Religious Observances Calendar
The following calendar is taken from the Diversity Resources Interfaith Calendar. Jewish & Islamic holy days and observances begin at sundown.
January
Jan. 1, 2025
New Year's Day – Interfaith USA
Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – Catholic Christian
A celebration of the holiness of Mary as the chosen bearer of Jesus.
Feast of St. Basil & Holy Name of Jesus- Orthodox Christian
Jan. 5, 2025
Birth of Guru Gobind Singh - Sik
Commemorates the anniversary of the tenth guru.
Jan. 6, 2025
Epiphany – Christian
Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day)
End of the 12 days of Christmas; celebrates visit of the three kings to baby Jesus; especially important to Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics.
Jan. 7, 2025
Christmas - Orthodox Christian
Orthodox Christians celebrate Jesus' birth.
Jan. 14, 2025
Maghi - Sik-Hindu
This Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated after the mid-winter celebration of Lohri, where bonfires are lit in Northern India. The following morning Hindus enjoy this festival which involves ritual baths in rivers and ponds.
Wiladat: Imam Ali – Islam
The Shia observance is based on the Birthday of Imam Ali ibn Aboutaleb. Some countries consider this day as Father’s Day.
Jan. 25, 2025
Fatemiyeh – Islam or Wiladat: Shehzadi Bibi Sayyedda Fatima Zehra – Islam
The Shia observance is based on the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, lady Fatima. Some countries recognize this day as Mother’s Day.
Jan. 19, 2025
World Religion Day – Baha’i
In 1950, this day was founded by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States to address the need for religious unity.
Jan. 27, 2025
Lailat al Miraj – Islam
Muslims remember Prophet Muhammad’s pilgrimage from Mecca to Jerusalem on this holy day. After his arrival, he ascended to Heaven.
Jan. 29 ~ Feb. 12, 2025
Chinese New Year – Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist
This celebration of the new year on the lunisolar Chinese Calendar is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. It also influences the Lunar New Year celebrations of nearly 56 other ethnic groups, including Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
February
Feb. 1, 2025
Imbolc - Wiccan/Neo Pagan
Pagans and Wiccans celebrate this festival as the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, which honors light, fire, and the return of life after a long winter.
Feb. 13, 2025
Tu Bishavat
This Jewish holiday is celebrated as an ancient Earth Day, where trees are planted annually.
Feb. 14, 2025
St. Valentine’s Day – Christian Catholic – Interfaith USA
Lailat al Bara-ah – Islam
Night of Forgiveness. A night of prayer to Allah for forgiveness of the dead. Preparation for Ramadan through intense prayer.
Feb. 15, 2025
Nirvana Day & Parinirvana – Buddhist
Commemorates the death of Buddha.
Feb. 26, 2025
Promised Savior Day – Islam
The Shia observance is based on the birthday of Imam Mahdi, the promised savior who is the descendant of Prophet Muhammad. The eschatological redeemer of Islam and ultimate savior of humankind and the final Imam of the Shia who will emerge with Isa (Jesus Christ) to fulfill their mission of bringing peace and justice to the world.
Feb. 28-March 19, 2025
Ayyam-i-Ha – Baha’i Nineteen Day Fast Period
This period adjusts the Baha’i year to the solar calendar. It leads to the 19 day fast; each day of Ayyam-i-Ha is marked by a different virtue like hospitality, gift giving or charity.
Feb. 28-March 28, 2025
Ramadan - Islam
The ninth month in the Islamic calendar; 30 days of strict fasting from sunup to sundown in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).
March
March 3, 2025
Clean Monday (Lent Begins) – Orthodox Christian
Period of preparation for Easter, usually 40 days before. Clean Monday signifies the beginning of the Lenten period.
March 5-April 17, 2025
Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins) – Christian
Begins Christian Lent - observance for 40 days; name derives from symbolic use of ashes to signify penitence.
March 13-14, 2025
Purim – Jewish
Feast of Lots; celebrates deliverance of Jews of ancient Persians froma plot to destroy them.
March 14, 2025
Holi
This is one of the most known Hindu holy days, and it celebrates the arrival of spring and new life. This lasts for a night and a day, starting on the evening of the Full Moon Day.
March 17, 2025
St. Patrick’s Day – Catholic Christian
A religious and cultural holiday
March 19-20, 2025
Naw-Ruz – Baha’i (New Year)
March 20, 2025
Nowruz – Zoroastrian (Persian New Year)
The day of the vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It is celebrated as the beginning of New Year in Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and by various ethno-linguistic groups across the world.
March 27, 2025
Lailat al-Qadr – Islam
Night of Destiny, the holiest night of the year for Muslims as it’s believed it’s the night that the Quran was sent down from Heaven. The last ten nights of Ramadan are dedicated to praying and scripture reading as they believe this night of decree took place in one of those ten nights.
March 29-30, 2025
Eid al-Fitr – Islam
Festival of the breaking of the fast of Ramadan.
April
April 12–20, 2025
Pesach (Passover) – Jewish
Marks the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt; “Seder” ceremonies emphasize the concept of freedom.
April 13, 2025
Palm Sunday – Christian
Celebrates the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem during Passover. Usually reenacted by the waving of palm branches and the singing of songs. This also commemorates the beginning of Holy Week.
April 14, 2025
Baisakhi/Vaisakhi – Hindu – Sikh
Anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa (the army of the Pure Ones) in 1699.
April 17, 2025
Holy Thursday – Christian
This day celebrates the institution of the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) at Jesus’ Last Supper.
April 18, 2025
Good Friday – Christian
The Friday of Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
April 20, 2025
Easter – Christian
Celebration of the resurrection of Christ. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum.
April 20-May 2, 2025
Ridvan – Baha’i
Commemorates the declaration of Baha’u’llah to his followers in 1863. Work is suspended for the 1st, 9th and 12th day.
Apri 23-24, 2025
Yom Ha-Sho’ah – Jewish
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
April 30-May 1, 2025
Beltane-Pagan, Wicca
This Pagan and Wiccan festival honors and represents the peak time of Spring and the beginning of Summer.
May
May 6-8, 2025
Pentecost – Christian
Fifty days after Easter, this time celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon early Christians following the ascension of Jesus.
May 9, 2025
Ascension Day – Christian
Celebrates Jesus’ ascent into heaven.
May 6-8, 2025
Trinity Sunday – Protestant Christian
Christian feast dat dedicated to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the essence of God expressing itself in three persons: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the spirit of God.
May 26, 2025
Memorial Day – Interfaith USA
May 27-28, 2025
Ascension of Baha’u’llah – Baha’i
A commemoration of the death of Baha’u’llah.
June
June 1-3, 2025
Shavuot – Jewish
Festival of Weeks; celebrates harvest of first fruits and commemorates the giving of the Torah and Commandments at Mt’ Sinai.
June 4-9, 2025
The Hajj
This annual pilgrimage to Mecca is perhaps the most important Muslim holy day. This trip of a lifetime is required of all Muslims if they are physically or financially able to.
June 6-7, 2025
Eid-al-Adha
This Islamic faith holiday ends the Hajj pilgrimage. It celebrates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Ishmael, his son, to obey God. Because of this, a lamb is given to him to sacrifice in place of his son. On this day, animals, typically a sheep or a goat, are sacrificed and enjoyed by both the family and those in need. Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
June 16, 2025
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev – Sikh
Anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev in 1606 C. E., the fifth guru who had built the Golden Temple of Amristar.
June 19, 2025
Juneteenth – Interfaith USA
Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, it commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery.
June 20, 2025
Litha Summer Solstice – Pagan/Wicca
This Pagan and Wiccan festival is held on the summer solstice.
June 26-27, 2025
Hijri New Year
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the lunar Hijri year.
July
July 4
Independence Day – Interfaith USA
July 5-6, 2025
Ashura – Islam
An Islamic optional one day fast. The Shia observance is based on the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s Grandson, Hussein, martyred on this date in 683/684 AD at the battle of Kerbala. Sunni observance is a recognition of Moses fasting in gratitude to Allah/God for liberation from oppression.
July 10, 2025
Asalha Puja
For Buddhists, this day is the start of a three-month mandatory retreat for all monks. Buddhists visit temples to give offerings, pray and meditate and listen to sermons. It is intended to be a day of new beginnings and renewal.
July 24, 2025
Pioneer Day – Mormon
Observance of the arrival of Brigham Young and the early settlers to Salt Lake City, Utah.
August
Aug. 2-3, 2025
Tisha B’av – Jewish
A day of mourning and repentance in remembrance of the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
Aug. 9, 2025
Raksha Bandhan – Hindu
Hindu festival honoring the loving ties between brothers and sisters in a family.
Aug. 15, 2025
Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary – Catholic Christian
This feast day recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the mother of Jesus Christ from the earth, when both her soul and her body were taken into the presence of God.
Dormition of the Theotokos – Orthodox Christian
The Orthodox Christian commemoration of the death and burial of the Virgin Mary.
Aug. 14-15, 2025
Arbaeen – Islam
This day marks the end of the 40-day mourning period after Ashura for Shia Muslims. It marks the day that God delivered Israelites from the Egyptian Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea where they could safely cross
Aug. 16, 2025
Krishna Janmashtami – Hindu
Hindu commemoration of the birth of Krishna – the 8th incarnation of the god Vishnu who took the form of Krishna to destroy the evil king Kansa.
Aug. 20-27, 2025
Paryushana Parva – Jain
Jain 8 day fesitval signifying human emergence into a new world of spiritual and moral refinement. Marked by recitations from Jain sacred writing and family exchange of cards and letters. Celebration of the natural qualities of the soul. The 8th day (Samvatsari) is most important and is forcused on forgiveness.
September
Sept. 1, 2025
Labor Day – Interfaith USA
Sept. 4-5, 2025
Sundown to Sundown
Mawlid
The celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in the Islamic faith. Muslim students may be fasting.
Sept. 7-21, 2025
Pitru Paksha
A period when members of the Hindu faith pay homage to their ancestors.
Sept. 8, 2025
Nativity of Mary – Christian
A Christian celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary.
Sept. 14, 2025
Holy Cross Day – Christian
A Christian day of recognition for the Cross on which Jesus was crucified as a central symbol of the Christian religion.
Sept. 22, 2025
Mabon – Wicca/Pagan
Wicca observance of the autumnal equinox when day and night are of equal length. A harvest festival time.
Sept. 22-24, 2025
Sundown- to Sundown
Rosh Hashanah – Jewish
Jewish New Year. Begins at sundown. A time of introspection, abstinence, prayer and penitence. The story of Abraham is read, the ram’s horn is sounded, and special foods are prepared and shared. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, activities.
Sept. 22-Oct. 1, 2025
Navaratri – Hindu
Hindu Festival of the divine mother honoring Durga, wife of Shiva, and seeking her blessings. Also observed as a celebration recalling the days of Lord Krishna.
Sept. 27, 2025
Meskel – Ethiopian Orthodox Christian
Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (St. Helena) in the 4th century a.d.
October
Oct. 1-2, 2025
Sundown-to Sundown
Yom Kippur – Jewish
Begins at sundown. Jewish Day of Atonement. The holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with strict fasting and ceremonial repentance. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, activities. Jewish community members may be fasting all day.
Oct. 2, 2025
Dasara (Dussehra) – Hindu
Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Lord Rama is remembered as winning a victory over evil.
Oct. 4, 2025
Feast of St. Francis – Christian
Christian recognition of service to people and appreciation of the natural world, as practiced by St. Francis and the Franciscan Monastic Order which he founded.
Oct. 6 -13, 2025
Sundown to Sundown
Sukkot – Jewish
Begins at sundown. Jewish Feast of Tabernacles which celebrates the harvest and protection of the people of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness dwelling in tents. Temporary dwelling places have leaves for a roof so the sky can be seen. In temperate climates, night is spent in the Succoth. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, activities during the first two days.
Oct. 13-15, 2025
Sundown
Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah – Jewish
Begins at sundown. Jewish completion of the annual cycle of reading of the Torah. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, activities during the first two days.
Oct. 20, 2025
Diwali – Hindu – Jain – Sikh
Hindu Festival of Lights symbolizing the human urge to move toward the light. Gift exchanges, fireworks and festive meals. Hindu, Jain, Sikh community members will likely request to have this day off.
Oct. 31, 2025
Reformation Day – Protestant Christian
Protestant Christian anniversary of their tradition and its emphasis on the place of the Bible and religious Freedom. On October 31, 1517 c.e. Martin Luther posted a belief statement on Wittenbeg Church door.
All Hallow’s Eve – Christian
Christian celebration of mystery combining prayers and merriment involving children and families. It is a prelude to All Saint’s Day.
November
Nov. 1, 2025
All Saints Day (Dia de Muertos)– Christian
Christian day for honoring saints, known and unknown. In general, saints are persons with a reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith. A Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church to attend Mass.
Nov. 2, 2025
All Souls Day – Catholic Christian
Christian day of prayers of remembrance and intercession for the dead. Prayers of the faithful are seen as helping to cleanse the souls for the beatific vision of God in heaven.
Nov. 21, 2025
Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple - Eastern Orthodox Christian
Nov. 24, 2025
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib - Sikh
Nov. 30-Dec. 24, 2025
Advent – Christian
Christian time of preparation for observing the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30 and is the beginning of the Christian worship year. Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths, and special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ. The season continues through December 24.
December
Dec. 6, 2025
St. Nicholas Day – Christian
Christian celebration of the birth of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children and role model for gift giving. Many churches are named for this saint who is also the Dutch version of Santa Claus.
Dec. 8, 2025
*lunar calendar date
Bodhi Day
Commemorates the day Buddha, sometimes known as Siddhartha Gautama or Shakyamuni Buddha, experienced enlightenment.
Dec. 15–22, 2025
Hanukkah – Judaism
Jewish festival of lights. It commemorates the Maccabean recapture and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple in 165-164 b.c.e. Special readings and praise songs focus on liberty and freedom. The eight candle Menorah is lighted. Begins at sundown.
Dec. 21, 2025
Yule – Wicca/Pagan
The festival of the winter solstice - a Norse Pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun. A present day Wicca event.
Dec. 25, 2025
Christmas – Christian
Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.