Religious and Cultural Observances
The Religious and Cultural Observances listed below could greatly impact our colleagues' and students' schedules. As such, you may want to be mindful when planning critical meetings or assignments on these days to be inclusive and considerate of others. As we strive to recognize and honor all of our social identities, it is important to remember that faith and spirituality are essential parts of identity for many.
Rosh Hashanah
Evening of Mon, Sept 22, 2025 – Wed, Sept 24, 2025
Rosh Hashanah, which translates from Hebrew to mean "the head of the year," is one of Judaism's holiest days. The two-day celebration marks the start of the Jewish New Year and is filled with traditions, like eating symbolic foods and saying prayers near a body of water.
Navaratri
Mon, Sept 22, 2025 – Thurs, Oct 2, 2025
The ten-day Hindu festival celebrates the Goddess Durga and is a major crop season event.
Yom Kippur
Wed, Oct 1, 2025 – Thurs, Oct 2, 2025
Date of Atonement: the most sacred day of Judaism and is often observed with 25 hours of fasting and prayer. Some observing Jews spend the day in the synagogue.
Sukkot
Evening of Mon, Oct 6, 2025 – Mon, Oct 13, 2025
Feast of the Tabernacles. Celebrates the harvest and the protecting of the Jewish people on their way to the Promised Land (7-day holiday, but work is not allowed for only the first 2 days).
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
Mon, Oct 13, 2025
Shemini Atzeret – October 13: Day of Assembly; a day devoted to spirituality and the love of God. Simchat Torah – October 14: Rejoicing in the Torah; marks the end of the annual cycle of public Torah readings and the start of a new cycle.
Diwali
Sat, Oct 18, 2025 – Wed, Oct 22, 2025
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. During Diwali, homes are illuminated with oil lamps and candles, and people exchange gifts and sweets. Families gather for prayers and feasts, enjoying delicious sweets. It's a time for family gatherings, feasting, and spreading joy and positivity.
Día de los Muertos
Fri, Oct 31, 2025 – Sun, Nov 2, 2025
Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates deceased loved ones. Families create altars with offerings such as food, drinks, flowers, and photos to honor the departed. The holiday includes vibrant parades, music, and traditional foods.
Hanukkah
Mon, Dec 15, 2025 – Mon, Dec 22, 2025
A Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights, usually in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Winter Solstice
Sun, Dec 21, 2025
The shortest day of the year, celebrated in many cultures. It usually falls on December 21st or 22nd and marks the return of the sun and lengthening of days.
Christmas
Thurs, Dec 25, 2025
Celebrated on December 25th as a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Kwanzaa
Fri, Dec 26, 2025- Thurs, Jan 1, 2026
An African American holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. It was created in 1966 to celebrate African American culture and heritage.
Boxing Day
Fri, Dec 26, 2025
Celebrated on December 26th in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Traditionally a day for giving gifts to service workers and those in need.
New Year's Eve & New Year's Day
Wed, Dec 31, 2025 & Thurs, Jan 1, 2026
Celebrated on December 31st as a time for reflection and anticipation of the new year, with parties, fireworks, and festivities worldwide.
New Year's marks the start of a new year (January 1st) according to the Gregorian calendar. The day is a Federal holiday in the United States with government offices, schools and most businesses closed. Many will reflect on their past year accomplishments and set new goals for the New Year.
Three King's Day (also known as Epiphany)/ Dia De Reyes
Tues, Jan 6, 2026
Celebrated on January 6th in many countries, including Spain and Latin America. It commemorates the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus and is celebrated with parades, feasts, and gift-giving.
Orthodox Christmas
Wed, Jan 7, 2026
Commemorating the birth of Jesus, most Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas 13 days later than other Christian churches based on their use of the Julian rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar
Makar Sankranti
Wed, Jan 14, 2026
A Hindu festival celebrating the harvest season, usually in January. Includes feasting, kite flying, and other festivities.
Lunar New Year
Tues, Feb 17, 2026
The first new moon of the lunar calendar, also known as the Spring Festival in China. Typically falls between January 21 and February 20 and is celebrated with food and traditions.
Mardi Gras
Tues, Feb 17, 2026
A carnival celebration in many countries, including Brazil, France, and the United States. It occurs before Ash Wednesday and includes parades, costumes, and other festivities.
Ramadan
Evening of Tues, Feb 17 – Evening of Thurs Mar 19, 2026
Ramadan is an important time for the Muslim community worldwide to reflect on the wisdom and guidance of their faith. Many may be fasting or abstaining from revelry between the hours of dawn and sunset and spending the evening in prayer. It is also a time for families to gather and celebrate.
Ash Wednesday
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Ash Wednesday falls on February 18, 2026, marking the first day of Lent.
The Lenten season is approximately forty days long. If you count the days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday's Mass of the Lord's Supper, you'll find more than forty days. That's why it's not exactly forty days.
Purim
Sunset Mon, Mar 2 - Nightfall Tues, Mar 3, 2026
Celebrates the biblical story of Esther, who bravely foiled a plot to destroy the Jewish people.
Holi
Wed, Mar 4, 2026
The festival of colors, celebrating spring, community, and renewal. In 2026, many communities will observe Holi around this date.
Nowruz
Sun, Mar 21, 2026
Nowruz, or Norooz, is the first day of the Iranian solar year, celebrated on Farvardin 1. It marks the start of the Iranian New Year and is one of the oldest festivals from ancient Iran. It has its roots in ancient Iran, and people across vast regions of Asia and other parts of the world celebrate it. Nowruz takes place during the vernal equinox, marking the start of the spring season.
Holy Week
Sun, Mar 29 – Sun, Apr 5, 2026
Holy Week is celebrated by Christians around the world and is the most sacred week of the year in this faith. It begins after the season of Lent – which is a time of prayer, reflection, and fasting. Two significant holidays fall within this Holy Week: Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Passover
Wed, Apr 1 – Thurs, Apr 6, 2026
Passover, also called Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from enslavement in Egypt. Throughout the world, Passover is celebrated with a series of rituals. Each ritual symbolizes a different part of the story.
Orthodox Holy Week
Sun, Mar 29 – Mon, Apr 6, 2026
Orthodox Holy Week celebrations begin the week after Lazarus Saturday on the evening of Palm Sunday and they conclude on Easter Sunday.
Easter
Sun, Apr 5, 2026
Easter also called Resurrection Sunday or Pascha is one of the most important days in the Christian faith commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead according to the New Testament.
Shavuot
Sunset Thurs, May 21 - Nightfall of Sat, May 23, 2026
Marks the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai.
This list is not meant to be an exhaustive description of a holiday or observance. We welcome suggestions and corrections to help reflect our community's diversity. If you have questions, corrections, or additions regarding this calendar list, please get in touch with our office at [email protected].