Religious Holidays & Observances Calendar

SHOGATSU / GANTAN-SAI • Shinto
Japanese New Year observance. Many practitioners visit a shrine to pray to the kami for good fortune in the coming year and make New Year’s resolutions.

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD / FEAST OF ST. BASIL / FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS • Catholic Christianity
Celebration honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Some Christian traditions also observe the Feast of St. Basil and the Holy Name of Jesus on this date.

MAHAYANA NEW YEAR • Buddhism
A time for meditation, prayer and self-reflection in Mahayana Buddhist traditions. 

GURU GOBIND SINGH JAYANTI • Sikhism
Honors the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, celebrated for his spiritual leadership and the founding of the Khalsa.

TWELFTH NIGHT • Christianity
Conclusion of the Twelve Days of Christmas and the eve of Epiphany.

EPIPHANY / THREE KINGS DAY / DÍA DE LOS REYES MAGOS • Christianity
Feast commemorating the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus.

THEOPHANY • Orthodox Christianity
Commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, revealing Him as the Son of God and the Holy Trinity.

ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS DAY • Orthodox Christianity
Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar. 

COPTIC CHRISTMAS • Coptic Christianity
Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in the Coptic Christian tradition. 

BAPTISM OF THE LORD JESUS • Christianity
Commemoration of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist. 

SEIJIN NO HI • Shinto
Coming of Age Day in Japan, honoring those who have reached adulthood in the current year. 

MAGHI • Sikhism
Commemorates the martyrdom of the Chali Mukte, the 40 Sikh warriors who died defending Guru Gobind Singh.

MAKAR SANKRANTI • Hinduism
Festival celebrating the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn
(Makar), marking the arrival of longer days and the harvest season.

LAILAT AL-MIRAJ begins at sundown • Islam
Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension into heaven.

FEAST OF ST. ANTHONY THE ABBOT / BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS • Christianity
Observance in which domestic animals and pets may be blessed in recognition of their importance in people’s lives.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY • Christianity
Ecumenical observance focused on prayer for unity among Christian churches. 

WORLD RELIGION DAY • Bahá’í Faith
Day dedicated to the unity and oneness of the world’s religions.

TIMKAT • Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
Commemoration of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.

THEOPHANY • Orthodox Christianity
Celebration of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist according to the Julian calendar.

VASANT PANCHAMI • Hinduism
Holy festival dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati.

CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL • Christianity
Observance honoring the conversion of Paul the Apostle and his later ministry as a follower of Jesus.

TRIODION BEGINS • Orthodox Christianity
Beginning of the liturgical period leading up to Great Lent and Pascha. 

TU B'SHEVAT • Judaism
The New Year of the Trees, marking the coming of spring in Israel. It is often observed by planting trees and eating fruit.

PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE • Christianity
Remembrance of the infant Jesus being brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. 

LAYLAT AL-BARA'AH begins at sundown • Islam
A significant night of prayer and repentance when many Muslims seek forgiveness and reflect on God’s mercy. The exact date may vary based on moon sighting.

SETSUBUN-SAI • Shinto
Celebration of the traditional beginning of spring and the end of winter. 

NIRVANA DAY • Buddhism
Celebrates when the Buddha passed away, thereby achieving complete Nirvana.

MAHA SHIVRATRI • Hinduism
Festival honoring Lord Shiva, often observed with prayer, fasting and night vigil. 

LUNAR NEW YEAR • Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism
Celebrates the beginning of the Chinese Calendar.

SHROVE TUESDAY (FAT TUESDAY) • Christianity
Carnival day on the eve of Ash Wednesday.

RAMADAN begins at sundown • Islam
Month of daily fasting commemorating the revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad.

ASH WEDNESDAY • Christianity
Marks the beginning of Lent, the 40 days of fasting leading up to Easter.

CLEAN MONDAY/ASH MONDAY • Orthodox Christianity
The beginning of Great Lent for Eastern Christian churches.

AYYÁM-I-HA begins at sundown • Baháʼí Faith
The “intercalary days” leading up to the last month of the Baháʼí year.

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY • Orthodox Christianity
The first Sunday of Lent, commemorating the restoration of icons in the Church.

NINETEEN DAY FAST begins at sundown • Baháʼí Faith
Period of fasting and spiritual reflection lasting nineteen days.

TA'ANIT ESTHER • Judaism
Fast observed on Purim eve, commemorating the fast of the Jewish people in the story of Purim.

PURIM begins at sundown • Judaism
Jewish holiday celebrating Queen Esther’s bravery in saving her people.

SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL • Confucianism / Taoism / Buddhism
Marks the final day of Lunar New Year celebrations.

MAGHA PUJA DAY • Theravada Buddhism
Celebration of an important teaching given by the Buddha to an assembly of holy followers.

HOLI • Hinduism
Festival celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

HOLA MOHALLA • Sikhism
Spring festival featuring martial displays, music and poetry.

LAILAT AL-QADR begins at sundown • Islam
The “Night of Power,” commemorating the first revelation of the Qur'an.

Celebration marking the end of Ramadan. The exact date may vary by moon sighting.

RAMAYANA WEEK • Hinduism
A devotional observance honoring the life and virtues of Lord Rama.

NAVRATRI • Hinduism
Nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, celebrating the victory of good over evil.

NAW-RÚZ/NOWRUZ begins at sundown • Bahá'í Faith / Zoroastrianism
Marks the new year at the spring equinox.

ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY • Christianity
Feast commemorating the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus.

RAMA NAVAMI • Hinduism
Celebration of the birth of Lord Rama.

PALM SUNDAY • Christianity
Commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

MAHAVIR JAYANTI • Jainism
Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir.

HANUMAN JAYANTI • Hinduism
Celebration honoring Hanuman, whose devotion, strength and selfless service are especially remembered.

PESACH (PASSOVER) begins at sundown • Judaism
Commemorates the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt.

LORD'S EVENING MEAL • Jehovah's Witnesses
Memorial commemoration of the death of Jesus Christ.

MAUNDY THURSDAY/HOLY THURSDAY • Christianity
Commemorates the Last Supper.

GOOD FRIDAY / HOLY FRIDAY • Christianity / Orthodox Christianity
Remembrance of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

LAZARUS SATURDAY • Orthodox Christianity
Celebration of the raising of Lazarus by Jesus.

EASTER • Christianity
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.

QINGMING FESTIVAL • Taoism / Confucianism
Also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, this observance marks the onset of spring and is a time to remember ancestors.

FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Commemoration of the formal organization of the Church on April 6, 1830.

FLOWER FESTIVAL • Mahayana Buddhism
Celebration of the Buddha’s birth.

EASTERN ORTHODOX EASTER • Orthodox Christianity
Holy day commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Orthodox Christian traditions.

PASCHA/ORTHODOX EASTER • Orthodox Christianity
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, based on the Julian calendar and observed on a different date than Western Easter.

THERAVADA NEW YEAR • Buddhism
Buddhist New Year observance marked by meditation, self-reflection and renewal.

YOM HA SHOAH • Judaism
Holocaust Remembrance Day, established to remember the six million Jews killed by the Nazi regime.

VAISAKHI • Sikhism / Hinduism
In Sikhism, this day commemorates the founding of the Khalsa. It is also widely celebrated as a spring harvest festival and new year observance in some Hindu traditions. 

KHMER NEW YEAR (CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR) • Buddhism
New year celebration observed after the harvest season, marked by gratitude, family gatherings and preparation for the rainy season. 

RIDVÁN begins at sundown • Baháʼí Faith
Twelve-day festival commemorating Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration.

YOM HA'ATZMAUT • Judaism
Israeli Independence Day, observed by many Jewish communities around the world.

NINTH DAY OF RIDVÁN • Bahá'í Faith
Holy day of Ridván commemorating a significant event during Bahá’u’lláh’s stay in the Garden of Ridvá

VESAK DAY • Buddhism
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha in many Buddhist traditions. Some communities observe Vesak on different dates.

TWELFTH DAY OF RIDVÁN • Bahá'í Faith
Final day of the twelve-day festival celebrating Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration of his mission. 

CHONGMYO TAEJE • Confucianism
Confucian memorial ceremony honoring the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. It is traditionally held on the first Sunday in May.

LAG BAOMER • Judaism
A joyful day during the Omer period that briefly interrupts the traditional semi-mourning. 

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER • Interfaith
U.S. observance encouraging prayer among people of all faiths.

WORLD FALUN DAFA DAY • Falun Dafa
Celebration recognizing the spiritual discipline introduced in China in 1992.

ASCENSION OF JESUS / ASCENSION DAY • Christianity
Remembrance of Jesus’ ascension into heaven after his resurrection. In Western Christianity, this is observed 40 days after Easter.

SHAVUOT begins at sundown • Judaism
Commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

ASCENSION DAY • Orthodox Christianity
Remembrance of Jesus’ ascension into heaven in Orthodox Christian tradition.

May 23-24

DECLARATION OF THE BÁB begins at sundown • Baháʼí Faith
Holy day celebrating the birth of the Báb.

May 24

PENTECOST • Christianity
Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and marks the birth of the Christian Church.

May 25-26

DAY OF ARAFAT begins at sundown • Islam
Observance during Hajj when pilgrims gather in prayer and seek forgiveness and mercy. The exact date can vary by moon sighting.

EID AL-ADHA begins at sundown • Islam
Festival of Sacrifice honoring Ibrahim’s devotion.

ASCENSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH begins at sundown • Baháʼí Faith
Commemorates the passing of Bahá’u’lláh.

TRINITY SUNDAY • Christianity
Celebration honoring the Holy Trinity: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

PENTECOST • Orthodox Christianity
Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles in Orthodox Christian tradition.

CORPUS CHRISTI • Catholic Christianity
Celebration of the presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS • Catholic Christianity
Occasion to honor Christ’s deep and abiding love for humanity.

RACE UNITY DAY • Bahá'í Faith
Day promoting racial harmony, unity and understanding.

HIJRI NEW YEAR / MUHARRAM begins at sundown • Islam
Marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year and the first month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date may vary by moon sighting.

GURU ARJUN MARTYRDOM • Sikhism
Observance honoring Guru Arjun, the first Sikh martyr, whose death shaped Sikh history and tradition.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL • Taoism
Chinese festival associated with loyalty, filial devotion and remembrance of the poet Qu Yuan.

EID AL-GHADEER • Islam
Commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon and the appointment of Ali as his successor in Shia Islam.

NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST • Christianity
Feast commemorating the birth of John the Baptist, observed in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and some Protestant traditions.

ASHURA • Islam
Observance marking the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

TZOM TAMMUZ • Judaism
Fast day commemorating the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple.

MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB • Baháʼí Faith
Commemorates the execution of the Báb, the forerunner of the Baháʼí Faith.

TISHA B'AV • Judaism
A day of mourning and fasting remembering the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is also a time for reflection on Jewish history and hope for the future.

BIRTH OF THE EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE • Rastafari
Birthday of Haile Selassie, a revered figure in the Rastafari tradition.

PIONEER DAY • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Observance commemorating the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley.

ASALHA PUJA DAY • Buddhism
Also known as Dhamma Day, this observance marks the Buddha’s first sermon and the beginning of the Buddhist community. 

LAMMAS • Christianity
Short for “Loaf Mass,” this traditional festival gives thanks to God for the first harvest of the season.

DORMITION FAST • Orthodox Christianity
A two-week period of prayer, repentance and fasting. This fast honors the final days of Mary, the Mother of God, as she prepared to leave her earthly life and enter heaven.

TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD • Orthodox Christianity
Observance of the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor in the presence of his disciples according to the Gregorian or New Calendar.

ASSUMPTION DAY • Catholic Christianity
Commemoration of the assumption of Mary, the mother of Jesus, into heaven.

DORMITION OF THE VIRGIN MARY • Orthodox Christianity
Observance of the death, burial and being taken into heaven of the Virgin Mary.

OBON • Japanese Buddhism
Observance during which ancestral spirits are believed to return to visit the world. Offerings and remembrances are made in their honor.

MARCUS GARVEY'S BIRTHDAY • Rastafari
Celebration honoring the birth of Marcus Garvey.

TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD • Orthodox Christianity
Observance of the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor in the presence of his disciples according to the Julian or Old Calendar.

GANESH CHATURTHI • Hinduism
Festival celebrating the birth of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and new beginnings.

MAWLID AL-NABI begins at sundown • Islam
Observance commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, marked by prayers, reflection and remembrance of his life and teachings.

GHOST FESTIVAL • Taoism / East Asian traditions
The gates of the spirit world are believed to open, and offerings are made to honor and comfort wandering spirits. 

RAKSHA BANDHAN • Hinduism
Festival honoring the loving bond between brothers and sisters in a family. 

ECCLESIASTICAL NEW YEAR • Orthodox Christianity
Beginning of the liturgical year in Orthodox Christianity. Some communities following the Julian calendar also refer to this as the church new year.

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI • Hinduism
Celebrates the birth of Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu.

NATIVITY OF THE VIRGIN MARY • Christianity
Celebration of the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

PARYUSHANA PARVA • Jainism
Eight-day festival focused on reflection, forgiveness and spiritual growth.

ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR • Rastafari / Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
First day of the new year in the Ethiopian calendar. 

ROSH HASHANAH begins at sundown • Judaism
The Jewish New Year, focused on reflection, repentance and renewal.

GANESH CHATURTHI • Hinduism
Festival honoring Ganesha, associated with wisdom, prosperity and success.

TZOM GEDALIAH • Judaism
Fast from dawn until dusk commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah after the destruction of the First Temple. 

SAMVATSARI • Jainism
Final day of Paryushan, observed as a day of forgiveness, reflection and reconciliation.

YOM KIPPUR begins at sundown • Judaism
The Day of Atonement, a solemn day of fasting, prayer and seeking forgiveness.

NAVARATRI • Hinduism
Nine-night festival honoring the divine feminine and celebrating the victory of good over evil.

SUKKOT begins at sundown • Judaism
A week-long harvest festival commemorating the Israelites’ time in the wilderness.

MESKEL • Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
Commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena. 

CONFUCIUS' BIRTHDAY • Confucianism
Observance honoring the birth of Confucius. 

SHEMINI ATZERET begins at sundown • Judaism
Assembly marking the conclusion of Sukkot.

SIMCHAT TORAH begins at sundown • Judaism
Celebrates the completion and restart of the annual Torah reading cycle.

DUSSEHRA / VIJAYA DASHAMI • Hinduism
Prominent Hindu festival commemorating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. 

BIRTH OF THE BÁB begins at sundown • Baháʼí Faith
Celebrates the birth of the Báb, who prepared the way for the Baháʼí Faith.

BIRTH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH begins at sundown • Baháʼí Faith
Commemorates the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Baháʼí Faith.

REFORMATION DAY • Christianity
Commemorates the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.

ALL SAINTS DAY • Christianity
Honors all saints in the Christian tradition.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS • Cultural
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a tradition rooted in Mexico in which families remember loved ones who have died, often with decorated altars and offerings.

ALL SOULS' DAY • Catholic Christianity
Commemoration of the souls of Christians who have died.

DIWALI • Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism
Festival of lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

NATIVITY FAST • Orthodox Christianity
Period of abstinence and penance in preparation for the birth of Jesus.

CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY • Christianity
Feast celebrating the authority of Christ above all earthly powers.

BON OM TOUK • Buddhism
Also known as the Water Festival, this annual celebration marks the end of the rainy season and is associated with the full moon and hopes for an abundant harvest. 

GURU NANAK DEV JI JAYANTI • Sikhism
Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

MARTYRDOM OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR • Sikhism
Commemoration of the death of Guru Tegh Bahadur. 

CORONATION OF EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE • Rastafari
Celebration of the anniversary of the coronation of Haile Selassie, a central figure in the Rastafari tradition.

DAY OF THE COVENANT • Bahá'í Faith
Celebration of the covenant named in the will and testament of Bahá'u'lláh.

ASCENSION OF 'ABDU'L-BAHÁ • Bahá'í Faith
Commemoration of the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and the ascent of his spirit to the heavenly realm.

ADVENT SUNDAY • Christianity
Marks the beginning of the Advent season leading up to Christmas.

CHANUKAH (HANUKKAH) begins at sundown • Judaism
Eight-day festival of lights celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple.

ST. NICHOLAS DAY • Christianity
Celebration of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children and a model for gift-giving. 

CHALICA • Unitarian Universalism
Week-long celebration centered on Unitarian Universalist principles. 

BODHI DAY • Buddhism
Celebrates the day the Buddha attained enlightenment.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY • Catholic Christianity
Celebration of the belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE • Catholic Christianity
Honors the traditional appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531. 

LAS POSADAS NAVIDEÑAS • Hispanic Christianity
Nine-day religious observance during which families participate in nightly processions reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

FAST OF TEVET 10 • Judaism
Fast commemorating the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. 

CHRISTMAS EVE • Christianity
Celebrates the eve of the birth of Jesus Christ.

CHRISTMAS DAY • Christianity
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

ZARATHOSHT NO-DISO • Zoroastrianism
Anniversary of the death of the Prophet Zarathustra.

KWANZAA • Black American Cultural Holiday
Week-long celebration honoring African heritage, culture and community.

HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY • Catholic Christianity
Celebration honoring Jesus, Mary and Joseph as a family. 

HOLY INNOCENTS' DAY • Christianity
Day commemorating the children killed by King Herod in Bethlehem in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus. 

WATCH NIGHT • Christianity
Occasion to thank God for bringing people safely through another year and to prepare spiritually for the next.