Cultural & International
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The Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates when Jesus transfigured on the mountaintop which three of his disciples were permitted to witness. Moses and Elijah were also present and witness to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. It is a day of solemn observation. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
The feast commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. Episcopalians observing The Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin will take part in a solemn feast in the Episcopal Church. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
A celebration of the Lord assuming Mary into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. Many Catholics observing Assumption of Mary attend Mass this day. Students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, from sunset of the first day until sunset of the last day, Bahá'ís observing the First of Asma (Names) gather for the 19-Day Feast. There is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion.
The Bond of Protection. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters. Celebrations include sisters and brothers getting together, tying rakhi on wrists, performing aarti, and marking tilak. Brothers promise to protect sisters, sisters feed brothers, and brothers give gifts.
Jewish students or employees often observe Leil Selichot by praying for forgiveness in preparation for the High Holidays.
Hindu students or employees observing Krishna Janmashtami may participate in the two day festival which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, from sunset the day before the day listed until sunset of the day listed, Bahá'ís observing the First of Izzat (Might) gather for the 19-Day Feast. There is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion.
The Jewish New Year, celebrated by praying in synagogue, personal reflection, and hearing the shofar. Work is often prohibited. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
Fast of the Seventh Month. Many Jews who celebrate Tzom Gedaliah do so by fasting.
10 day festival celebrating the birth of Ganesha, son of Shiva. Hindu students or employees may observe Ganesha Chaturthi by chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts, prayers, martial arts, and on the last day with processions, and idol immersion.
Day of Atonement. For Jewish people observing Yom Kippur, the day is often observed by fasting, praying, abstaining from physical pleasures, and refraining from work. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
The Feast of Tabernacles. Actual holy days. Jewish employees observing Sukkot Major may stay home from work during this period, and some may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
The Autumn Equinox is a time for giving thanks and for reflection. At Mabon, the day and the night are equal in length, in sublime balance. For many locations, Mabon coincides with the final harvest of grain, fruits, and vegetables. Mabon, also called Harvest Home, is the time of thanksgiving.
The Feast of Tabernacles. For Jewish employees observing Sukkot Minor, work is often allowed but meals need to be done in the Sukkah. Some may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, from sunset of the first day until sunset of the last day, Bahá'ís observing the First of Mashiyyat (Will) gather for the 19-Day Feast. There is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion.
Eigth Day of Assembly. Part of its duality as a holy day is that it is simultaneously considered to be both connected to Sukkot and also a separate festival in its own right. Jewish employees celebrating Shmini Atzeret may do so with prayers for rain and the beginning of Simchat Torah, and may also stay home from work during this period. Some may request scheduling accommo
Day of Celebrating the Torah. The main celebrations of Simchat Torah take place in the synagogue during evening and morning services. Jewish employees observing Simchat Torah may stay home from work during this period, and some may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
The Navratri commences on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwin. The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during the beginning of October, although as the dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar, the festival may be held for a day more or a day less.
At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, from sunset of the first day until sunset of the last day, Bahá'ís observing the First of 'Ilm (Knowledge) gather for the 19-Day Feast. That is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion.
Dussehra celebrations often include processions to a river or ocean front carrying clay statues, accompanied by music and chants, after which the images are immersed into the water for dissolution and a goodbye. The festival also starts the preparation for one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals, Diwali.
This day commemorates the birth of the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by many Sikhs as the final, sovereign and eternal living Guru following the lineage of the ten human Gurus of the religion.
Samhain marks the Pagan New Year, a time for honoring the dead, cleansing, and releasing. For many Wiccans, Samhain is the most important Sabbat. It’s the time to remember the ancestors, and the time to celebrate the harvest and all that has been accomplished over the year.
A solemn feast that celebrates all of the saints, both known and unknown. Many Episcopal churches observe this feast on the first Sunday immediately following November 1. Catholics are often obligated to attend Mass this day.
A feast day that commemorates the souls of the faithful departed. In Episcopal Churches, the names of those from the congregation who have died in the past year are read aloud during the service on this day, or on All Saints’ Sunday.
At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, from sunset of the first day until sunset of the last day, Bahá'ís observing First of Qudrat (Power) gather for the 19-Day Feast. That is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion.
Ethiopian Jewish holiday occurring 50 days after Yom Kippur. Many members of the community fast, recite Psalms, and gather in Jerusalem for readings. The ritual is often followed by the breaking of the fast, dancing, and general revelry. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
Diwali or The Festival of Lights is a major holiday. Extending over 5 days, it celebrates the victory of good over evil. Celebrations include millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples, and other buildings. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
Celebrating the founder of Bábism, and one of three central figures of the Azali and Bahá'í Faiths. Bahá'í students or employees observing the Birth of the Báb may stay home from work during this period, and some may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
This holy day celebrates the birth of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. Bahá'ís observing the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh may stay home from work during this period, and some may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
This day commemorates the birth of the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by many Sikhs as the final, sovereign and eternal living Guru following the lineage of the ten human Gurus of the religion. Students or employees may request scheduling adjustments in order to observe.
When the rivers and canals are full of water, this festival takes place in all parts of Thailand on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. Bowls made with leaves, candles, and incense sticks, are placed in the water, and represent bad luck disappearing.
The Sunday culminating the full, annual cycle of religious celebrations, marking the end of the liturgical year with a celebration of Jesus as King of all creation. Catholics celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King usually do so with a feast.
At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, from sunset of the first day until sunset of the last day, Bahá'ís observing the First of Qawl (Speech) gather for the 19-Day Feast. That is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion.
Passages from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Scriptures of Sikh Gurus, are read out loud during the day, and lectures are organized to preach and teach the scriptures, especially the ones of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Sikhs celebrating the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib gather at the gurdwaras, the places of worship for Sikhs, and sing hymns while dancing in joy.
The Day of the Covenant celebrates the appointment of `Abdu'l-Bahá as the Centre of Baha'u'llah's Covenant.
Commemorates the passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the eldest son and successor of Baha'u'llah.
The season of the Church year immediately preceding Christmas, featuring four solemn Sundays of worship. The season is often observed as an opportunity to prepare for both Christmas and the second coming of Christ as Judge at the Last Day.
Celebrates the Jewish rebellion against the Greeks and the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. Celebrated by lighting candles each night, singing special songs, reciting prayers, eating foods fried in oil, playing the dreidel game, and giving Chanukah gelt. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
A celebration of God's unique redemption of Mary at the point of her conception in her mother's womb, preserving her from the burden of original sin and providing her with a holiness consistent with her destined role of bearing the Son of God. Catholics observing Immaculate Conception may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
Bodhi Day commemorates the Buddha's achievement of Nirvana, and what this means for Buddhism today. Those observing may do so through additional meditation, study of the Dharma, chanting of Buddhist texts (sutras), or performing kind acts towards other beings. Some Buddhists celebrate with a traditional meal of tea, cake, and readings.
At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, from sunset of the first day until sunset of the last day, Bahá'ís observing the First of Masa'il (Questions) gather for the 19-Day Feast. There is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion.
Fast Commemorating the Siege of Jerusalem. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
Winter Solstice. Yule is the longest night and the shortest day of the year, and is the time to celebrate the return of the light. Some Wiccans consider Yule to be either the year’s beginning or the end. Yule is the solar turning of the tides, and the newborn Sun offers a fresh start and, literally, a new day. It’s a time of renewal and hope.
The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ, which celebrates the Incarnation of God taking on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by erecting Christmas trees, decorating homes, visiting family and friends and exchanging gifts. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, from sunset of the first day until sunset of the last day, Bahá'ís observing First of Sharaf (Honor) gather for the 19-Day Feast. There is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion.