Religious Observances
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Eid al-Adha (Islam) |
Eid al-Adha is a major festival that celebrates the willingness to make sacrifices in the name of one’s faith. According to legend, the prophet Ibrahim was ordered to sacrifice his son in God’s name. When Ibrahim was prepared to kill his son, God stepped in and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. This holiday celebrates Ibrahim’s total faith in God, and Muslims view this holiday as an important annual reminder. |
Prayers, gift giving, prayers, and sometimes slaughtering of sheep, with a portion of the meat gifted to the poor. |
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). |
Lunar calendars vary based on region and practice. Begins at sundown. July 9-10, 2022 June 28-29, 2023 June 16-17, 2024 June 6-7, 2025 May 27-28, 2026 |
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Muharram/Al Hijrah-New Year (Islam) |
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. And although it marks the beginning of the Islamic new year, it is considered a time of mourning for Muslims, particularly those of the Shiite faith. The event marks the anniversary of the Battle of Karbala when the grandson of prophet Muhammad was killed by the forces of the second Umayyad caliph. The mourning reaches its climax on the tenth day, known as Ashura, on which the forces of Yazid killed the 72 individuals who fought alongside the prophet’s grandson. |
The first 10 days of the month are marked by arranging ‘majalis’ (gatherings) to review Islamic teachings and to commemorate the sacrifice of the prophet Muhammad’s grandsons. Many Muslims will fast during the 9th and 10th of Muharram. |
Flexibility when scheduling academic deadlines, events, and activities on the 9th and 10th day of this month. |
July 19, 2023 July 7, 2024 June 26, 2025 June 16, 2026 |
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Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) |
The Rakhi festival falls in the holy month of Shravan; The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times. |
A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships. |
August 11, 2022 August 30, 2023 August 19, 2024 August 9, 2025 August 28, 2026 |
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Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu) |
This two-day festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, a widely-worshiped Hindu god. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher and philosopher. |
During this festival, Hindus are likely to forgo sleep in order to sing bhajans, traditional Hindu songs. Many Hindus also fast during the first day of the festival. Dances, songs and plays depicting the life of Krishna are common. |
Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that students will be operating on very little sleep. |
August 19, 2022 September 7, 2023 August 26, 2024 August 16, 2025 September 4, 2026 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) |
Start of the Jewish New Year, day of judgment and remembrance; the Jewish calendar celebrates the New Year in the seventh month (Tishrei) as a day of rest and celebration ten days before Yom Kippur. |
Prayer in synagogue and festive meals |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
Begins at sundown. Sept. 25-27, 2022 Sept. 15-17, 2023 Oct. 2-4, 2024 Sept. 22-24, 2025 Sept. 11-13, 2026 |
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Mawlid al-Nabi/Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Islam) |
This holiday celebrates the birthday of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It is fixed as the 12th day of the month of Rabi I in the Islamic calendar. Mawlid means birthday of a holy figure and al-Nabi means prophet. |
The day is commemorated with recollections of Muhammad's life and significance. Celebrations include festivals, prayer services, recitations of poetry and litanies, as well as religious gatherings. Celebrations of the Mawlid in America and distinctly English forms of poetry, songs, and literature shows the increasing importance of Mawlid al-Nabi amongst American Muslims. |
Oct. 8, 2022 Sept. 27 2023 Sept. 16, 2024 Sept. 5, 2025 |
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Yom Kippur (Jewish) |
Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year for Jews, and the day is dedicated to atonement and abstinence. |
During Yom Kippur, Jews fast from before sundown until after sunset, and light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the night of Yom Kippur. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting. |
Begins at sundown. Oct. 4-5, 2022 Sept. 24-25, 2023 Oct. 11-12, 2024 Oct. 1-2, 2025 Sept. 20-21, 2026 |
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Sukkot (Jewish) |
A week-long celebration which begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals. Sukkot is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land. |
Families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
Begins at sundown. Work holiday varies by denomination. Oct. 9-16, 2022 Sept. 29-Oct. 6, 2023 Oct. 16-23, 2024 Oct. 6-13, 2025 Sept. 25-Oct.2, 2026 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) |
Also known as Atzereth, this is a fall festival, which includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel. |
Jews light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzereth (the eighth night of Sukkot). |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
Begins at sundown. Oct. 16-18, 2022 Oct. 6-8, 2023 Oct. 23-25, 2024 Oct. 13-15, 2025 Oct. 2-4, 2026 |
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Simchat Torah (Jewish) |
Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and the beginning of the new cycle. |
Practitioners dance in synagogues as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Kosher restrictions apply. |
Oct. 17-18, 2022 Oct. 7-8, 2023 Oct. 24-25, 2024 Oct. 14-15, 2025 |
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Navaratri/Dussehra (Hindu) |
Navarati is one of the greatest Hindu festivals, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. |
Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are are often feasts and dances. |
Sept. 26-Oct. 5, 2022 Oct. 15-24, 2023 Oct. 2-12, 2024 Sept. 22-Oct. 2, 2025 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Baha’i) |
This holiday celebrates the birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, one of the Baha’I faith’s most important figures. For Bahá’ís, the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh is a Holy Day celebrating the rebirth of the world through the love of God, just as Christmas is for Christians. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Baha’i employees will likely request to have this day off. |
Oct. 27, 2022 Oct. 17, 2023 Nov. 3, 2024 Oct. 23, 2025 Nov. 11, 2026 |
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Diwali (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain) |
Diwali, the Hindu “festival of lights,” is an extremely popular holiday for multiple religions throughout southern Asia. Diwali extends over five days and celebrates the victory of good over evil. The Times of India described Diwali as “a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple.” Fireworks, oil lamps, and sweets are common, making this a favorite holiday for children. The lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes. |
Lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks and prayer. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request to have this date off. |
Oct. 24, 2022 Nov. 12, 2023 Nov. 1, 2024 Oct. 20, 2025 Nov. 8, 2026 |
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Dia de los Muertos (Catholic) |
Día de los Muertos or Día de Muertos originated and is mostly observed in Mexico but also in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. Although associated with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, it has a much less solemn tone and is portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning. |
Honoring the deceased using calaveras and aztec marigold flowers known as cempazúchitl, building home altars called ofrendas with the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these items as gifts for the deceased. The celebration is not solely focused on the dead, as it is also common to give gifts to friends such as candy sugar skulls, to share traditional pan de muerto with family and friends, and to write light-hearted and often irreverent verses in the form of mock epitaphs dedicated to living friends and acquaintances, a literary form known as calaveras literarias. |
Nov. 1-2, 2022 Nov. 1-2, 2023 Nov. 1-2, 2024 Nov. 1-2, 2025 Nov. 1-2, 2026 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Hanukkah/Chanukah (Jewish) |
Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights and lasts for eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish struggle for religious freedom. The history of the holiday involves a historic military victory in which a Jewish sect called the Maccabees defeated the Syrian Greeks. The celebration commemorates a miracle in which a sacred temple flame burned for eight days on only one day’s worth of oil. |
On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Jews celebrate with food and song, as well as exchanging gifts for eight days. |
Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary). |
Hanukkah begins at sundown on the first day. Dec. 18-26, 2022 Dec. 7-15, 2023 Dec. 25, 2024-Jan. 2, 2025 Dec. 15-22, 2025 Dec. 4-12, 2026 |
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Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Christian; Roman Catholic – Holy Day of Obligation) |
Immaculate Conception Day, celebrates the Christian belief in the sinless lifespan and Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, celebrated on December 8, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary, celebrated on September 8. It is one of the most important Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church celebrated worldwide. It is the patronal feast day of Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Korea, Nicaragua, Paraguay, the Philippines, Spain, the United States, and Uruguay. By royal decree, it is designated as the day honoring the patroness of Portugal. It is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church and some select Protestant Christian denominations. |
Festive pageantry, grand fireworks, cultural dancing, religious and military processions, food and costumes. Many people attend Catholic mass and other liturgical celebrations on this day. |
Dec. 8, 2023 Dec. 8, 2024 Dec. 8, 2025 Dec. 8, 2026 Dec. 8, 2027 |
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Kwanzaa |
As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Dr. Maulana Karenga marked Kwanzaa as a cultural holiday, not a religious holiday, because he wanted all Africans across all faiths to be able to celebrate the holiday. |
During the holiday, families and communities organize activities around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles Participants also celebrate with feasts (karamu), music, dance, poetry, narratives and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles and other central cultural values. (*Information from the official Kwanzaa website.) |
Dec. 26, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023 Dec. 26, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024 Dec. 26, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025 Dec. 26, 2025-Jan. 1, 2026 Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 1, 2027 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Christmas (Christian — Roman Catholic and Protestant) |
Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure in the Christian religion. Christmas is also sometimes celebrated by non-Christians as well celebrating peace, goodwill, and selfless giving. |
Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees and visiting family. |
This is a national holiday in the United States, so special accommodations are likely not required. |
Dec. 24-25, 2022 Dec. 24-25, 2023 Dec. 24-25, 2024 Dec. 24-25, 2025 Dec. 24-25, 2026 |
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Gantan-sai (Shinto) |
Gantan-sai is the annual New Year festival of the Shinto religion. |
Practitioners pray for inner renewal, prosperity, and health, as well as visiting shrines and visiting friends and family. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on this date (work holiday). |
Jan. 1, 2023 Jan. 1, 2024 Jan. 1, 2025 Jan. 1, 2026 Jan. 1, 2027 |
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Epiphany/Twelfth Night/Three Kings Day (Christian — Roman Catholic and Protestant) |
This date is also known as Befana Day; commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and marks the time the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts to the baby Jesus. |
Prayer, festive meals, offerings, gifts. |
Jan. 6, 2023 Jan. 6, 2024 Jan. 6, 2025 Jan. 6, 2026 Jan. 6, 2027 |
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Eastern Orthodox Christmas |
Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure in the Christian religion. |
Many celebrate this holiday by attending church services, holding celebratory meals, and visiting family. |
Eastern Orthodox Christmas is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates the cycle of the Eastern Orthodox churches. |
Jan. 7, 2023 Jan. 7, 2024 Jan. 7, 2025 Jan. 7, 2026 Jan. 7, 2027 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Setsubun-sai (Shinto) |
Setsubun-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival.” |
The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season. |
Feb. 3, 2023 Feb. 3, 2024 Feb. 3, 2025 Feb. 3, 2026 Feb. 3, 2027 |
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Chinese/Lunar New Year (Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist) |
Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year is the biggest holiday celebrated among Chinese people. It is also celebrated in many other Asian and Southeast Asian Countries. It is often referred to as the spring festival because it signals the beginning of spring. It is a time when families and friends get together to say goodbye to the old and welcome the new. |
Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one, therefore, often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colourful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Many employees who observe this holiday will probably request this day off. |
Jan. 22, 2023 Feb. 10, 2024 Jan. 29, 2025 Feb. 17. 2026 Feb. 7, 2027 |
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Maha Shivaratri (Hindu) |
An annual Hindu festival, Maha Shivaratri gives reverence to the Lord Shiva god. The festival is also known as 'Great Night of Shiva' or 'Shivaratri’. The festival is solemn and marks a remembrance of "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life and the world. |
Remembering Shiva through chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva. |
Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that students will be operating on very little food or sleep. (Hindu employees will likely request to have this day off.) |
Feb. 18, 2023 March 8, 2024 Feb. 26, 2025 Feb. 15, 2026 March 6, 2027 |
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Magha Puja Day (Buddhist) |
Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha. |
Buddhists around the world celebrate with gift exchanges, lightning of oil lamps, chanting, meditation, attending temple for special observances and participating in Buddhist activities |
March 6, 2023 February 26, 2024 February 13, 2025 March 4, 2026 Feb. 22, 2027 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Ash Wednesday (Christian — Roman Catholic and Protestant) |
This is the first day of Lent, the period of 40 days before Easter in which many Christians sacrifice ordinary pleasures to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. |
On this day, there are special church services and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day. |
Provide food accommodation as requested; prohibitions include animal products. |
Feb. 22, 2023 Feb. 14, 2024 March 5, 2025 Feb. 18, 2026 Feb. 10, 2027 |
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Holi (Hindu) |
Also known as the “Festival of Colors,” this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures commemorating good over evil. This date is also a celebration of the colorful spring and a farewell to the dull winter. |
Hindus often sprinkle colored water and powder on others and celebrate with bonfires and lights, signifying victory of good over evil. |
Celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar moon in late February or early March. March 8-9, 2023 March 25-26, 2024 March 14-15, 2025 March 3-4, 2026 March 22-23, 2027 |
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Purim (Jewish) |
Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther. |
Many Jews hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, dressing in costumes, and read the Book of Esther. Triangular fruit-filled pastries are eaten in opposition to the villain Haman, who wore a three-cornered hat. |
Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jews should not go about their ordinary business at Purim out of respect for the festival. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
March 6-7, 2023 March 23-24, 2024 March 13-14, 2025 March 2-3, 2026 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Naw Ruz (Baha’i) |
This is the Baha’i New Year, a traditional celebration in Iran adopted as a holy day associated with Baha’i. It is a celebration of spring and new life. |
Festive music dancing, prayers, meetings, meals. |
Begins at sundown. March 21-22, 2023 March 20-21, 2024 March 21-22, 2025 March 21-22, 2026 |
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Palm Sunday (Christian — Roman Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox Christianity) |
A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds |
Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion. |
April 2, 2023 March 24, 2024 April 13, 2025 March 29, 2026 |
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Buddha Day/Visakha Puja (Buddhist) |
This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. |
Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date. |
Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning menus for events on this date. |
May 26, 2023 May 15, 2024 May 5, 2025 May 24, 2026 |
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Pesach/Passover (Jewish) |
Pesach is a week-long observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II (one of three pilgrimage festivals). |
Family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, reading of the Haggadah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the last night of Passover. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply — the use of leavening is prohibited, so matzah is eaten in place of bread, for example.) |
Begins at sundown. April 5-13, 2023 April 22-30, 2024 April 12-20, 2025 April 1-9, 2026 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Maundy Thursday (Christian — Roman Catholic and Protestant) |
Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. |
Prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations. |
Always falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. April 6, 2023 March 28, 2024 April 17, 2025 April 2, 2026 |
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Good Friday (Christian — Roman Catholic and Protestant) |
Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. |
Prayer, fasting, and noon or afternoon services in some Christian denominations. |
Provide food accommodation as requested. Meat (fish not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some. |
Always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. April 7, 2023 March 29, 2024 April 18, 2025 April 3, 2026 March 26, 2027 |
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Holy Friday/Good Friday (Eastern Orthodox Christian) |
Friday before Easter commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ among some sects of Christianity, and in many countries, marks a day of fasting. |
Prayer, fasting, confession, and church services as well as the wrapping or dying of eggs (often red) in preparation for Easter Sunday. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date. |
Orthodox Good Friday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. April 14, 2023 May 3, 2024 April 18, 2025 April 10, 2026 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Easter (Christian — Roman Catholic and Protestant) |
Annual commemoration of when Christians believe Jesus Christ was resurrected. |
Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies. It is a celebration of renewal. |
Easter Sunday is determined by the Gregorian calendar (Gregorian calendar regulates ceremonial cycle of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches). April 9, 2023 March 31, 2024 April 10, 2025 April 5, 2026 |
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Vaisakhi (Sikh) |
Vaisakhi is the Sikh new year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival. |
There are often parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day. These celebrations involve music, singing, and chanting of scriptures and hymns. |
April 14, 2023 April 13, 2024 April 14, 2025 April 14, 2026 April 14, 2027 |
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Pascha/Easter (Eastern Orthodox Christian) |
Annual commemoration of when Christians believe Jesus Christ was resurrected. |
Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs and baskets of breads, meats, eggs, cheeses and other foods. It is a celebration of renewal. |
Easter Sunday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. April 16, 2023 May 5, 2024 April 20, 2025 April 12, 2026 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Yom HaSho’ah/Holocaust Rememberance Day (Jewish) |
Holocaust Remembrance Day; a day to remember the lives and names of Jewish victims and activists of the Holocaust. |
Ceremonies or events to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II. Activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the departed. |
This is not a work holiday. Academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
Begins at sundown. April 17-18, 2023 May 4-5, 2024 April 24-25, 2025 April 13-14, 2026 |
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Ramadan (Islam) |
Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship. |
Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims also believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan. |
If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. The observed date marks the beginning of a 30-day observation. March 22-April 21, 2023 March 10-April 9, 2024 Feb. 28-March 30, 2025 Feb. 17-March 18, 2026 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Eid al-Fitr (Islam) |
Eid al-Fitr means “break the fast” and is the last day of Ramadan, marking the end of a month of fasting. The phrase commonly used by Muslims to wish someone a happy Eid is “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “Blessed Eid” in Arabic. |
Muslims often pray, exchange gifts, give money to children, feast, and celebrate with friends and family. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day on this day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. Eid al Fitr is a three day celebration and begins at sundown. April 21-22, 2023 April 9-10, 2024 March 30-31, 2025 March 19-20, 2026 March 9-10, 2027 |
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Shavuot (Jewish) |
Commemorates receipt of the Torah on Mount Sinai (two of three pilgrimage festivals). |
Evening of devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot. |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested. (Kosher restrictions apply, though it is customary to eat dairy.) |
Begins at sundown. May 25-27, 2023 June 11-13, 2024 June 1-3, 2025 May 21-23, 2026 |
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Ascension of the Baha’ullah (Baha’i) |
Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha’i faith. Baha’llah died on May 29, 1892. |
Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures. |
May 29, 2023 May 29, 2024 May 29, 2025 May 29, 2026 |
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Holiday/Religious Practice |
Explanation |
General Practices |
Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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Tisha B’Av (Jewish) |
Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. |
Fasting and mourning. |
Plan limited activities after a fast. |
Begins at sundown on first day, fast deferred because of the Sabbath. July 26-27, 2023 Aug. 12-13, 2024 Aug. 2-3, 2025 July 22-23, 2026 |