Religious Observances
12 matches found
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Paryushana is an eight-to-ten day Jain festival of coming together when lay adherents fast and pray, reciting their sacred texts and emphasizing their five ethical duties or vows. The festival ends with Samvatsari, a day of focused prayer and meditation, when forgiveness is asked for offenses committed during the previous year.
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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.
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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.
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Fast of the Seventh Month. Many Jews who celebrate Tzom Gedaliah do so by fasting.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, Bahá'ís gather for an observance called the 19-Day Feast. The First of Mashiyyat (Will) begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. It is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
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Eigth Day of Assembly. Shmini Atzeret has duality as a holy day as it is simultaneously considered to be connected to Sukkot and also a separate festival in its own right. Those observing may do so with prayer. It is encouraged to refrain from work and school during this period. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
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Day of Celebrating the Torah. The main celebrations of Simchat Torah take place in the synagogue during evening and morning services. Jewish students and employees observing Simchat Torah may stay home from work during this period, and some may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.