Religious Observances

Mount Holyoke College has provided this list In support of our religiously diverse student population. Note that this list is not exhaustive. The Upcoming Observances tab shows the next 100 observances. The other tabs show observances for the three months as they are labeled.


We are indebted to the Multifaith Action Society and Kerry Maloney, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life at Harvard Divinity School for their collective efforts to provide an invaluable resource to us.

Ḥanukkah

Sun, Dec 10, 2023

The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 B.C.E., which...

Ḥanukkah

Mon, Dec 11, 2023

The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 B.C.E., which...

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Tue, Dec 12, 2023

Commemorates the day on which Guadalupana (the Virgin of Guadalupe) appeared to San Juan Diego and her image appeared on his tilma (apron). The miraculous roses Juan Diego found and carried to the...

Ḥanukkah

Tue, Dec 12, 2023

The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 B.C.E., which...

Ḥanukkah

Wed, Dec 13, 2023

The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 B.C.E., which...

Ḥanukkah

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 B.C.E., which...

Last Day of Ḥanukkah

Fri, Dec 15, 2023

The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 B.C.E., which...

Yule

Fri, Dec 22, 2023

This day, which marks the New Year in the Anglo-Saxon and northern traditions of Wicca, is the celebration of the birth of the God as the Winter-born King, symbolized by the rebirth of the...

Christmas Day

Mon, Dec 25, 2023

Christmas celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus. Christmas is given more importance in Western Christianity than in Eastern. College offices are closed. Accommodation may be required...

Death Anniversary of Zarathustra

Tue, Dec 26, 2023

The anniversary of the death of Zarathustra (Zoroaster), the founder of the Zoroastrian faith. His dates are uncertain: the ancient Greeks dated him at ca. 6000 BCE. Modern scholarship suggests he...

Ghambar Maidyarem begins

Sun, Dec 31, 2023

This period (December 31 - January 4) celebrates the creation of animals. It is also the time for equitable sharing of food.

Ghambar Maidyarem ends

Thu, Jan 4, 2024

Begins December 31 and runs to January 4. Ghambar Maidyarem celebrates the creation of animals and is a time for an equitable sharing of food.

Birthdate of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666 - 1708)

Fri, Jan 5, 2024

The tenth and final Sikh Guru, he created the Khalsa, the Fellowship of the Pure, and declared the Scriptures, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, to be the Sikh's Guru from that time on.

Armenian Christmas

Sat, Jan 6, 2024

The Armenian Orthodox Church celebrates the nativity of Jesus on Epiphany. Accommodation Possible may be required for this observance/holy day. Suspension of work/classes may be requested by...

Epiphany (W)

Sat, Jan 6, 2024

Known as the Feast of Theophany (appearance of God) in Orthodox churches, the Feast of Epiphany (appearance or manifestation) comes 12 days after Christmas and closes the Christmas season with a...

Theophany (E - New Calendar)

Sat, Jan 6, 2024

Known as the Feast of Theophany (appearance of God) in Orthodox churches, the Feast of Epiphany (appearance or manifestation) comes 12 days after Christmas and closes the Christmas season with a...

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Thu, Jan 18, 2024

An international Christian ecumenical observance kept annually between January 18 - 25. It is actually an octave, that is, an observance lasting eight days. See:...

Theophany (E - Old / Julian Calendar)

Fri, Jan 19, 2024

Those Orthodox churches which follow the Old (Julian) Calendar, according to which Christmas falls on January 7, celebrate the Feast of Theophany on January 19. It commemorates the appearance of...

Eve of Tu B'Shevat

Wed, Jan 24, 2024

Observance begins at sundown. One of four New Year's days, Tu B'Shevat (the 15th day of the month of Shevat) is the New Year's Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing...

Tu B'Shevat

Thu, Jan 25, 2024

One of four New Year's days, Tu B'Shevat (the 15th day of the month of Shevat) is the New Year's Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Nowadays, it is a...

Imbolc

Fri, Feb 2, 2024

Also called Imbolg, Candlemas, Brigantia, The Feast of the Waxing Light, and Oimelc. Imbolc celebrates the increasing strength of the God, given as the first and greatest gift of the Goddess. Many...

Losar - Tibetan New Year

Sat, Feb 10, 2024

Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days.

Shrove Tuesday (W)

Tue, Feb 13, 2024

Shrove Tuesday occurs the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Roman Catholic Church. "Shrove" is the past tense of the word "shrive," which means to hear a confession, assign...

Ash Wednesday (W)

Wed, Feb 14, 2024

The beginning of Lent, the forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Wed, Feb 14, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Vasanta Panchami

Wed, Feb 14, 2024

A North Indian celebration, Vasanta Panchami is associated with Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning and with Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth.

Lent

Thu, Feb 15, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Nehan-e (Nirvana Day)

Thu, Feb 15, 2024

Memorial of the historical Buddha passing away. (Mahayana) Japan, North America

Lent

Fri, Feb 16, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Sat, Feb 17, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Sun, Feb 18, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Mon, Feb 19, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Tue, Feb 20, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Wed, Feb 21, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Thu, Feb 22, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Fri, Feb 23, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Sat, Feb 24, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Sun, Feb 25, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Mon, Feb 26, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Tue, Feb 27, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Wed, Feb 28, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Thu, Feb 29, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Fri, Mar 1, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

World Day of Prayer

Fri, Mar 1, 2024

A world-wide annual day of prayer hosted by women from Protestant, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic traditions. Celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March. Every year,...

Lent

Sat, Mar 2, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Sun, Mar 3, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Mon, Mar 4, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Tue, Mar 5, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Wed, Mar 6, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Thu, Mar 7, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Fri, Mar 8, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Mahashivaratri

Fri, Mar 8, 2024

Dedicated to Shiva, one of the major deities to whom Hindus direct their devotion. The night before the feast, Hindus recite texts, sing, and tell stories in honour of this God whose dynamic cosmic...

Lent

Sat, Mar 9, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Sun, Mar 10, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Mon, Mar 11, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Lent

Tue, Mar 12, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān begins

Tue, Mar 12, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Lent

Wed, Mar 13, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Wed, Mar 13, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Lent

Thu, Mar 14, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Thu, Mar 14, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Lent

Fri, Mar 15, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Fri, Mar 15, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Ghambar Hamaspath-maedem begins

Sat, Mar 16, 2024

Occurs on the intercalary days (March 16 - 20) and celebrates the creation of human beings and commemorates passed souls.

Lent

Sat, Mar 16, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Sat, Mar 16, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Lent

Sun, Mar 17, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Sun, Mar 17, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Great Fast begins (E)

Mon, Mar 18, 2024

First day of The Great Fast (or the Great Lent), the 40 day period prior to the beginning of Holy Week, ending with Lazarus Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday (Eastern Churches).

Lent

Mon, Mar 18, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Mon, Mar 18, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Lent

Tue, Mar 19, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Tue, Mar 19, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Ghambar Hamaspath-maedem ends

Wed, Mar 20, 2024

Occurs on the intercalary days (March 16 - 20) and celebrates the creation of human beings and commemorates passed souls.

Lent

Wed, Mar 20, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Naw-Rúz

Wed, Mar 20, 2024

Bahá’í New Year. Bahá’ís feast and celebrate during the evening. The first month of the Bahá’í year is Bahá’ (Splendour).

Ostara

Wed, Mar 20, 2024

Celebrates the return of the Goddess-as-Maiden, the courting of the Goddess by the God, and the reawakening of the seeds within the earth.

Ramaḍān

Wed, Mar 20, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Lent

Thu, Mar 21, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Now Ruz

Thu, Mar 21, 2024

Now Ruz (New Day) is New Year's day for 1389 AY or 3758 AZ in the Fasli (seasonal) calendar. It celebrates the renewal of the world and the creation of fire (symbolic of Asha or righteousness)....

Ramaḍān

Thu, Mar 21, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Eve of Purim

Fri, Mar 22, 2024

(Feast of Lots) Observance begins at sundown. Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them as related in the Book of Esther, which is read at this time. Purim is...

Lent

Fri, Mar 22, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Fri, Mar 22, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Lent

Sat, Mar 23, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Purim

Sat, Mar 23, 2024

(Feast of Lots) Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them as related in the Book of Esther, which is read at this time. Purim is a joyous holiday, celebrated...

Ramaḍān

Sat, Mar 23, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Holy Week begins (W)

Sun, Mar 24, 2024

Holy Week begins in the Western Churches on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter.

Lent

Sun, Mar 24, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Sun, Mar 24, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Holi

Mon, Mar 25, 2024

A religious spring festival celebrated by people throwing colourful powder and coloured water at each other. Holi is dedicated to Krishna or Kama.

Lent

Mon, Mar 25, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Mon, Mar 25, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...

Birth Anniversary of Zarathustra

Tue, Mar 26, 2024

The birth anniversary of the Prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), who was born at the beginning of the first millennium BCE. It is one of the most important Zoroastrian festivals.

Lent

Tue, Mar 26, 2024

The forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. (Western Churches).

Ramaḍān

Tue, Mar 26, 2024

Ramaḍān is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and...