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.
Lailat al-Mi'raj (Islam)
Monday, January 4, 2027 (estimated dates may vary by region)
Date details: Begins at sundown on Sunday, January 3. Observed on the 27th night of Rajab in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's miraculous Night Journey (Isra') from Mecca to Jerusalem and his Ascension (Mi'raj) through the heavens, where Muslims believe he received the command for the five daily prayers.
General Practices: Special prayers, recitation of the Qur'an, reflection, sermons, and acts of charity. Some Muslim communities hold evening gatherings or vigils.
Epiphany (Christianity – Western Churches)
Tuesday, January 5, 2027
Date details: Celebrated annually on January 6 in many Western Christian traditions. Some churches observe it on the nearest Sunday.
Commemorates the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to the infant Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to all nations.
General Practices: Church services, Scripture readings, blessing of homes, singing hymns, and festive meals. In many cultures, special breads or cakes are shared.
Orthodox Christmas (Eastern Orthodox Christianity)
Thursday, January 7, 2027
Date details: Celebrated by many Eastern Orthodox churches that follow the Julian calendar.
Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
General Practices: Divine Liturgy, prayer, family meals, gift-giving, charitable acts, and festive celebrations following the Nativity Fast.
Lohri (Sikhism & Hinduism)
Tuesday, January 12, 2027
Date details: Celebrated annually on the eve of Maghi and Makar Sankranti.
Marks the end of winter and celebrates the harvest season in northern India, especially Punjab.
General Practices: Bonfires, singing traditional songs, dancing (Bhangra and Gidda), sharing sweets, and community gatherings.
Maghi / Makar Sankranti - Maghi (Sikhism)
Thursday, January 14, 2027
Date details: Celebrated the day after Lohri.
Commemorates the sacrifice of the Forty Liberated Ones (Chali Mukte), who gave their lives fighting alongside Guru Gobind Singh.
General Practices: Worship services (Gurdwara), reading from the Guru Granth Sahib, community meals (langar), prayer, and remembrance.
Makar Sankranti (Hinduism)
Thursday, January 14, 2027
Date details: A solar festival celebrated annually as the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara).
Marks the transition toward longer days and the beginning of the harvest season.
General Practices: Holy river bathing, prayers, offerings to the Sun, kite flying, charitable giving, family gatherings, and festive meals.
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Sikhism)
Thursday, January 14, 2027
Date details: Celebrated according to the Nanakshahi calendar.
Honors the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, founder of the Khalsa and defender of religious freedom.
General Practices: Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), devotional singing (kirtan), processions (Nagar Kirtan), prayer, and langar.
World Religion Day (Bahá'í-inspired / Interfaith)
Sunday, January 17, 2027
Date details: Observed annually on the third Sunday in January.
Celebrates the harmony and shared spiritual values among the world's religions and encourages interfaith understanding.
General Practices: Interfaith services, educational events, community discussions, prayer, and cultural programs promoting religious unity.
Thaipusam (Hinduism)
Thursday, January 21, 2027
Date details: Celebrated during the Tamil month of Thai on the full moon.
Honors Lord Murugan and commemorates his victory over evil and the gift of the divine spear (Vel).
General Practices: Temple worship, fasting, prayer, pilgrimages, carrying milk offerings (paal kudam), and acts of personal devotion, including kavadi processions.
Laylat al-Bara'ah (Islam)
Friday, January 22, 2027 (estimated — dates may vary by region)
Date details: Begins at sundown on Thursday, January 21. Observed on the 15th night of Sha'ban.
Regarded by many Muslims as a night of forgiveness, mercy, and prayer before Ramadan.
General Practices: Night prayers, Qur'an recitation, seeking forgiveness, remembrance of God (dhikr), visiting graves in some communities, and charitable giving.
Maha Shivaratri (Hinduism)
Saturday, March 6, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (dates vary by lunar calendar).
Honors Lord Shiva and commemorates his cosmic dance (Tandava) and, in many traditions, his marriage to Goddess Parvati.
General Practices: Fasting, night-long prayer vigils, meditation, chanting "Om Namah Shivaya," offering milk, water, and bilva leaves to Shiva lingams, and temple worship.
Eid al-Fitr (Islam)
Wednesday, March 10, 2027 (estimated — dates may vary by region)
Date details: Begins at sundown on Tuesday, March 9. Marks the end of the month of Ramadan.
Celebrates the completion of the month of fasting and gives thanks to God for strength, guidance, and blessings.
General Practices: Special congregational prayers (Salat al-Eid), charitable giving (Zakat al-Fitr), festive meals, family gatherings, visiting friends and relatives, and exchanging gifts and greetings.
Nowruz (Zoroastrianism)
Saturday, March 20, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the spring equinox, marking the beginning of the Persian New Year.
Celebrates the renewal of creation, the arrival of spring, and the triumph of light over darkness.
General Practices: Cleaning the home, preparing the Haft-Seen table, family gatherings, festive meals, prayers, visiting loved ones, and acts of charity.
Naw-Rúz (Bahá'í Faith)
Sunday, March 21, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Saturday, March 20. Marks the Bahá'í New Year and follows the completion of the Nineteen Day Fast.
Celebrates spiritual renewal, the beginning of the Bahá'í calendar year, and the arrival of spring.
General Practices: Prayer, joyful gatherings, community celebrations, festive meals, music, fellowship, and reflection on the coming year.
Palm Sunday (Christianity)
Sunday, March 21, 2027
Date details: Observed one week before Easter Sunday and marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed him with palm branches.
General Practices: Church services, palm processions, Scripture readings, prayer, and the distribution of blessed palm branches.
Holi (Hinduism)
Monday, March 22, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna.
Celebrates the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the story of Prahlada's devotion to Lord Vishnu.
General Practices: Throwing colored powders and water, singing, dancing, community gatherings, festive meals, sweets, and bonfires (Holika Dahan, observed the evening before).
Purim (Judaism)
Tuesday, March 23, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Monday, March 22. Celebrated on the 14th of Adar II in the Hebrew calendar.
Commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot in ancient Persia, as told in the Book of Esther.
General Practices: Reading the Megillah (Book of Esther), wearing costumes, giving gifts of food (Mishloach Manot), donating to those in need (Matanot La'Evyonim), festive meals, and celebrations.
Maundy Thursday (Christianity)
Thursday, March 25, 2027
Date details: Observed during Holy Week, three days before Easter.
Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, including the institution of Holy Communion and the washing of the disciples' feet.
General Practices: Worship services, Holy Communion, foot-washing ceremonies in some traditions, prayer, Scripture readings, and evening vigils.
Good Friday (Christianity)
Friday, March 26, 2027
Date details: Observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.
General Practices: Church services, prayer, fasting, Scripture readings, Stations of the Cross, silent reflection, and solemn remembrance.
Easter Sunday (Christianity)
Sunday, March 28, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the central event of the Christian faith.
General Practices: Sunrise and church worship services, prayer, singing hymns, festive meals, family gatherings, and celebrations of hope and new life.
Maha Shivaratri (Hinduism)
Saturday, March 6, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (dates vary by lunar calendar).
Honors Lord Shiva and commemorates his cosmic dance (Tandava) and, in many traditions, his marriage to Goddess Parvati.
General Practices: Fasting, night-long prayer vigils, meditation, chanting "Om Namah Shivaya," offering milk, water, and bilva leaves to Shiva lingams, and temple worship.
Eid al-Fitr (Islam)
Wednesday, March 10, 2027 (estimated — dates may vary by region)
Date details: Begins at sundown on Tuesday, March 9. Marks the end of the month of Ramadan.
Celebrates the completion of the month of fasting and gives thanks to God for strength, guidance, and blessings.
General Practices: Special congregational prayers (Salat al-Eid), charitable giving (Zakat al-Fitr), festive meals, family gatherings, visiting friends and relatives, and exchanging gifts and greetings.
Nowruz (Zoroastrianism)
Saturday, March 20, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the spring equinox, marking the beginning of the Persian New Year.
Celebrates the renewal of creation, the arrival of spring, and the triumph of light over darkness.
General Practices: Cleaning the home, preparing the Haft-Seen table, family gatherings, festive meals, prayers, visiting loved ones, and acts of charity.
Naw-Rúz (Bahá'í Faith)
Sunday, March 21, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Saturday, March 20. Marks the Bahá'í New Year and follows the completion of the Nineteen Day Fast.
Celebrates spiritual renewal, the beginning of the Bahá'í calendar year, and the arrival of spring.
General Practices: Prayer, joyful gatherings, community celebrations, festive meals, music, fellowship, and reflection on the coming year.
Palm Sunday (Christianity)
Sunday, March 21, 2027
Date details: Observed one week before Easter Sunday and marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed him with palm branches.
General Practices: Church services, palm processions, Scripture readings, prayer, and the distribution of blessed palm branches.
Holi (Hinduism)
Monday, March 22, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna.
Celebrates the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the story of Prahlada's devotion to Lord Vishnu.
General Practices: Throwing colored powders and water, singing, dancing, community gatherings, festive meals, sweets, and bonfires (Holika Dahan, observed the evening before).
Purim (Judaism)
Tuesday, March 23, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Monday, March 22. Celebrated on the 14th of Adar II in the Hebrew calendar.
Commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot in ancient Persia, as told in the Book of Esther.
General Practices: Reading the Megillah (Book of Esther), wearing costumes, giving gifts of food (Mishloach Manot), donating to those in need (Matanot La'Evyonim), festive meals, and celebrations.
Maundy Thursday (Christianity)
Thursday, March 25, 2027
Date details: Observed during Holy Week, three days before Easter.
Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, including the institution of Holy Communion and the washing of the disciples' feet.
General Practices: Worship services, Holy Communion, foot-washing ceremonies in some traditions, prayer, Scripture readings, and evening vigils.
Good Friday (Christianity)
Friday, March 26, 2027
Date details: Observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.
General Practices: Church services, prayer, fasting, Scripture readings, Stations of the Cross, silent reflection, and solemn remembrance.
Easter Sunday (Christianity)
Sunday, March 28, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the central event of the Christian faith.
General Practices: Sunrise and church worship services, prayer, singing hymns, festive meals, family gatherings, and celebrations of hope and new life.
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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Learn More For information on religious accommodations and policies, visit:
ARTICLE 3. Accommodation of Religious Creed [89320- 89320]
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