Fostering an Inclusive and Affirming Campus Community
At Cal State LA, we are committed to fostering cultural sensitivity and understanding across campus. As members of our community, you are encouraged to observe religious holidays in accordance with your faith and values.
Religion is a key aspect of individual identity, and practices vary based on personal journeys. It is important to actively listen and learn about others’ observances without making assumptions based on general practices or prior knowledge.
Purpose of the Religious Holiday Calendar
The dates listed below serve as a guide for faculty, staff, administrators, and students to plan coursework, events, and assessments with sensitivity to religious observances. This list is not exhaustive. If an important holiday is missing, please contact us for future updates.
Note: Dates for holidays, particularly those based on lunar calendars (e.g., Islamic holidays) or cultural variations (e.g., Buddhist traditions), may vary by region.
Dietary Accommodations:
Halal: Islamic dietary laws which apply throughout the year. Individuals who follow a Halal diet do not consume pork or alcohol.
Kosher: Jewish dietary guidelines which apply daily throughout the year. Individuals who follow a Kosher diet do not eat pork, shellfish (fish is allowed) and do not mix meat with dairy in the same meal.
Occasional dietary restrictions for other religions are listed with the specific event to which they apply.
Calendar
Tisha B’Av (Judaism)
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Date details: Begins at sundown on Wednesday, July 22. The fast is deferred because the traditional date falls on the Sabbath.
Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies, including the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
General Practices: Fasting, mourning rituals, prayer, reading the Book of Lamentations, and refraining from celebrations.
Ashura (Islam)
Sunday, July 26, 2026 (estimated — dates may vary by region)
Date details: Observed on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar.
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates the day Moses, and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh. For Shia Muslims, it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam (Husayn ibn Ali) at Karbala.
General Practices: Fasting, prayer, reflection, mourning gatherings, processions, and charitable acts.
Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá’í Faith)
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Date details: Observed annually in the Bahá’í calendar.
Commemorates the execution of the Báb, herald of the Bahá’í Faith, in Persia in 1850.
General Practices: Prayer services, readings from Bahá’í writings, meditation, and gatherings for remembrance.
Obon / Ullambana (Buddhism — some traditions)
Late July 2026 (dates vary by country and Buddhist tradition)
Date details: In some Japanese Buddhist communities, Obon observances begin in July, while others celebrate in August.
Honors the spirits of ancestors and expresses gratitude toward family members who came before.
General Practices: Visiting graves, lantern ceremonies, temple visits, traditional dances (Bon Odori), and family gatherings.
Obon / Ullambana (Buddhism — many traditions)
August 2026 (dates vary by country and Buddhist tradition)
Date details: Commonly observed around August 13–16 in Japan and in various forms throughout Asia.
Honors and remembers ancestors and deceased loved ones.
General Practices: Visiting graves, offering food and incense, lantern ceremonies, temple visits, Bon Odori dances, and family gatherings.
Raksha Bandhan (Hinduism)
Friday, August 28, 2026
Date details: Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravana.
Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters and the importance of family protection and affection.
General Practices: Tying sacred threads (rakhi), exchanging gifts, prayers, family meals, and ceremonies.
Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism)
Saturday, August 29, 2026 (may vary by region)
Date details: Celebrated at midnight marking the birth of Lord Krishna.
Commemorates the birth of Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism and central figure in the Bhagavad Gita.
General Practices: Fasting, devotional singing, temple worship, dramatic reenactments, prayer vigils, and midnight celebrations.
Paryushana Begins (Jainism — Śvetāmbara tradition)
Saturday, August 29, 2026 (may vary slightly by tradition)
Date details: An important annual period of spiritual reflection and renewal lasting about eight days.
Focuses on forgiveness, nonviolence, self-discipline, and spiritual purification.
General Practices: Fasting, meditation, prayer, scripture study, acts of forgiveness, and charitable giving.
Ganesh Chaturthi (Hinduism)
Sunday, August 30, 2026 (may vary by region)
Date details: Celebrated on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadrapada.
Honors the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and deity of wisdom and beginnings.
General Practices: Installing clay idols, prayers, devotional songs, offerings of sweets, community festivals, and immersion ceremonies.
Paryushana Ends / Samvatsari (Jainism — Śvetāmbara tradition)
Saturday, September 5, 2026 (may vary slightly by tradition)
Date details: Concludes the annual Jain festival of Paryushana. Samvatsari is considered the holiest day of forgiveness.
Focuses on repentance, forgiveness, spiritual purification, and renewal.
General Practices: Fasting, prayer, meditation, confession of wrongdoings, and asking forgiveness with the phrase “Micchami Dukkadam” (“May my faults be forgiven”).
Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)
Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13, 2026
Date details: Begins at sundown on Friday, September 11. Marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days and the Jewish New Year.
Celebrates the creation of the world and begins a period of reflection and repentance.
General Practices: Prayer services, sounding the shofar (ram’s horn), festive meals, eating apples with honey, and self-reflection.
Yom Kippur (Judaism)
Sunday, September 20 – Monday, September 21, 2026
Date details: Begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20. Known as the Day of Atonement and considered the holiest day in Judaism.
Focuses on repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God and others.
General Practices: Fasting, intensive prayer, synagogue services, confession, and reflection.
Mawlid al-Nabi (Islam)
Saturday, September 26, 2026 (estimated — dates may vary by region)
Date details: Observed on the 12th day of Rabiʿ al-Awwal in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
General Practices: Prayer gatherings, recitation of poetry and religious texts, charitable acts, community meals, and educational events.
Sukkot Begins (Judaism)
Friday, September 25 – Friday, October 2, 2026
Date details: Begins at sundown on Friday, September 25.
Commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt and celebrates the harvest season.
General Practices: Building and eating in sukkahs (temporary shelters), prayer services, festive meals, and use of the Four Species (lulav and etrog).
Sukkot Ends / Hoshana Rabbah (Judaism)
Friday, October 2, 2026
Date details: Final day of the Sukkot festival period before Shemini Atzeret begins at sundown.
Marks the conclusion of the major harvest festival and a final day of judgment themes in the High Holy Day season.
General Practices: Prayer services, processions with the Four Species, eating in the sukkah, and festive gatherings.
Shemini Atzeret (Judaism)
Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 3, 2026
Date details: Begins at sundown on Friday, October 2. Considered a separate sacred festival immediately following Sukkot.
A time for spiritual reflection and concluding the annual festival cycle.
General Practices: Prayer services, festive meals, memorial prayers, and synagogue gatherings.
Simchat Torah (Judaism)
Saturday, October 3 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Date details: Begins at sundown on Saturday, October 3. Celebrates the completion and restarting of the annual Torah reading cycle.
Rejoices in the Torah and the continuity of Jewish learning and tradition.
General Practices: Dancing with Torah scrolls, singing, synagogue celebrations, processions, and communal meals.
Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Bahá’í Faith)
Thursday, October 22, 2026 (may vary slightly by local calendar calculations)
Date details: One of the nine holy days of the Bahá’í Faith.
Commemorates the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í Faith.
General Practices: Prayer gatherings, devotional readings, community celebrations, music, and fellowship.
Diwali / Deepavali (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism)
Sunday, October 25, 2026 (may vary by region and tradition)
Date details: Festival dates may differ slightly depending on regional calendars and traditions.
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It also holds distinct religious significance in Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions.
General Practices: Lighting oil lamps and candles, prayers, fireworks, family gatherings, exchanging sweets and gifts, and acts of charity.
Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikhism)
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Date details: Celebrated alongside Diwali in Sikh tradition.
Commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 imprisoned kings from Gwalior Fort.
General Practices: Visiting gurdwaras, prayer services, illumination of temples, community meals (langar), and fireworks.
Reformation Day (Christianity — Protestant traditions)
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Date details: Observed primarily in Protestant Christian communities.
Commemorates Martin Luther’s presentation of the Ninety-five Theses in 1517, which sparked the Protestant Reformation.
General Practices: Church services, educational events, hymn singing, scripture readings, and historical reflections
All Saints’ Day (Christianity)
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Date details: Observed in many Western Christian traditions including Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant churches.
Honors all saints, known and unknown, and remembers faithful Christians throughout history.
General Practices: Church services, prayer, lighting candles, visiting cemeteries, and remembrance ceremonies.
All Souls’ Day (Christianity)
Monday, November 2, 2026
Date details: Observed primarily in Roman Catholic and some Christian traditions.
Dedicated to praying for and remembering the faithful departed.
General Practices: Prayer services, memorial masses, cemetery visits, and lighting candles for deceased loved ones.
Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Bahá’í Faith — some observances)
Early November 2026 (dates may vary by local Bahá’í calendar calculations)
Date details: Some communities may observe related commemorations according to local calendars.
Honors Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í Faith.
General Practices: Devotional gatherings, readings, prayer, music, and community fellowship.
Guru Nanak Gurpurab (Sikhism)
Tuesday, November 24, 2026 (may vary by lunar calendar observation)
Date details: Celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
Honors the teachings and life of Guru Nanak, emphasizing equality, compassion, and devotion to God.
General Practices: Prayer services, singing hymns (kirtan), scripture readings, processions, community meals (langar), and acts of service.
First Sunday of Advent (Christianity)
Sunday, November 29, 2026
Date details: Marks the beginning of the Advent season in many Christian traditions.
Begins a season of spiritual preparation leading to Christmas.
General Practices: Lighting Advent candles, prayer, scripture readings, church services, and devotional reflection.
Day of the Covenant (Bahá’í Faith)
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Date details: Observed annually in the Bahá’í calendar.
Commemorates Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the center of His covenant and guidance for the Bahá’í community.
General Practices: Prayer gatherings, devotional readings, community meetings, and reflection on unity and faithfulness.
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Bahá’í Faith)
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Date details: Observed annually in the Bahá’í calendar, often beginning in the early morning hours.
Commemorates the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, son of Bahá’u’lláh and a central figure in the Bahá’í Faith.
General Practices: Prayer gatherings, devotional readings, meditation, and remembrance services.
Hanukkah / Chanukah Begins (Judaism)
Friday, December 4 – Saturday, December 12, 2026
Date details: Begins at sundown on Friday, December 4. Also known as the Festival of Lights.
Commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
General Practices: Lighting the menorah, reciting prayers, singing songs, eating traditional foods such as latkes and sufganiyot, and family gatherings.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Christianity — Roman Catholicism)
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Date details: A holy day of obligation in many Roman Catholic communities.
Honors the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin.
General Practices: Mass services, prayer, scripture readings, and devotional observances.
Yule / Winter Solstice (Paganism, Wicca, Heathen traditions)
Monday, December 21, 2026
Date details: Celebrated on or near the winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Marks the return of the sun and the renewal of light and life.
General Practices: Bonfires, candle lighting, feasting, evergreen decorations, meditation, and seasonal rituals.
Christmas Eve (Christianity)
Thursday, December 24, 2026
Date details: Observed on the evening before Christmas Day.
Commemorates the eve of the birth of Jesus Christ.
General Practices: Candlelight services, nativity reenactments, prayer, singing carols, and family gatherings.
Christmas Day (Christianity)
Friday, December 25, 2026
Date details: Celebrated worldwide in many Christian traditions.
Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
General Practices: Church services, prayer, gift-giving, festive meals, charitable acts, and family celebrations.
Kwanzaa (African American cultural observance)
Saturday, December 26, 2026 – Friday, January 1, 2027
Date details: A week-long cultural celebration established in 1966.
Celebrates African heritage, community, family, and culture through seven core principles (Nguzo Saba).
General Practices: Lighting the kinara, storytelling, music, community gatherings, reflection, and shared meals.
Boxing Day / St. Stephen’s Day (Christianity & Commonwealth traditions)
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Date details: Observed in several Christian and Commonwealth countries. St. Stephen’s Day honors the first Christian martyr.
Traditionally associated with charity, generosity, and community service.
General Practices: Church services, charitable giving, visiting family, sporting events, and community celebrations.
New Year’s Eve Watchnight Services (Christianity — many Protestant traditions)
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Date details: Held on the evening before the new year.
Focuses on prayer, gratitude, repentance, and spiritual renewal entering the new year.
General Practices: Church gatherings, prayer vigils, singing hymns, testimony sharing, and midnight worship services.
Gantan-sai (Shinto)
Thursday, January 1, 2026
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)
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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)
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (Sikhism)
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti celebrates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. He was a spiritual leader, warrior, poet, and philosopher who founded the Khalsa in 1699, a collective body of initiated Sikhs. His teachings emphasized justice, equality, and the protection of the oppressed.
General Practices: Sikhs visit gurdwaras, sing hymns (kirtan), offer prayers, and reflect on Guru Gobind Singh’s life and contributions to Sikhism. Nagar Kirtans (religious processions) are often held, and langars (community meals) are organized. There may also be recitations of Sikh scriptures, including the Guru Granth Sahib.
Recommended Accommodations: Allow for vacation or absence for observant employees, avoid scheduling important meetings, deadlines, or exams on the day, accommodate prayer times if needed.
Christmas (Christianity - Eastern Orthodox)
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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 commemorating 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.
Tu B'Shvat -15th of Shevat (Judaism)
Occurs on Monday, February 2, 2026
Date Details: starting sundown Feb 1
The 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar is the day that marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees.
General Practice: marked by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.
Imbolc/Candlemas (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Sunday, February 1 - Monday, February 2, 2026
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)
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
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.
Parinirvana Day (Buddhist)
Sunday, February 15, 2026
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.
Maha Shivratri (Hinduism)
Sunday, February 15, 2026
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.
Lunar New Year (Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
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
Ramadan (Islam)
Tuesday, February 17 - Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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).
Ash Wednesday (Christian/Catholic/Protestant)
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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.
Purim (Judaism)
Monday, March 2 - Tuesday, March 3, 2026
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.
Magha Puja Day (Buddhism)
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
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.
Hola Mohalla (Sikh)
Wednesday, March 4 - Friday, March 6, 2026
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)
Wednesday, March 4 - Thursday, March 5, 2026
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the love between Lord Krishna and Radha. It is marked by playful throwing of colored powders, singing, dancing, and community gatherings.
General Practices: Throwing colored powders (gulal) and water, celebrate with Bonfires (Holika Dahan) the night before, visiting family and friends, and festive meals and sweets.
Recommended Accommodations: Flexible scheduling to allow participation in festivities, avoid scheduling important meetings or deadlines on Holi, respect for employees' religious observances and time off requests
Naw Rúz (Baha’i/Zoroastrianism)
Friday, March 20 - Saturday, March 21, 2026
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
Eid Al-Fitr (Islam)
Friday, March 20 (at sundown) – Saturday, March 21, 2026
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.
Ostara/Alban Eilir/Spring Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Saturday, March 21, 2026
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.
Rama Navami (Hinduism)
Thursday, March 26, 2026
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)
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
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)
Wednesday, April 1 - Thursday, April 9, 2026
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).
Good Friday (Christian/Catholic/Protestant)
Friday, April 3, 2026
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, April 5, 2026
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
Holy Friday/Good Friday (Eastern Orthodox Church)
Friday, April 10, 2026
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, April 12, 2026
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)
Monday, April 13 - Tuesday, April 14, 2026
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
Vaisakhi (Sikhism)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, marks the Sikh New Year and commemorates the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It is a major harvest festival in Punjab and is deeply tied to Sikh history, particularly the creation of the Khalsa, a collective body of initiated Sikhs who follow a strict spiritual and moral code.
General Practices: Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi by visiting gurdwaras, attending special prayer services, participating in processions (Nagar Kirtans), and performing community service (seva). The festival is also marked by singing hymns, listening to recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib, and sharing meals in langars (community kitchens).
Recommended Accommodations: Allow for vacation or absence for observant employees, avoid scheduling important meetings or deadlines on the day, accommodate prayer times if needed.
Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Friday, May 1, 2026
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.
Shavuot (Judaism)
Thursday, May 21 - Saturday, May 23, 2026
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)
Tuesday, May 26 - Wednesday, May 27, 2026
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).
Ascension of the Baha’ullah (Baha’i)
Friday, May 29, 2026
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.
Vesak Day or Buddha Day (Buddhism)
Sunday, May 31, 2026
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.
Eid Al-Ghadeer (Islam)
Wednesday, June 3 - Thursday, June 4, 2026
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.
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sikh)
Friday, June 16, 2026
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
Litha/Midsomer/Alban Hefin/Summer Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan)
Saturday, June 21, 2026
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.
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