Holy Days

Symbols via Noun Project

Zoroastrian & Pagan – Pierre TORET
Jain – André Luiz Gollo
Islam – anbileru adaleru
Christian – Nick Kinling
Buddhist – Rene Ramsey-Passmore

 

Holiday 2022-2023 2023-2024
    
 Jewish

Tisha B’av – Jewish

A day of mourning and repentance in remembrance of the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

July 26-27Aug. 12-13
ChristianAssumption of Blessed Virgin Mary – Catholic ChristianAug 15Aug 15
Christian

Dormition of the Theotokos – Orthodox Christian

The Orthodox Christian commemoration of the death and burial of the Virgin Mary.

Aug 16Aug 16
Christian

Passion of St. John the Baptist – Catholic Christian

Christian remembrance of the death of John who is known for preparing the people so they would recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Aug 29Aug 29
Hindu

Raksha Bandhan – Hindu

Hindu festival honoring the loving ties between brothers and sisters in a family.

Aug 22Aug 11
Islam

Aid al Ghadir Khumm – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the day that Prophet Muhammad Appointed his successor Imam Ali ibn Aboutaleb for the completion of the message of Islam, in his last Hajj on 18 Dhu al-Hijjah.

July 6 &7
Christian

Ecclesiastical year begins – Orthodox Christian

The way a Christian Church arranges a calendar of time and sets dates of special importance.

Sept 1Sept 1
Hindu

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 30

Sept   6-7

 Labor Day – Interfaith USASept 6Sept 4
Christian

Nativity of Mary – Christian

A Christian celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary.

Sept 8Sept 8
Christian

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 14Sept 14
 Jewish

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.

Sept 26 -27Sept 15-17
Jain

Paryushana Parva – Jain

Jain 8-day festival 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.

Sept 3Sept 11
Islam

Waqf al Arafa – Hajj – Islam

Begins at sundown. Islamic observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy.

June 27-28June 15-16
Jewish

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.

Sept 24-25Oct 11-12
pagan

Mabon – Wicca/Pagan

Wicca observance of the autumnal equinox when day and night are of equal length. A harvest festival time.

Sept 21-29Sept 21-29
Islam

Eid al Adha – Sacrifice Day – Islam

Begins at sundown. Islamic Festival of Sacrifice. The day after Arafat, the most important day in the Hajj ritual. A three-day festival recalling Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

June 28June 17
Christian

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.

Sept 28Sept 27
Jewish

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.

Sept 20 – Sept 27Sept 29- Oct 6
Christian

Saint Francis Day – 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 4Oct 4
Islam

Arbaeen – Islam

Arbaeen Chehlum is a Shia religious observance that occurs forty days after the Imam Hussain martyrdom on the Day of Ashura when the caravan of the captives came back to Karbala for the first time.

Sept 5
Jewish

Shemini Atzeret – Jewish

Begins at sundown. Jewish completion of the annual cycle of reading of the Torah

Sept 27Oct 6
Jewish

Simchat Torah – Jewish

Begins at sundown. Jewish day to celebrate the reading of the law. Synagogue services involve readings, processions and blessing of the children.

Sept 28Oct 6-8
Hindu

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.

Oct 6Oct 15
Islam

Hijra – New Year – Islam

Begins at sundown. The emigration of Muhammad and his followers to Medina in 615 c.e.

July 18July 7
baha'i

Birth of the Bab – Baha’i

Begins at sundown. Baha’i honoring of the founder of the Babi religion, forerunner to Baha’u’llah and the Baha’i faith.

Oct 26Oct 16
sikh

Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth – Sikh

Sikh scriptures, the Adi Granth, are honored as perpetual Guru.

Oct 20Oct 20
Hindu

Dasara (Dussehra) – Hindu

Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Lord Rama is remembered as winning a victory over evil.

Oct 15Oct 23
Christian

Saint George Day – Christian

Christian remembrance of a person who, in the 4th century, was a martyr and became an ideal of martial valor and selflessness. Legend of killing a dragon is connected with this patron saint of England.

Oct 23Oct 23
Islam

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 27July 16
Christian

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. The date of public observation is the Sunday before October 31.

Oct 25Oct 25
Islam

End of Safar – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the death anniversary of Prophet Muhamamd and martyrdom of Imam Hasan and Imam Reza.

 
Christian

Milvain Bridge Day – Christian

Christian day of solemn reflection on the relationship of the spiritual community and the powers of civil government. On October 28, 312 c.e., Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and proceeded to make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman Empire.

Oct 28Oct 28
Christian

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.

Oct 31Oct 31
Christian

All Saints Day – 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 where saints have special formal status.

Nov 1Nov 1
pagan

Samhain – Beltane – Pagan/Wicca

Wicca celebration of endings and beginnings and of remembering the dead. Revering of elders is also observed. Begins at sundown.

Nov 1Nov 1
Christian

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 2Nov 2
 Veterans Day – Interfaith USANov 11Nov 11
Hindu

Diwali – Hindu – Jain – Sikh

Hindu Festival of Lights symbolizing the human urge to move toward the light. Gift exchanges, fireworks and festive meals.

Nov 4Nov 12
baha'i

Birth of Baha’u’llah – Baha’i

Baha’i celebration of the birth of their founder and teacher. Refrain from work. Begins at sundown.

Oct 27Oct 17
 Nativity Fast Begins – Orthodox ChristianNov 15Nov 15
JainNew Year – JainNov 5Nov 13
Christian

Christ the King – Christian

Christian celebration of the preeminence of Jesus over all earthly authorities.

Nov 22Nov 22
sikh

Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom – Sikh

Sikh time of remembering the execution of Tegh Bahadur by the Moghul Emperor in India.

Nov 24Nov 24
sikh

Guru Nanak Dev Sahib birthday – Sikh

Sikh honoring of the birth of the first Sikh teacher who lived from 1469 – 1539 c.e. Sacred readings, prayers, hymns, meals together.

Nov 19Nov 30
 

Thanksgiving – Interfaith USA

Interfaith celebration of the created earth. Celebrated in the USA.

Nov 25Nov 23
baha'i

Day of the Covenant – Baha’i

Baha’i day of celebration of the covenant given in the last will and testament of Baha’u’llah.

Nov 26Nov 26
baha'i

Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha – Baha’i

Baha’i celebration of the rising of the spirit of Abdu’l-Baha to the heavenly dwelling.

Nov 26Nov 26
Christian

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.

Nov 29Nov 29
ChristianSaint Andrew’s Day – ChristianNov 30Nov 30
Christian

Saint 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 6Dec 6
Jewish

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 18 – Dec 26Dec 7- Dec 15
 Christian

Immaculate – Catholic Christian

Catholic Christian day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was peserved from original sin all of her life. A day of obligation and required church attendance.

Dec 8Dec 8
buddhist

Rohatsu (Bodhi Day) – Buddhist

Buddhist celebration of the enlightenment of Buddha.

Dec 8Dec 8
 Christian

Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe – Catholic Christian

Catholic Christian honoring of a legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531 c.e.

Dec 12Dec 12
Christian

Posadas Navidenas – Christian

Hispanic Christian feast of the Lodgings commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in preparation for the birth of Jesus.

Dec 16 – 25Dec 16 – 25
Christian

Yule – Christian

A Norse Pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun. A present day Wicca event.

Dec 21Dec 21
pagan

Yule – Wicca/Pagan

The festival of the winter-solstice

Dec 21Dec 21
Islam

Mawlid an Nabi – Islam

Islamic commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, in about 570 c.e. The prophet’s teachings are read and religious meetings are held. Shia and Sunni on separate days. Begins at sundown.

Oct 19Sept 26
 Nativity Fast Ends – Orthodox ChristianDec 24Dec 24
Christian

Christmas Eve – Christian

Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle-lighting, manager scenes and festive meals.

Dec 24Dec 24
 Christian

Christmas – Christian

Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.

Dec 25Dec 25
Christian

St. Stephen’s Day – Christian

A day of remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Dec 26Dec 26
Zoroastrian

Zarathosht Diso – Zoroastrian

Zoroastrian anniversary of the death of Prophet Zarathushtra.

Dec 26Dec 26
 

Kwanzaa – Interfaith USA

Seven day spiritual celebration of African-American values and traditions and their continued vitality. “Kwanzaa” is Swahili and means “first fruits of the harvest.”

Dec 26 – Jan 1Dec 26 – Jan 1
 Christian

Holy Innocents – Christian

Christian day of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the attempt to destroy Jesus.

Dec 28Dec 28
Islam

Wiladat Bibi Zaynab bint Ali – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the birthday of Prophet Muhammad’s granddaughter, Bibi Zaynab, who was also representative of the captives’ caravan from Karbala to Damascus.
Some countries recognize this day as Nurse’s day.

 
 New Years Day – Interfaith USAJan 1Jan 1
Christian

Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – Catholic Christian

A celebration of the holiness of Mary as the chosen bearer of Jesus.

Jan 1Jan 1
sikh

Birth of Guru Gobind Singh – Sikh

Anniversary of the birth of the tenth guru.

Jan 5Jan 5
Christian

Epiphany – Christian

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 6Jan 6
sikh

Maghi – Sikh

Commemorates the battle in which 40 Sikhs (the Immortal Ones) laid down their lives for the guru (Guru Gobind Singh).

Jan 13Jan 13
baha'i

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 16Jan 16
 Martin Luther King, Jr. BirthdayJan 16Jan 17
Islam

Fatemiyeh – Islam

The Shia observance is based on the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, lady Fatima.

 
Christian

Clean Monday (Lent Begins) – Orthodox Christian

Period of preparation for Easter, usually 40 days before. Clean Monday signifies the beginning of the Lenten period.

Mar 7Mar 7
Confucian, Daoist, BuddhistLunar New Year – Confucian, Daoist, BuddhistJan 22Jan 22
Christian

Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins) – Christian

Begins Christian Lent; name derives from symbolic use of ashes to signify penitence.

Feb 22Mar 2
ChristianSt. Valentine’s Day – Christian Catholic – Interfaith USAFeb 14Feb 14
Islam

Wiladat Lady Fatmia – 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.

 
buddhist

Nirvana Day – Buddhist

Commemorates the death of Buddha

Feb 15Feb 15
buddhistParinirvana – BuddhistFeb 15Feb 15
 President’s Day – Interfaith USAFeb 20Feb 19
baha'i

Ayyam-i-Ha – Baha’i

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 26 – Mar 1Feb 26-29
baha'i

Nineteen Day Fast Period – Baha’i

A fast to be observed by adult Baha’is in good health from sunrise to sundown.

Mar 2-20Mar 1 – 19
Islam

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.

 
ChristianSt. Patrick’s Day – Catholic ChristianMar 17Mar 17
Christian

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 2March 24
baha'iNaw-Ruz – Baha’i
Nowruz – ZoroastrianThe 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
Mar 21Mar 21
Hindu

Holi – Hindu

Spring festival; a carnival occasion featuring bright colors, pilgrimages and bonfires.

Mar 7Mar 25
Islam

Maba’ath-Islam

The Shia observance is based on the beginning of the Holy Prophet’s mission of propagating the message of Almighty Allah.

 
Jewish

Purim – Jewish

Feast of Lots; celebrates deliverance of Jews of ancient Persians froma plot to destroy them.

Mar 6Mar 23
sikh

Hola Mohalla – Sikh

A day to commemorate the valor and bravery of the Sikhs. This 3-day festival consists of mock battles, music and poetry reading.

Mar 8 
IslamPromised 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.
 
Christian

Maundy Thursday – Christian

Also known as Holy Thursday, this day celebrates the institution of the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) at Jesus’ Last Supper.

April 6March 28
Christian

Good Friday – Christian

The Friday of Jesus’ crucifixion.

April 7March 29
Christian

Easter – Christian

Celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

April 9March 31
Christian

Easter – Orthodox Christian

Celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

April 16April 24
Hindu

Baisakhi/Vaisakhi – Hindu – Sikh

Anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa (the army of the Pure Ones) in 1699.

April 14April 13
Jewish

Pesach (Passover) – Jewish

Marks the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt; “Seder” ceremonies emphasize the concept of freedom.

April 6&7 (begins 5th at sundown), 12 &13April 22
baha'i

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.

April 21 – May 2April 21 – May 2
Christian

Ascension Day – Christian

Celebrates Jesus’ ascent into heaven.

May 26May 26
JewishYom Ha-Sho’ah – JewishApril 27April 17
buddhist

Buddha Day (Visakaha Puja, Wesak) – Buddhist

Celebration of the birth of Buddha in Japan.

May 5May 15
IslamMartyrdom of Imam Ali Ibn Aboutaleb – Islam
The Shia observance is based on the martyrdom of Imam Ali Ibn Aboutaleb, who was assassinated while he was praying at Masjid Al-Kufa on 19 Ramadan and passed away on 21st.
 
Christian

Pentecost – Christian

Fifty days after Easter, this time celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon early Christians following the ascension of Jesus.

May 28May 19
Islam

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.

Mar 7Feb 24
ChristianTrinity Sunday – Protestant ChristianJune 4May 26
Christian

Corpus Christi – Catholic Christian

This is a feast in honor of the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

June 16June 16
baha'i

Ascension of Baha’u’llah – Baha’i

A commemoration of the death of Baha’u’llah.

May 29May 29
 Memorial Day – Interfaith USAMay 29May 27
Islam

Ramadan Begins (US Date) – 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).

Mar. 22-April 21March 10- April 11
Jewish

Shavuot – Jewish

Festival of Weeks; celebrates harvest of first fruits and commemorates the giving of the Torah and Commandments at Mt’ Sinai.

May 25-27June 11-13
sikh

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 16Jun 16
 

Juneteenth – Interfaith USA

Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, it commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery.

June 19June 19
paganSummer Solstice – Pagan/WiccaJune 21June 21
Islam

Lailat al-Qadr – Islam

Night of Destiny. First revelation of Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). Observed during the last ten days of Ramadan.

April 17March 30
 Independence Day – Interfaith USAJuly 4July 4
Islam

Eid al-Fitr – Islam

Festival of the breaking of the fast of Ramadan.

April 21April 9
baha'i

Martyrdom of the B’ab – Baha’i

Anniversary of the martyrdom of the B’ab, the forerunner of Baha’u’llah, in 1850.

July 10July 10
 Untitled

Pioneer Day – Mormon

Observance of the arrival of Brigham Young and the early settlers to Salt Lake City, Utah.

July 24July 24