practices: Festivals, prayer services, recitations of poetry and litanies

Sukkot (Judaism)

Friday, September 29 - Friday, October 6, 2023

Holiday with significant work restriction

Date details: Begins at sundown of prior day; work holiday varies by denomination

An eight day or week-long celebration which begins with the building of a Sukkah (temporary shelter) 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.

General Practices: Families commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days and last two days.

Shemini Atzeret (Judaism)

Friday, October 6 - Saturday, October 7, 2023

Date details: Begins at sundown the first evening listed.

Also known as Atzereth, this is a fall festival, which includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel.

General Practices: Jews light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzeret (the 8th night of Sukkot).

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date.

Simchat Torah (Judaism)

Saturday, October 7 - Sunday, October 8, 2023

Holiday with significant work restriction

Date details: Begins at sundown the first evening listed and through the following day.

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.

General Practices: Practitioners dance in synagogues as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits.

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

Navaratri (Hinduism)

Sunday, October 15 - Monday, October 23, 2023

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.

General Practices: 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 often feasts and dances.

Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Baha’i)

Monday, October 16 - Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Holiday with significant work restriction

Date details: Begins at sundown of the first date

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.

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

Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth (Sikh)

Friday, October 20, 2023

This holiday celebrates the anniversary of the first installation of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib which took place in 1604. At that time, it was called the Adi Granth and did not contain the writings of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s which were added by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708. 

General Practices: Religious processions and music.

Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

Tuesday, October 31 - Thursday, November 1, 2023

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 reflect on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life.

General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died.

All Saint’s Day (Christianity - Protestant, Roman Catholic)

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

A celebration of all the saints, especially those who do not have their own holidays. Orthodox churches observe the day in mid-summer.

General Practices: Attending mass, reading/learning about saints (especially one’s Confirmation Saint/Patron Saint).

All Saints’ Day/ All Souls’ Day / Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos (Christianity - Catholic)

Wednesday, November 1 - Thursday, November 2, 2023

All Saint’s Day celebrates the lives of all the saints, especially those not having a special day. All Souls’ Day is in memory of all the faithful who are deceased. Day of the Dead, Día De Los Muertos, is a two day holiday that reunites the living and dead. Families create ofrendas (offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations.

General Practices: Attending mass, visiting graves, offering prayers, remembrance to passed loved ones, setting up altares (shrines)

Diwali (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikhism, Jainism)

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Holiday with significant work restriction

Diwali—the Hindu “festival of lights”—is an extremely popular holiday for multiple religions throughout Southern Asia. Diwali extends over five days, and celebrates the victory of good over evil. 

General Practices: Lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks, and prayer

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu students and employees will likely request a vacation day on this date.

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (Sikh)

Friday, November 24, 2023

This day commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered not only for his defense of the Sikh faith, but also of Hinduism and of religious liberty.

General Practices: Visit temple

Hanukkah (Judaism)

Thursday, December 7 - Friday, December 15, 2023

Date details: begins at sundown on the first day.

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.

General Practices: On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jews light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Celebrants observe with food and song, as well as exchanging gifts for eight days.

Recommended Accommodations: Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary).

Bodhi Day (Buddhism)

Friday, December 8, 2023

In the northern tradition, this is the anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment, ca. 596 BCE. In the southern tradition, the Buddha's Enlightenment is celebrated during Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities.

General Practices: Meditation, study of Dharma

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe/La Celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Christianity-Catholicism)

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

In Roman Catholicism, this celebration commemorates her appearance before St. Juan Diego in 1531. Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a special place in the religious life of Mexico and is one of the most popular religious devotions. Her image has played an important role as a national symbol in Mexico and in Mexican-American/Chicanx communities in the U.S.

General Practices: Prayer, gathering at churches, blessing of religious items with holy water, public celebration

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

Thursday, December 21, 2023 - Monday, January 1, 2024

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. 

General Practices: Burning 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.

Christmas Eve/Day (Christianity - Roman Catholic and Protestant)

Sunday, December 24 - Monday, December 25, 2023

Holiday with significant work restriction

Date details: Begins at sundown on the first date

Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Christmas is often celebrated by many Christian and Catholic denominations.

General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees, and visiting family.

Kwanzaa (Pan African)

Tuesday, December 26, 2023- Monday, January 1, 2024

An annual celebration of African-American culture that  culminates in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966.

General Practices: Families and communities organize activities around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and lmani (Faith).

Gantan-sai (Shinto)

Monday, January 1, 2024

Holiday with significant work restriction

Gantan-sai is the annual New Year festival of the Shinto religion.

General Practices: Shrine visits, prayers for inner renewal, health and prosperity

Epiphany/Twelfth Night/Three Kings Day (Christianity - Roman Catholic and Protestant)

Saturday, January 6, 2024

This date is also known as Befana Day; commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and marks the time the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts to baby Jesus.

General Practices: Prayer, festive meals, offerings, gifts, cutting of the rosca (Mexican)

Christmas (Christianity  - Eastern Orthodox)

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Holiday with significant work restriction

Date details: Eastern Orthodox Christmas is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates the ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.

Christmas is conmemorating the birth of Jesuan annual celebration coms of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion.

General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by attending church services, holding celebratory meals, and visiting family.

Imbolc/Candlemas (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

Thursday, February 1 - Friday, February 2, 2024

Date details: starts at sundown of first date

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.

General Practices: Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories

Setsubun-sai (Shinto)

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Setsubun-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival.

General Practices: The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season.

Lunar New Year (Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist)

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Holiday with significant work restriction

Lunar New Year is a fifteen-day celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. 

General Practices: Festive meals, giving money in red envelopes, preparing home for guests

Ash Wednesday (Christian/Catholic/Protestant)

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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.

General Practices: Attending Ash Wednesday mass, wearing an ashen cross on the forehead, prayer, many will abstain from eating meat on this day.

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—prohibitions include animal products.

Parinirvana Day (Buddhist)

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Date details: some will celebrate this holiday on Wednesday, February 8 

Also known as Nirvana Day, is a Mahayana Buddhist holiday that celebrates the day when the Buddha is said to have achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body.

General Practices: Meditation, visiting temples.

Magha Puja Day (Buddhism)

Saturday, February 24, 2024

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

General Practices: Gift exchanges, lighting oil lamps, visiting temple

Maha Shivratri (Hinduism)

Friday, March 8, 2024

A feast dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. 

General Practices: The night before the feast fasting is observed, texts are recited, songs are sung, and stories told in honor of the Lord Shiva whose cosmic dance creates, preserves, destroys, and recreates the world.

Ramadan (Islam)

Sunday, March 10 - Monday, April 8, 2024

Date details: holiday starts at sundown of first date

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.

Laylat-al-Qadr falls within Ramadan and is otherwise known as the Night of Power. It is considered to be the Islamic calendar’s Holiest eve. During this night, Angel Jibril revealed the Holy Qur'an’s first verses to  Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). This night falls within Ramadan’s final 10 days. 

General Practices: Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. 

Recommended Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time, especially during the first day. Be aware that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days). If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).

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

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Also known as Eostre. 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.

General Practices: Lighting fires to commemorate the return of light in the spring and to honor the God and Goddess. Coloring eggs as a way of honoring fertility is also practiced.

Hola Mohalla (Sikh)

Monday, March 25 - Wednesday, March 27, 2024

A three-day long Sikh festival which normally falls in March. It takes place on the second day of the lunar month of Chett, a day after the Hindu spring festival Holi but sometimes coincides with Holi. This tradition was established by Guru Gobind Singh as an occasion for Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles.

General Practices: Processions, mock battles, music and poetry competitions

Holi (Hinduism)

Monday, March 25, 2024

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.

General Practices: Sprinkle water and powder on others and celebrate with bonfires and lights, signifying victory of good over evil.

Purim (Judaism)

Saturday, March 23  - Monday, March 25, 2024

Date details: holiday starts at sundown of the first day

Purim commemorates the time when Jews were living in Persia and were saved from genocide by a young Jewish woman called Esther.

General Practices: Carnival-like celebrations are often held on Purim, dressing in costumes, and reading the Book of Esther. 

Naw Rúz (Baha’i/Zoroastrianism)

Tuesday, March 20 - Wednesday, March 21, 2024 

Date details: holiday starts at sundown of the first date

Translating to "New Day" in English, this celebration is the Bahá'í and Persian New Year, which occurs on the date of the vernal equinox. The holiday is fixed as March 21 for Bahá'ís in all countries outside the Middle East, regardless of exactly when the equinox occurs. However, those who celebrate this day culturally, rather than religiously, celebrate on the exact day of the equinox.

General Practices: Festive music, dancing, prayers, meetings, meals

Good Friday (Christian/Catholic/Protestant)

Friday, March 29, 2024

Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 

General Practices: Prayer, fasting, and noon or afternoon services in some Christian denominations.

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

Easter (Christian/Catholic/Protestant)

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Holiday with significant work restriction

The celebration of Jesus’s resurrection, Easter is celebrated by many Christian and Catholic denominations. Preceded the Friday before by “Good Friday” (the day of Jesus’s crucifixion).

General Practices: Easter Mass, family/community gatherings, egg decorating, overall celebration of renewal

Eid Al-Fitr (Islam)

Monday, April 8 (at sundown) – Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Meaning “break the fast”, this is the last day of Ramadan and marks the end of month-long fasting.

General Practices: Prayer, gift exchange, giving money to children, gathering as a community to break fast.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important programming/deadlines around this time, make note of dietary restrictions for evening food events (Islamic dietary restrictions), allow for vacation days being used at this time as some may want to be present within their communities/families.

Vaisakhi (Sikh)

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Vaisakhi is the Sikh new year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival.

General Practices: There are often parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day. These celebrations involve music, singing, and chanting of scriptures and hymns.

Rama Navami (Hinduism)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

A Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of Rama, the seventh avatar of the deity Vishnu. Rama is particularly important in the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism.

General Practices: Reading Rama stories, visiting temple, festive music

Mahavir Jayanti (Jain)

Sunday, April 21, 2024

One of the most important religious festivals in Jainism. It celebrates the birth of Mahavir, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of present Avasarpin.

General Practices: Prayers, visit temples, processions

Passover/Pesach (Judaism)

Monday, April 22  - Tuesday, April 30, 2024 

Holiday with significant work restriction

Date details: holiday starts at sundown of first day

Passover commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. It is celebrated for eight days.

General Practices: Family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, reading of the Haggadah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the last night of Passover.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first evening, the following two days, and the last two days of the holiday, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—the use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread).

Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

The fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

General Practices: Jumping the balefire, dancing the maypole.

Holy Friday/Good Friday (Eastern Orthodox Church)

Friday, May 3, 2024

Date details: Orthodox Good Friday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates the ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 

General Practices: Prayer, fasting, confession, and church services as well as the wrapping or dying of eggs (often red) in preparation for Easter Sunday

Pascha/Easter (Eastern Orthodox Church)

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Holiday with significant work restriction

Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

General Practices: Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs and baskets of breads, meats, eggs, cheeses and other foods. It is a celebration of renewal.

Yom HaSho’ah (Judaism)

Sunday, May 5 - Monday, May 5, 2024

Date details: begins at sundown of first day

Also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, memorializes the six million Jews who were killed by Nazis during World War II.

General Practices: Ceremonies and memorials, prayer

Vesak Day or Buddha Day (Buddhism)

Thursday, May 23, 2024

The commemoration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, celebrated on the day of the full moon of the sixth lunar month in Southeast Asian cultures; in Tibetan culture, Wesak commemorates only the enlightenment and parinirvana. The dates of this celebration vary significantly among Buddhist cultures and communities.

General Practices: Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from eating meat on this date (if consuming meat regularly). 

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning menus for events on this date.

Ascension of the Baha’ullah (Baha’i)

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha’i faith; Baha’llah died on May 29, 1892.

General Practices: Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sikh)

Monday, June 10, 2024

The fifth Guru; he built the Golden Temple of Amritsar to emphasize that the Sikh way was open to all, regardless of caste; the temple was constructed with doors facing all four directions. The first Sikh martyr, Arjan is also remembered for his contributions to and compilation of the Sikh Scriptures.

General Practices: Reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Shavuot (Judaism)

Tuesday, June 11 - Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Holiday with significant work restriction

Date details: holiday starts at sundown of first date

Shavuot marks the conclusion of the seven weeks following Pesach (Passover). It is a celebration of the harvest of first fruits and commemorates the giving of the Torah and Commandments at Mount Sinai. 

General Practices: Evening of devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on these days.

Eid al-Adha (Islam)

Sunday, June 16 - Monday, June 17, 2024

Holiday with significant work restriction

Date details: based on moon sighting. 

Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” signifies the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him) to sacrifice his son, Ismail as ordered by Allah. It is one of Islam's most important holidays which coincides with the end of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid al-Adha is observed whether or not one is on pilgrimage.

General Practices: Prayers, gift giving, giving to charity, festive meals. 

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).

Litha/Midsomer/Alban Hefin/Summer Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan)

Monday, June 20, 2024

A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of 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 sees their union as the force that creates the harvest’s fruits.

General Practices: Lighting bonfires and watching the sun rise

Eid Al-Ghadeer (Islam)

Monday, June 24 - Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Date details: Beginning at sundown

Eid-ul-Ghadeer is a Shi’a festival that celebrates the appointment of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Prophet Muhammad's (Peace Be Upon Him) cousin and son-in-law, as the Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) successor. The festival takes its name from the place where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is believed to have made this announcement, the Pond (Ghadeer) of Khumm. 

General Practices: Celebratory meals, gift giving, fasting