Religious holidays and observances
Wayne State University is enriched by the diversity of our community. One dimension of our diversity can be found within the array of religious, spiritual and secular worldviews represented on our campus. To support continued inclusion of religious diversity, the Office of Inclusive Excellence curated this religious holidays and observances calendar.
This calendar of religious holidays and observances is designed to be a resource for the Wayne State community in support of our larger efforts to respect the faith and religious observances of our students, staff and faculty. It is important to note that the Academic Calendar makes no provision for religious holidays. Students, faculty and staff can read the Office of the Registrar’s statement on religious holidays on the Academic and registration calendar website page.
In creating this calendar of religious holidays, the Office of Inclusive Excellence reviewed the 2018 Campus Climate survey data to ensure the religions included in the calendar reflected the diversity of Wayne State. Then we asked members of our WSU community with a diversity of religious, spiritual and secular worldviews to review the calendar for accuracy and recommendations. This religious holidays and observances calendar includes some potential accomodations. These accomodation options are designed to serve as a general guide to support communities celebrating or observing various religious holidays. As such, individualized needs or requests may vary.
If you have questions or comments regarding this calendar, please email diversity@wayne.edu.
See key terms* for brief overview of the meaning of halal and kosher.
Holidays and observances by month
To learn more about a religious holiday/observance, click on its title.
To add a holiday/observance to your calendar, click on its date. Then follow the instructions on the event page to add the calendar date.
Religious holidays event calendar
August
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| August 1, 2024 August 1, 2025 August 1, 2026 | Lammas/Lughnasadh | Wiccan/Pagan |
| August 12-13, 2024 August 2-3, 2025 July 22-23, 2026 | Tisha B'Av | Jewish |
| August 19, 2024 August 9, 2025 August 28, 2026 | Raksha Bandhan | Hindu |
| August 26, 2024 August 15, 2025 September 4, 2026 | Krishna Janmashtami/Janmashtami | Hindu |
September
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| September 21-29, 2024 September 21-29, 2025 | Mabon/Alban Elfed/Autumnal Equinox/Harvest Home | Wiccan/Pagan |
October
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| October 2-4, 2024 (begins at sundown on first night) | Rosh Hashanah | Jewish |
| October 6, 2024 September 25, 2025 September 14, 2026 | Tzom Gedalia/Fast of Gedalia | Jewish |
| October 9-24, 2024 September 22-October 2, 2025 October 11-21, 2026 | Durga Puja/Navaratri | Hindu |
| October 11-12, 2024 (begins at sundown on first night) | Yom Kippur | Jewish |
| October 16-23, 2024 (begins at sundown on first night) | Sukkot | Jewish |
| October 23-25, 2024 (begins at sundown on first night) | Shemini Atzeret | Jewish |
| October 24-25, 2024 (begins at sundown on first night) | Simchat Torah | Jewish |
| October 31-November 1, 2024 October 31-November 1, 2025 October 31-November 1, 2026 | Samhain | Wiccan/Pagan |
November
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2024 October 20, 2025 October 28, 2026 | Diwali | Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain |
| November 15, 2024 November 5, 2025 November 24, 2026 | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Hindu |
December
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| December 8, 2024 December 8, 2025 December 8, 2026 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception/Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception/Immaculate Conception Day | Christian: Roman Catholic |
| December 21, 2024-January 1, 2025 December 21, 2025-January 1, 2026 | Yule/Midwinter/Alban Arthan/Winter Solstice | Wiccan/Pagan |
| December 25, 2024-January 2, 2025 December 14-22, 2025 December 4-12, 2026 | Hanukkah/Chanukah | Jewish |
| December 24-25, 2024 December 24-25, 2025 December 24-25, 2026 | Christmas | Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant |
| December 26, 2024-January 1, 2025 December 26, 2025-January 1, 2026 December 26, 2026-January 1, 2027 | Kwanzaa |
January
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2025 January 6, 2026 | Feast of Epiphany/the Feast of The Wise Men/The Feast of the Holy Theophany | Christian: Eastern Orthodox |
| January 7, 2025 January 7, 2026 | Orthodox Christmas | Christian: Eastern Orthodox |
| January 10, 2025 December 30, 2025 December 20, 2026 | Asarah B'Tevet/Fast of the 10th day of Tevet | Jewish |
| Lohri January 13, 2025 January 13, 2026 Makar Sankranti/Pongal January 14, 2025 January 14, 2026 | Lohri, Makar Sankranti/Pongal | Hindu |
| January 29, 2025 (Snake) February 17, 2026 (Horse) | Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year/Spring Festival | Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian |
February
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| February 1-2, 2025 February 1-2, 2026 | Imbolc/Candlemas/Saint Brigid's Day | Wiccan/Pagan |
| February 2, 2025 January 23, 2026 | Saraswati Puja | Hindu |
| February 12-13, 2025 February 1-2, 2026 | Tu Bishvat | Jewish |
| February 12, 2025 March 3, 2026 | Magha Puja Day | Buddhist |
| February 28-March 30, 2025 (begins at sundown on first night, dates may vary) | Ramadan | Islamic |
March
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| March 5, 2025 February 18, 2026 | Ash Wednesday | Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant |
| March 13, 2025 March 2, 2026 | Fast of Esther | Jewish |
| March 13-14, 2025 March 2-3, 2026 | Purim | Jewish |
| March 14-15, 2025 March 3-4, 2026 | Holi/Festival of Color | Hindu |
| March 20, 2025 March 20, 2026 | Ostara/Alban Eilir/Spring Equinox/Eostre | Wiccan/Pagan |
| March 27, 2025 March 16, 2026 | Laylat al-Qadr/Night of Power | Islamic |
| March 30-31, 2025 (begins at sundown on first night, dates may vary) | Eid al-Fitr | Islamic |
April
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| April 12-20, 2025 (begins at sundown on first night) | Passover/Pesach | Jewish |
| April 13, 2025 March 29, 2026 | Palm Sunday | Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant, Eastern Orthodox |
| April 13, 2025 April 14-15, 2026 | New Year Days (South Asia) | Sikh, Hindu, Islam |
| April 17, 2025 April 2, 2026 | Maundy Thursday | Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant |
| April 18, 2025 April 3, 2026 | Good Friday | Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant |
| April 20, 2025 April 5, 2026 | Easter | Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant |
| April 23-24, 2025 April 13-14, 2026 | Yom HaSho'ah | Jewish |
May
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 May 1, 2026 | Beltane | Wiccan/Pagan |
| May 12, 2025 May 1, 2026 | Vesak/Visakha Puja/Buddha Day | Buddhist |
| May 29, 2025 May 14, 2026 | Ascension Day/Feast of the Ascension | Christian: Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran and Orthodox |
June
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| June 1-3, 2025 (begins at sundown on first night) | Shavuot/Festival of the Weeks | Jewish |
| June 6-7, 2025 May 25-26, 2026 | Day of Arafah | Islamic |
| June 6-7, 2025 (begins at sundown on first night, dates may vary) | Eid al-Adha/Feast of Sacrifice | Islamic |
| June 21, 2025 June 21, 2026 | Litha/Midsomer/Alban Hefin/Summer Solstice | Wiccan/Pagan |
| June 14-15, 2025 June 3-4, 2026 | Eid al-Ghadir | Islamic |
July
| Upcoming dates | Holiday/Observance | Religious/Faith tradition |
|---|---|---|
| July 7-8, 2024 June 26-27, 2025 June 16-17, 2026 | Islamic New Year/Hijri New Year/1st of Muharram | Islamic |
| July 16-17, 2024 July 5-6, 2025 June 25-26, 2026 | Ashura | Islamic |
| July 23, 2024 July 13, 2025 July 2, 2026 | Seventeenth of Tammuz/Fast of Tammuz | Jewish |
*Key terms
Halal (also spelled halaal) is an Arabic word that translates to “lawful or permitted.” Halal goes beyond just Islamic dietary practices but refers to food, drinks, and other products such as medicines and cosmetics. However, halal is primarily acquainted with the conversation of food, referring to meat and poultry as well as whether the animals were slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws. Non-halal items are known as haram, which is translated to “forbidden.” Haram foods include; Pork and all its byproducts, including gelatin, any animal that was not slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines, blood and its by-products, birds of prey (those with talons) and any other carnivorous animals, including reptiles and insects, alcoholic beverages and any other intoxicants and foods that include any of the items listed above.
For more information on Islamic dietary restrictions, see Muslim Dietary Laws & Fasting Practices You Need to Know.
Kosher dietary restrictions are more extensive and restrictive than any other dietary restriction. Apart from fresh produce and eggs, only foods certified Kosher can be eaten. There are prohibitions on the consumption of certain animals (such as pork and shellfish) and the commandment to slaughter mammals and birds according to a process known as shechita. Additionally, there are laws regarding agricultural produce that impact the suitability of food for consumption. There are additional restrictions during Passover.
For more information on Kosher dietary restrictions, see the Chabad.org What is Kosher? page.
About the holidays/religious observances (listed in alphabetical order)
Ascension Day/Feast of the Ascension
Christian: Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran and Orthodox
Celebrates when Jesus ascended to heaven.
Date details: The fortieth day after Easter.
General practices: Attend church and listen to hymns.
Ash Wednesday
Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant
The first day of Lent. Lent is a time to prepare for Easter. It is a time for reconciliation, where Christians ask God for forgiveness and discover the power of God’s forgiveness.
Date details: Occurs six and a half weeks before Easter.
General practices: On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on their foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day.
Potential accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—prohibitions include animal products.
Ashura
Islamic
Ashura is commemorated as the day that Allah parted the Red Sea for Moses and his followers, the Israelites, to escape from the tyranny of the Egyptian pharaoh. In the years after the prophet Muhammad's death, his grandson al-Husayn (along with others in his family) was martyred on Ashura, so this is commemorated at this time as well, esp. among the Shi'a.
Date details: Tenth of Muḥarram, the first month of the Muslim calendar (Gregorian).
General practices: Fasting, reciting the Qur’an, and giving charity.
Beltane
Wiccan/Pagan
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 around the May Pole.
Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year/Spring Festival
Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian
The most important of traditional Chinese holidays. The New Year celebration is centered around removing the bad and the old and welcoming the new and the good. It's a time to worship ancestors, exorcize evil spirits and pray for a good harvest.
Each year is represented by a Chinese zodiac.
Date details: Corresponds to the New Moon in Aquarius, which can fall from late January to mid-February.
General practices: Burn incense to worship their ancestors, older and senior members of the family give the younger ones good luck pocket money (Ya Sui Qian), New Year’s Eve dinner, lion dance, dragon dance, temple fairs and flower market shopping.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Many Chinese employees will probably request this day off.
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.
Date details: Begins at sundown on Dec. 24 annually and continues with an all-day celebration on Dec. 25.
General practices: Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees and visiting family.
Potential accommodations: This is a national holiday in the United States, so special accommodations are likely not required.
Day of Arafah
Islamic
On this day, Hajj pilgrims gather on and around Mount Arafah, the Southeast of Mecca. There, they penitently call upon God, seeking His forgiveness, mercy, and pardon.
Date details: The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th day of the 12th and final month of the lunar Islamic Calendar and it is the day before the major Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha.
General practices: Prayer and fasting.
Potential 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).
Diwali
Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain
Diwali, also known as Kali Puja in some parts of India—the Hindu “festival of lights”—is an extremely popular holiday for multiple religions throughout Southern Asia. While both Diwali and Kali Puja celebrate the victory of good over evil, Kali Puja is a one-day celebration in Eastern India; whereas, Diwali extends over five days and is the most important religious festival in many parts of India. The Times of India described Diwali as “a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple.” Fireworks, oil lamps, and the exchange of gifts and sweets are common, making this a favorite holiday for children. The lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes.
General practices: Lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks, and prayer.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date.
Durga Puja/Navarati
Hindu
Durga Puja and Navarati are important Hindu festivals, and celebrate 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. Durga Puja has been inscribed on the intangible cultural heritage list of UNESCO in December 2021.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date.
Easter
Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant
Celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus on the third day after his Crucifixion.
Date details: Easter Sunday is determined by the Gregorian calendar. (The Gregorian calendar regulates the ceremonial cycle of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches.)
General practices: Attending church services, celebratory meals, family gatherings, and distribution of colored eggs, baskets, and chocolate bunnies.
Eid al-Adha/Feast of Sacrifice
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 faith in God, and Muslims view this holiday as an important annual reminder.
Date details: Lunar calendars vary based on region and practice. Begins at sundown.
General practices: Prayers, gift giving, prayers, and sometimes slaughtering of sheep, with a portion of the meat gifted to the poor.
Potential 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).
Eid al-Fitr
Islamic
Meaning “break the fast.” Commemorates the end of the holy month of fasting, Ramadan. A mandatory charity called Zakat al-Fitr is collected before the prayer and distributed to the poor and needy to ensure all can participate in the festivities.
Date details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. Eid al Fitr is a three-day celebration and begins at sundown.
General practices: Community-wide prayer service in the morning, followed by meals, gift exchanges, and conversation with friends and family.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day on this day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).
Eid al-Ghadir
Islamic
An Islamic commemorative holiday, that is one of the most important holidays to Shi'ite Muslims. Shia Islam marks this day when the Prophet Muhammed announces Ali ibn Abi Talib, his cousin and son-in-law, as his successor.
Date details: Eid al-Ghadir is celebrated on the 18th of Dhu Al-Hijjah on the Islamic Calendar and can vary from year to year on the Gregorian (Western) calendar.
General practices: Praying, feasts, giving gifts, and giving thanks to Allah.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day on the first day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).
Fast of Esther
Jewish
Dawn to nightfall fast that is held the day before Purim. This day commemorates the fasting of Jewish ancestors during their attempted annihilation by Haman in Persia, as recorded in the Book of Esther. The salvation that occurred after is celebrated on Purim.
Date details: The day before Purim.
General practices: Fasting.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines on this date.
Feast of Epiphany/Feast of The Wise Men/Feast of the Holy Theophany
Christian: Eastern Orthodox
Commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, as represented by the Magi. In addition to the manifestation of his divinity at his baptism located in the Jordan River. As well as his first miracle at Cana in Galilee.
Date details:Often celebrated 12 days after Christmas.
General practices: Epiphany signing, chalking the door, having one's house blessed, church service, and consuming Three Kings Cake.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception/Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception/Immaculate Conception Day
Christian: Roman Catholic
Celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in preparation for the Son of Jesus Christ on December 8.
Date details: Every December 8.
General practices: Attending Mass, food and culture festivities, and processions.
Good Friday
Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant
The Christian day commemorating the Crucifixion of Jesus and His death at the Calvary. In many countries, it is a day of fasting.
Date details: The Friday before Easter Sunday.
General practices: Fasting, attending church service, giving charity, and praying.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date. Provide food accommodation as requested—meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some.
Guru Nanak Jayanti
Sikh
Guru Nanak Jayanti is the birth anniversary of the 1st Sikh Guru. Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism. According to the Nanakshahi calendar, the founder of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak, was believed to have been born on April 14.
General practices: Celebrated by prayers, fireworks, and lighting candles in homes and public places.
Hanukkah/Chanukah
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.
Date details: Hanukkah begins at sundown on the first day.
General practices: On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Children receive a few coins (Hanukkah gelt).
Potential accommodations: Hanukkah/Chanukah is not subject to restrictions on work. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts, or other fried food is customary).
Holi/Festival of Color
Hindu
Holi is the popular festival of colors and celebrates the arrival of spring. On this day people get to unite together forgetting all resentments and all types of bad feelings towards each other. Holi is also a celebration of the divine love of Krishna and Radha.
Date details: Celebrated at the end of the winter season on a full moon day usually in the middle of March in the month of Phalguna in the Hindu calendar.
General practices: Hindus often sprinkle colored water and powder on others and celebrate with bonfires, lights, and sweets, signifying the victory of good over evil.
Imbolc/Candlemas/Saint Brigid's Day
Wiccan/Pagan
Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights and Oimele. Based on a Celtic tradition, the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox in Neolithic Ireland and Scotland. Is one of several holidays highlighting some aspects of winter and sunlight, and heralding the change of seasons. For many traditions, it is a time for initiation, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four “greater Sabbats.”
General practices: Spring cleaning, feats, making candles, visiting a body of water, making a Brigid cross, and making a Brigid straw doll.
Islamic New Year/Hijri New Year/1st of Muharram
Islamic
It is considered the most holy Muslim holiday after Ramadan. The first month of the Islamic calendar. Marks the moment when the Prophet Muhammed fled from Mecca to Yathrib (now called Medina) to escape religious persecution. This migration is called Hijra.
Date details: Takes place on the 1st of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. It begins at the first sighting of the lunar crescent after the new Moon in the month of Muharram.
General practices: Religious events, storytelling, wearing black, partial fasting, and street processions.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day on the first day, and that request should be granted if at all possible.
Krishna Janmashtami/Janmashtami
Hindu
This two-day festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, a widely worshiped Hindu god. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher and philosopher.
Date details: The first day is called Krishan Ashtami or Gokul Ashtami. The second day is known as Kaal Ashtami or more popularly Janam Ashtami.
General practices: During this festival, Hindus are likely to forgo sleep 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.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that students will be operating on very little sleep and/or may be fasting.
Kwanzaa
As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message that speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given Kwanzaa’s profound significance for African Americans and the world African community, an authoritative source and site must be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols, and practice. Dr. Maulana Karenga marked Kwanzaa as a cultural holiday, not a religious holiday because he wanted all Africans across all faiths to be able to celebrate the holiday.
Date details: Kwanzaa is celebrated each year from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.
General practices: During the holiday, 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 Imani (Faith). Participants also celebrate with feasts (karamu), music, dance, poetry, narratives and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles and other central cultural values.
*To learn more about this cultural holiday, visit the official Kwanzaa website.
Lammas/Lughnasadh
Wiccan/Pagan
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.
Laylat al-Qadr/Night of Power
Islamic
During this night, Angel Jibril revealed the Holy Qur'an’s first verses to the Prophet Muhammad. On this blessed night, believers are encouraged to devote themselves to the worship of Allah.
Date details: This night falls within Ramadan’s final 10 days and is commonly thought of as the Holy month’s 27th night.
General practices: Pray, and read devotional books and scripture.
Litha/Midsomer/Alban Hefin/Summer Solstice
Wiccan/Pagan
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. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
General practices: Lighting of bonfires and watching the sun rise.
Lohri, Makar Sankranti/Pongal
Hindu
A celebration of the sun’s journey to the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere. Makar translates to ‘Capricorn’, which corresponds to January in the Gregorian calendar, and Sankranti means ‘transition.’ Lohri and Pongal are celebrated primarily in northern and southern India respectively.
Date details: Celebrated on January 14 most years and January 15 during leap years.
General practices: Attending social gatherings, decorating, gift-giving, and making treats.
Mabon/Alban Elfed/Autumnal Equinox/Harvest Home
Wiccan/Pagan
Also referred to as 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. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
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 the ritual celebration is customary.
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.
It is traditional to use this day to honor the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha (his enlightenment), the Sangha (the community of Buddhists around the world), and the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha).
Date details: Celebrated on the full moon in the third lunar month.
General practices: Gathering at a temple and meditation.
Maundy Thursday
Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant
The day when Jesus celebrated his final Passover with His disciples. That Passover meal was when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples in an extraordinary display of humility. He then commanded them to do the same for each other as an act of kindness.
Date details: The Thursday before Easter Sunday.
General practices: Holding a communion (Eucharist) service, prayer, meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations.
New Year Days (South Asia)
Sikh, Hindu, Islam
The first day of the Hindu/Sikh month of Baishakh.
Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is the beginning of the New Year for Sikhs. According to the Nanakshahi calendar, the founder of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak, was believed to have been born on April 14.
Poila Boishakh – Bengali New Year celebrated by Hindus and Muslims in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Date details: New Year Day falls between mid to late April and is celebrated in many parts of India and many Southeast Asian countries.
General practices: People exchange gifts and spend time with their families.
Orthodox Christmas
Christian: Eastern Orthodox
It is an annual celebration that is recognized as the day that Jesus of Nazareth was born.
Date details: Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar and mark Christmas on January 7, instead of December 25.
General practices: Church service, Holy Supper, walking into a body of water and visiting family.
Potential accommodations: This holiday typically falls during winter break, so academic accommodations may not be required. However many Eastern Orthodox employees will probably request this day off.
Ostara/Alban Eilir/Spring Equinox/Eostre
Wiccan/Pagan
Regarded as the time of fertility and conception. In some Wiccan/Pagan traditions, it is seen as the time when the Goddess conceives God’s child, who will be born during 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.
Palm Sunday
Christian: Roman Catholic and Protestant, Eastern Orthodox
The beginning of the Holy Week, the most sacred time of the year to Christians. Palm Sunday recalls the story in Christian Scripture of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, greeted by people waving palm branches. It is a reminder for Christians to welcome Jesus into their hearts and to be willing to follow him.
General practices: Blessing and distribution of palm branches.
Passover/Pesach
Jewish
A week-long observance commemorating the liberation and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II.
Date details: Begins at sundown on the first day listed and ends at nightfall on the final day listed. This involves refraining from activities that are defined as work (see general practices below) on the first and last two full days, which may include a break from classes.
General practices: Family gatherings, ritualized meals (Seders), reading of the Haggadah (that tells the account of the redemption of the Israelites form Egyptian slavery), lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the last night of Passover, eating matzoh, and giving charity to the poor called Mao’s Hittim. Refraining from certain activities that are defined as work, including (depending on the level of observance): the use of electricity and electrical devices, use of cell phones and computers, riding in a car or public transportation, and writing.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply — the use of leavening is prohibited, so matzah is eaten in place of bread, for example).
Purim
Jewish
Commemorates the time when Jews survived their annihilation by Persian rulers. The story of Purim is told in the Biblical book of Esther, the young and courageous Jewish woman who saved the Jews in Persia.
Date details: Begins at sundown on the first date listed, and ends at nightfall of the second date listed.
General practices: Jews read the Biblical book of Esther aloud in the synagogue, during which they drown out the name of Haman (the antagonist in the story who tried to kill all the Jews of Persia). In addition to eating Hamentaschen (triangular fruit-filled pastry), Jews give charity to the poor (Matanot le-evyonim) and exchange gift bags called Mishloach manot.
Potential accommodations: Purim is not subject to restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jews should not go about their ordinary business at Purim out of respect for the festival. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher basics).
Raksha Bandhan
Hindu
The Rakhi festival falls in the holy month of Shravan; The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times.
General practices: A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships.
Ramadan
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. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called Laylatul Qadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship.
Date details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. The observed date marks the beginning of a 30-day observation.
General practices: Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. 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. Muslims also believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan.
Potential 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 any assignments are ordinarily due at 11:59 PM, consider making them due the following morning to allow students ability to break fast and pray in evenings. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).
Rosh Hashanah
Jewish
The start of the Jewish New Year is a day of repentance, atonement, and forgiveness; the Jewish calendar celebrates the New Year in the seventh Hebrew month (Tishrei) as a day of rest and celebration ten days before Yom Kippur.
Date details: Begins at sundown on the first date listed, and ends at nightfall of the second date listed.
General practices: Prayer in synagogue and festive meals. Refraining from certain activities that are defined as work, including (depending on the level of observance): the use of electricity and electrical devices, the use of cell phones and computers, riding in a car or public transportation and writing.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).
Samhain
Wiccan/Pagan
One of the four “greater Sabbats” and considered by some to be the Wiccan/Pagan 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.
Saraswati Puja
Hindu
Performed in honor of Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of the arts, knowledge, and learning. This is an important religious occasion for Hindu students and scholars in particular. Prayers are offered, particularly in educational institutions. This Puja also marks the arrival of spring.
Seventeenth of Tammuz/Fast of Tammuz
Jewish
A Jewish fast day that marks the beginning of Three Weeks and commemorates the day the Romans broke through the walls of Jerusalem which led to the destruction of the Second Temple.
Date details: Fasting from eating and drinking from dawn to nightfall.
General practices: Fasting.
Potential accommodations: Plan limited activities on a fast day.
Shavuot/Festival of the Weeks
Jewish
Commemorates receipt of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Date details: Begins at sundown on the first day listed and ends at nightfall of the final day listed.
General practices: Prayer in synagogue and festive meals. Evening of devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot. Refraining from certain activities that are defined as work, including (depending on the level of observance): the use of electricity and electrical devices, use of cell phones and computers, riding in a car or public transportation, and writing.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on these days. (Kosher basics—although it is customary to eat dairy).
Shemini Atzeret
Jewish
A fall festival, which includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel.
Date details: Begins at sundown the first evening listed and ends at nightfall of the second date listed.
General practices: Prayer in synagogue and festive meals. Jews also refrain from certain activities that are defined as work, including (depending on the level of observance): the use of electricity and electrical devices, use of cell phones and computers, riding in a car or public transportation, and writing. Some may light a Yahrzeit memorial candle that will burn for the duration.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics).
Simchat Torah
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.
Date details: Begins at sundown of Shemini Atzeret and ends at sundown of the second date listed.
General practices: Practitioners dance in synagogues as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits. Jews also refrain from certain activities that are defined as work, including (depending on the level of observance): the use of electricity and electrical devices, use of cell phones and computers, riding in a car or public transportation, and writing.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this evening or the following day.
Sukkot
Jewish
An eight-day or week-long celebration that 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.
Date details: Begins on the first evening listed and involves refraining from activities that are defined as work (see general practices below) the first two days, which may include a break from classes.
General practices: Prayer in synagogue and festive meals. Families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork. There is a binding together of the four species of the Jewish people: Etrog (citron fruit), Lulav (frond of date palm), Hadass (myrtle bough) and Aravah (willow branch). Jews also refrain from certain activities that are defined as work, including (depending on the level of observance): the use of electricity and electrical devices, use of cell phones and computers, riding in a car or public transportation, and writing.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics).
Tisha B'Av
Jewish
Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem.
Date details: Begins at sundown on the first day listed and ends at nightfall on the second day listed. Fast deferred because of the Sabbath.
General practices: Fasting and mourning.
Potential accommodations: Plan limited activities on a fast day.
Tu Bishvat
Jewish
An environmental holiday that is considered New Year’s Day for the trees.
Date details: Begins at sundown on the first day listed and ends at sundown on the second day listed. Falls on the fifteenth day of Shevat (Hebrew month).
General practices: Eating foods indigenous to Israel, e.g. figs, carob, dates.
Tzom Gedalia/Fast of Gedalia
Jewish
The Fast of Gedaliah is observed to commemorate of the murder of Gedaliah the son of Achikam, which is described in the last chapter of the Second Book of Kings. This murder resulted in the final Babylonian exile and destruction.
Date details: Begins at dawn and ends at nightfall.
General practices: Fasting.
Potential accommodations: Plan limited activities on a fast day.
Yom HaSho'ah
Jewish
Holocaust Remembrance Day; a day to remember the lives of Jewish victims and activists during the Holocaust.
Date details: Begins at sundown of the first date listed and ends at nightfall of the second date listed.
General practices: Community ceremonies to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II. Activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish (a prayer for the departed).
Potential accommodations: Yom HaShoah is not subject to restrictions on work of some other holidays—academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics).
Vesak/Visakha Puja/Buddha Day
Buddhist
Traditionally known as the Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.
General practices: 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.
Potential accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning event menus on this date.
Yom Kippur
Jewish
Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year for Jews, and the day is dedicated to atonement, repentance, and forgiveness.
Date details: Begins at sundown on the first evening listed and ends at nightfall of the second date listed.
General practices: Prayer in synagogue both at night and all day the following day. During Yom Kippur, Jews fast from before sundown until nightfall the following day. A Yahrzeit memorial calendar is lit prior to the beginning of the holiday, and burns through the duration. Refraining from certain activities that are defined as work, including (depending on the level of observance): the use of electricity and electrical devices, use of cell phones and computers, riding in a car or public transportation, and writing.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting.
Yule/Midwinter/Alban Arthan/Winter Solstice
Wiccan/Pagan
The longest night of the year is 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.
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.