Interfaith Planning Calendar
Our community includes members from numerous backgrounds and we strive for awareness and understanding of a variety of cultural observances. This calendar is designed for informational purposes and may not include all major religious/cultural holidays and details of each. Due to variations in cultural and regional religious practices and the use of different calendars, some dates of holidays may vary from these listed below.
All members of the ARC community are encouraged to be thoughtful about scheduling events on major religious holidays. NOTE: Holidays are listed by semester. If there is no year listed, the event happens on the same date annually.
Spring Semester
Gantan-sai
(Shinto)
Observed every year on January 1
Holiday with significant work restriction
Gantan-sai is the annual New Year festival of the Shinto religion. Practitioners pray for inner renewal, prosperity, and health, as well as visiting shrines and visiting friends and family. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on this date (work holiday)
Epiphany / Twelfth Night / Three Kings Day
(Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant)
Observed every year on January 6
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 the baby Jesus.
Christmas
(Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Observed every year on January 7
Holiday with significant work restriction
Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion. Eastern Orthodox Christmas is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates the ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. Because this holiday typically falls during winter break, academic accommodations may not be required. However many Eastern Orthodox employees will probably request this day off.
Imbolc / Candlemas
(Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Observed every year on February 1
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. One of the four “greater Sabbats.”
Setsubun-sai
(Shinto)
Observed every year on February 3
Setsuban-Sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival. The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season.
Chinese New Year
(Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist)
February 10, 2024
January 29, 2025
February 17, 2026
February 6, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
This is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays.
General Practices: Families gather together to spend the evening preparing boiled dumplings and festive meals and giving money to children in red envelopes. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Many Chinese employees will probably request this day off.
Ash Wednesday
(Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant)
February 14, 2024
March 5, 2025
February 18, 2026
February 10, 2027
Holiday with work restriction
This is the first day of Lent, the period of forty days before Easter in which many Christians sacrifice ordinary pleasures to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—prohibitions include animal products.
Magha Puja Day
(Buddhist)
February 24, 2024
February 12, 2025
March 3, 2026
February 21, 2027
Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha.
Purim – Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
March 23-24, 2024
March 13-14, 2025
March 2-3, 2026
March 22-23, 2027
Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved from genocide by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther. Begins at sundown the first evening listed. Purim is not subject to the 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).
Palm Sunday
(Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant/Eastern Orthodox Christianity)
March 24, 2024
April 13, 2025
March 29, 2026
March 21, 2027
A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds. General Practices: Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.
Naw-Rúz – Begins at Sundown
(Baha’i)
March 19-20, 2024
March 19-20, 2025
March 20-21, 2026
March 20-21, 2027
This is the Baha’i New Year, a traditional celebration in Iran adopted as a holy day associated with Baha’i. It is a celebration of spring and new life.
Holi
(Hindu)
March 19, 2024
March 14, 2025
March 4, 2026
March 22, 2027
Also known as the “Festival of Colors,” this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures commemorating good over evil. This date is also a celebration of the colorful spring and a farewell to the dull winter. Hindus often sprinkle colored water and powder on others and celebrate with bonfires and lights, signifying victory of good over evil. Celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar moon in late February or early March.
Ostara / Alban Eilir / Spring Equinox
(Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Observed every year on March 20
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. One of eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
Ramadan – Begins at Sundown
(Islamic)
March 10, 2024 – April 9, 2024
March 1-30, 2025
February 18 – March 19, 2026
February 8 – March 9, 2027
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. Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the 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. The observed date marks the beginning of a 30 day observation. If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).
Maundy Thursday
(Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant)
March 28, 2024
April 17, 2025
April 2, 2026
March 25, 2027
Also known as the “Festival of Colors,” this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. General Practices: Prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations. Always falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday.
Good Friday
(Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant)
March 29, 2024
April 18, 2025
April 3, 2026
March 26, 2027
Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. Prayer, fasting, and noon or afternoon services in some Christian denominations. Always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Provide food accommodation as requested — meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some.
Easter
March 31, 2024
April 20, 2025
April 5, 2026
March 28, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies. It is a celebration of renewal. Easter Sunday is determined by the Gregorian calendar (Gregorian calendar regulates the ceremonial cycle of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches).
Vaisakhi
(Sikh)
Observed every year on April 13 or 14
Vaisakhi is the Sikh new year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival. There are often parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day. These celebrations involve music, singing, and chanting of scriptures and hymns.
Pesach / Passover – Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
April 22-30, 2024
April 12-20, 2025
April 1-9 2026
April 21-29, 2027
Holiday with work restriction
Pesach is a week-long observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II (one of three pilgrimage festivals). Family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, reading of the Haggadah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the last night of Passover. Begins at sundown the first evening listed. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first evening, the following two days, or 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 throughout the holiday.) In some communities, further kosher restrictions prevent the consumption of certain legumes and their derivatives, making food accommodations especially strict.
Holy Friday / Good Friday
(Eastern Orthodox Christian)
March 29, 2024
April 18, 2025
April 3, 2026
Mar 26, 2027
Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. Prayer, fasting, confession, and church services as well as the wrapping or dying of eggs (often red) in preparation for Easter Sunday. Orthodox Good Friday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates the ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the date.
Pascha / Easter
(Eastern Orthodox Christian)
May 5, 2024
April 20, 2025
April 12, 2026
May 2, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs and baskets of breads, meats, eggs, cheeses and other foods. It is a celebration of renewal. Easter Sunday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates the ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
Yom HaSho’ah – Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
May 5-6, 2024
April 23-24, 2025
April 13-14, 2026
May 3-4, 2027
Holocaust Remembrance Day; a day to remember the lives and names of Jewish relatives and friends. Ceremonies or events to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II; activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the deceased. Begins at sundown. This is not a work holiday — academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics).
Beltane
(Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Observed every year on May 1
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.
Eid al-Fitr – Begins at Sundown
(Islamic)
April 9-10, 2024
March 30-31, 2025
March 19-20, 2026
March 9-10, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
Eid al-Fitr means “break the fast”, and is the last day of Ramadan, marking the end of a month of fasting. Muslims often pray, exchange gifts, give money to children, feast, and celebrate with friends and family. Eid al Fitr is a three-day celebration and begins at sundown. 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).
Buddha Day / Visakha Puja
(Buddhist)
May 15, 2024
May 5, 2025
May 24, 2026
May 13, 2027
This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date. Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning menus for events on this date.
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
(Baha’i)
May 27-28, 2024
May 27-28, 2025
May 28-29, 2026
May 28-29, 2027
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
Shavuot – Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
June 11-13, 2024
June 1-3, 2025
May 21-23, 2026
June 10-12, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
Commemorates receipt of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Evening of devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot. Begins at sundown the first date listed. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on these days. (Kosher basics—although it is customary to eat dairy).
Summer Semester
Litha / Midsomer / Alban Hefin / Summer Solstice
(Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
June 21, 2024
June 20, 2025
June 21, 2026
June 21, 2027
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 they see their union as the force that creates the harvest’s fruits. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
Lammas / Lughnasadh
(Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Observed every year on August 1
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.
Eid al-Adha – Begins at Sundown
(Islamic)
June 16-17, 2024
June 6, 2025
May 26, 2026
May 16, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
Eid al-Adha is a major festival that celebrates the willingness to make sacrifices in the name of one’s faith. According to legend, the prophet Ibrahim was ordered to sacrifice his son in God’s name. When Ibrahim was prepared to kill his son, God stepped in and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. This holiday celebrates Ibrahim’s total faith in God, and Muslims view this holiday as an important annual reminder. 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).
Fall Semester
Rosh Hashanah - Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
October 2-4, 2024
September 22-24, 2025
September 11-13, 2026
October 1-3, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
Rosh Hashanah literally meaning "head [of] the year", is the Jewish New Year. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah, literally "day of shouting or blasting." It is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days (Yamim Nora'im "Days of Awe"), as specified by Leviticus 23:23–25, that occur in the late summer/early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date.
Mabon / Alban Elfed / Autumnal Equinox
(Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Observed every year on September 22
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. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
Yom Kippur – Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
October 11-12, 2024
October 1-2, 2025
September 20-21, 2026
October 10-11, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year for Jews, and the day is dedicated to atonement and abstinence. Begins at sundown on the first evening listed and ends the second evening listed. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting.
Sukkot – Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
October 16-23, 2024
October 6-13, 2025
September 25 - October 2, 2026
October 15-22, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
An eight day or week-long celebration which begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals; Sukkot is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land. Begins the evening listed and involves resting the following two days, which may include a respite from classes. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics).
Shemini Atzeret – Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
October 23-24, 2024
October 13-14, 2025
October 2-3, 2026
October 22-23, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
Also known as Atzereth, this is a fall festival, which includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel. Begins at sundown the first evening listed. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics).
Simchat Torah – Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
October 24-25, 2024
October 14-15, 2025
October 3-4, 2026
October 23-24, 2027
Holiday with significant work restriction
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. Begins at sundown the first evening listed and through the following day. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this evening or the following day.
Navaratri
(Hindu)
October 3-12, 2024
September 22 - October 1, 2025
October 11-19, 2026
September 30 - October 8, 2027
Navaratri is one of the greatest Hindu festivals, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are often feasts and dances.
Samhain
(Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Observed every year on October 31 – November 1
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.
All Saints and All Souls Day
(Christian)
Observed every year on November 1 & 2
All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, the Feast of All Saints, the Feast of All Hallows, the Solemnity of All Saints, and Hallowmas, is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honor of all the saints of the church, whether they are known or unknown. All Souls' Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed and the Day of the Dead, is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed, which is observed by Roman Catholics and other Christian denominations.
Diwali
(Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain)
November 1, 2024
October 20, 2025
November 8, 2026
October 29, 2027
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. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date.
Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
(Baha’i)
November 3, 2024
October 24, 2025
Holiday with significant work restriction
This holiday celebrates the birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, one of the Baha’I faith’s most important figures. For Bahá’ís, the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh is a Holy Day celebrating the rebirth of the world through the love of God, just as Christmas is for Christians. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Baha’i employees will likely request to have this day off.
Hanukkah / Chanukah – Begins at Sundown
(Jewish)
(2024) December 25, 2024 – January 2, 2025
December 14-22, 2025
December 4-12, 2026
(2027) December 24, 2027 – January 1, 2028
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. Hanukkah begins at sundown on the first day. 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).
Yule / Midwinter / Alban Arthan / Winter Solstice
(Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Observed every year on December 21
The longest night of the year followed by the sun’s “rebirth” and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
Christmas – Begins at Sundown
(Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant)
Observed every year on December 25
Holiday with significant work restriction
Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion. Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees, and visiting family. Begins at sundown on December 24 annually and continues with all day celebration on December 25. This is a national holiday in the United States, so special accommodations are likely not required.