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.
Candlemas / Presentation of the Lord (Christianity)
Monday, February 1, 2027
Date details: Celebrated forty days after Christmas.
Commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of Mary according to Jewish law.
General Practices: Church services, blessing of candles, prayer, Scripture readings, and processions in some traditions.
Chinese New Year (Buddhism, Daoism, and Chinese Folk Traditions)
Saturday, February 6, 2027
Date details: Marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Celebrated throughout East and Southeast Asia.
Welcomes the new lunar year and emphasizes family unity, renewal, prosperity, and good fortune.
General Practices: Family reunions, temple visits, ancestor remembrance, offerings, lion and dragon dances, lanterns, fireworks, and giving red envelopes.
Ramadan Begins (Islam)
Sunday, February 7, 2027 (estimated — dates may vary by region)
Date details: Begins at sundown on Saturday, February 6. Marks the first day of the month of Ramadan.
Commemorates the month during which Muslims believe the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
General Practices: Daily fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, Qur'an recitation, charitable giving (zakat and sadaqah), community iftar meals, and increased spiritual reflection.
Shrove Tuesday (Christianity)
Tuesday, February 9, 2027
Date details: The day before Ash Wednesday.
Marks the final day before the beginning of Lent.
General Practices: Church gatherings, confession in some traditions, festive meals, and community celebrations.
Ash Wednesday (Christianity)
Wednesday, February 10, 2027
Date details: Marks the beginning of Lent in many Western Christian churches.
Begins the forty-day season of repentance, prayer, fasting, and preparation for Easter.
General Practices: Worship services, receiving ashes on the forehead, fasting, prayer, repentance, and almsgiving.
Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja (Hinduism)
Thursday, February 11, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half of the month of Magha.
Honors Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, learning, music, and the arts, and welcomes the arrival of spring.
General Practices: Temple worship, educational ceremonies, music and cultural performances, wearing yellow clothing, and offering flowers and sweets.
Parinirvana (Nirvana) Day (Buddhism)
Sunday, February 14, 2027
Date details: Observed in several Mahayana Buddhist traditions.
Commemorates the Buddha's passing into final Nirvana after his earthly life.
General Practices: Meditation, temple services, reading from Buddhist scriptures, reflection on impermanence, and acts of compassion.
Magha Puja (Buddhism)
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the full moon of the lunar month of Magha in many Theravada Buddhist countries.
Commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 enlightened disciples to hear one of the Buddha's important teachings.
General Practices: Temple visits, meditation, chanting, candlelight processions, merit-making, and observing moral precepts.
Ayyám-i-Há Begins (Bahá'í Faith)
Friday, February 26, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Thursday, February 25, and continues through March 1.
Intercalary Days added to the Bahá'í calendar before the annual Fast, devoted to generosity, hospitality, and preparation for the new year.
General Practices: Charity, gift-giving, hospitality, community gatherings, children's activities, prayer, and joyful celebration.
These entries follow the same structure as your examples and are suitable for an inclusive interfaith calendar.
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.
Ugadi / Gudi Padwa (Hinduism)
Wednesday, April 7, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Chaitra. Known as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, and Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra.
Marks the Hindu New Year in many regions of India and celebrates renewal, prosperity, and the arrival of spring.
General Practices: Decorating homes with mango leaves, prayers, temple visits, preparing festive foods (such as Ugadi Pachadi), raising the Gudi flag (in Maharashtra), family gatherings, and charitable acts.
Vaisakhi / Baisakhi (Sikhism)
Wednesday, April 14, 2027
Date details: Celebrated annually on April 14. Marks the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 and is also celebrated as a harvest festival.
Commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs, and celebrates the spring harvest.
General Practices: Worship services at Gurdwaras, reading from the Guru Granth Sahib, Nagar Kirtan (community processions), community meals (langar), devotional singing (kirtan), and volunteer service (seva).
Rama Navami (Hinduism)
Thursday, April 15, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the ninth day (Navami) of the Hindu month of Chaitra.
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the hero of the Ramayana.
General Practices: Temple worship, reading the Ramayana, devotional singing (bhajans), fasting, prayer, and community processions.
Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism)
Monday, April 19, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the 13th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra in the Jain calendar.
Commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and a central teacher of Jainism.
General Practices: Temple visits, prayer, scripture readings, charitable giving, processions, meditation, and reflection on the principles of nonviolence (ahimsa) and compassion.
Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism)
Tuesday, April 20, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Chaitra in many regions of India.
Honors the birth of Lord Hanuman, revered for his devotion, strength, courage, and service to Lord Rama.
General Practices: Temple worship, recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, fasting, devotional singing, offering flowers and sweets, and community celebrations.
First Day of Ridván (Bahá'í Faith)
Wednesday, April 21, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Tuesday, April 20. Marks the first day of the twelve-day Festival of Ridván.
Commemorates Bahá'u'lláh's declaration of His mission in the Garden of Ridván in Baghdad. It is the holiest festival in the Bahá'í Faith.
General Practices: Prayer services, readings from Bahá'í writings, community gatherings, elections of Local Spiritual Assemblies in many communities, and joyful celebration.
Passover (Pesach) (Judaism)
Thursday, April 22 – Thursday, April 29, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 21, and ends after nightfall on Thursday, April 29 (Diaspora dates).
Commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt and celebrates freedom and liberation.
General Practices: Seder meals, eating matzah (unleavened bread), refraining from leavened foods (chametz), family gatherings, prayer services, and reading the Haggadah.
Ninth Day of Ridván (Bahá'í Faith)
Thursday, April 29, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 28. Observed during the Festival of Ridván.
Commemorates the day Bahá'u'lláh's family joined Him in the Garden of Ridván.
General Practices: Prayer services, readings from Bahá'í writings, community gatherings, and joyful fellowship.
Orthodox Good Friday (Eastern Orthodox Christianity)
Friday, April 30, 2027
Date details: Observed on the Friday before Orthodox Easter according to the Julian calendar.
Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
General Practices: Church services, fasting, Scripture readings, solemn processions, prayer, and reflection on the Passion of Christ.
Orthodox Easter (Pascha) (Eastern Orthodox Christianity)
Sunday, May 2, 2027
Date details: Celebrated according to the Julian calendar by many Eastern Orthodox churches.
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central event of the Christian faith.
General Practices: Midnight Divine Liturgy, candlelight processions, prayer, singing hymns, festive family meals, exchanging the Paschal greeting ("Christ is Risen!"), and breaking the Lenten fast.
Yom HaShoah (Judaism)
Tuesday, May 4, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Monday, May 3. Also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Commemorates the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and honors the courage of survivors and those who resisted Nazi persecution.
General Practices: Memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, prayer, lighting memorial candles, reading names of victims, educational programs, and visits to memorials.
Ascension Day (Christianity)
Thursday, May 6, 2027
Date details: Observed 40 days after Easter Sunday in many Western Christian traditions.
Commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven following His resurrection.
General Practices: Church services, prayer, Scripture readings, singing hymns, and celebrating Christ's exaltation and commissioning of His disciples.
Eid al-Adha (Islam)
Monday, May 17, 2027 (estimated — dates may vary by region)
Date details: Begins at sundown on Sunday, May 16. Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before God provided a ram in his place.
General Practices: Special congregational prayers, animal sacrifice (where practiced), sharing food with family and those in need, charitable giving, festive meals, and visiting relatives and friends.
Vesak / Buddha Day (Buddhism)
Wednesday, May 19, 2027 (date varies by Buddhist tradition and country)
Date details: Observed on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesak in many Buddhist traditions.
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment (Bodhi), and passing into Parinirvana of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
General Practices: Temple visits, meditation, chanting, offering flowers and candles, observing moral precepts, acts of generosity, and releasing animals in some traditions.
Declaration of the Báb (Bahá'í Faith)
Monday, May 24, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Sunday, May 23.
Commemorates the declaration made by the Báb in 1844, announcing His mission as the herald of Bahá'u'lláh and the beginning of the Bahá'í Faith.
General Practices: Prayer services, readings from Bahá'í writings, devotional gatherings, reflection, and community celebrations.
Lag BaOmer (Judaism)
Tuesday, May 25, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Monday, May 24. Celebrated on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer.
Commemorates the end of a plague among Rabbi Akiva's students and honors Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered Jewish sage and mystic.
General Practices: Bonfires, outdoor gatherings, weddings, music, dancing, children's activities, haircuts, and pilgrimage to Meron in Israel.
Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í Faith)
Saturday, May 29, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Friday, May 28.
Commemorates the passing of Bahá'u'lláh, the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith, in 1892.
General Practices: Prayer services, readings from Bahá'í writings, meditation, and quiet remembrance.
Corpus Christi (Christianity – Roman Catholic)
Friday, June 4, 2027
Date details: Celebrated on the Thursday (or, in some countries, the following Sunday) after Trinity Sunday.
Honors the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist (Holy Communion).
General Practices: Mass, Eucharistic processions, prayer, Eucharistic adoration, hymns, and community celebrations.
Islamic New Year (Al-Hijra / 1 Muharram) (Islam)
Sunday, June 6, 2027 (estimated — dates may vary by region)
Date details: Begins at sundown on Saturday, June 5. Marks the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Commemorates the Hijra (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
General Practices: Prayer, reflection, reading the Qur'an, attending religious gatherings, and making personal spiritual resolutions. Some communities observe the day quietly with family and worship.
Shavuot (Judaism)
Friday, June 11 – Saturday, June 12, 2027
Date details: Begins at sundown on Thursday, June 10. Celebrated on the 6th and 7th of Sivan in the Diaspora.
Commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai and is also associated with the ancient wheat harvest in Israel.
General Practices: Attending synagogue services, studying Torah (often through the night), reading the Book of Ruth, eating dairy foods, festive meals, and family gatherings.
Race Unity Day (Bahá'í Faith)
Sunday, June 13, 2027
Date details: Observed annually on the second Sunday in June.
Promotes the oneness of humanity and encourages racial harmony, unity, and mutual understanding among all people.
General Practices: Interfaith gatherings, community service, educational programs, music, prayer, discussions on racial justice, and fellowship.
Ashura (Islam)
Monday, June 14, 2027 (estimated — dates may vary by region)
Date details: Begins at sundown on Sunday, June 13. 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 the Battle of Karbala.
General Practices: Fasting (especially among many Sunnis), prayer, reflection, Qur'an recitation, charitable acts, mourning gatherings, processions (in many Shia communities), and remembrance ceremonies.
Summer Solstice (Paganism, Wicca, and Indigenous Traditions)
Monday, June 21, 2027
Date details: Marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Also known as Litha in many Pagan and Wiccan traditions.
Celebrates the peak of the sun's power, the abundance of nature, and the transition into summer.
General Practices: Outdoor rituals, bonfires, meditation, honoring nature, feasting, music, dancing, and community gatherings.
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