Events Calendar
Religious Observances

Mount Holyoke College has provided this list In support of our religiously diverse student population. Note that this list is not exhaustive.

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.

Upcoming Observances

Christian Cross

Lent

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

2/26
Star of David

Purim

(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....

2/26
Bahá’í star

12th Day of Riḍván

The 12th Day of Riḍván concludes this important Bahá'í festival.

3/1
Mount Holyoke Sign for Generic Use

World Day of Prayer

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...

3/5
Hindu Om

Mahashivaratri

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...

3/12
Christian Cross

Great Fast begins (E)

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...

3/15
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Hamaspath-maedem begins

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

3/16
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Hamaspath-maedem ends

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

3/20
Pagan/Wiccan Pentacle

Ostara

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.

3/20
Zarathushti symbol

Now Ruz

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...

3/21
Zarathushti symbol

Birth Anniversary of Zarathustra

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...

3/26
Star of David

Eve of Passover (Pesach)

Observance begins at sundown. Commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and...

3/27
Star of David

First Day of Passover (Pesach)

Commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home,...

3/28
Hindu Om

Holi

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

3/28
Christian Cross

Holy Week begins (W)

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

3/28
Christian Cross

Palm Sunday (W)

Celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. (Western Calendar)

3/28
Christian Cross

Maundy (Holy) Thursday (W)

Celebrates the institution of the Lord's Supper by Jesus.

4/1
Christian Cross

Holy (Good) Friday (W)

Commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ, i.e., his submission to death by crucifixion. Accommodation Possible for special worship may be required for this...

4/2
Christian Cross

Holy Saturday (W)

The final day of Lent, of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum Ñ Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It is a day of vigil in preparation for Easter....

4/3
Star of David

Seventh Day of Passover (Pesach)

Commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home,...

4/3
Christian Cross

Easter (W)

Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. It initiates the fifty-day period culminating in Pentecost.

4/4
Star of David

Eighth Day of Passover (Pesach)

Commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home,...

4/4
Christian Cross

Easter Monday (E)

In many Eastern Orthodox Churches, Easter Monday is a day for religious reflection.

4/5
Star of David

Eve of Yom HaShoah

(Holocaust Remembrance Day) Observance begins at sundown. Memorializes the six milliion Jews who died as victims of the Nazis during World War II and...

4/7
Star of David

Yom HaShoah

(Holocaust Remembrance Day) Memorializes the six milliion Jews who died as victims of the Nazis during World War II and emphasizes respect for human dignity....

4/8
Islamic Mosaic

Ramaḍān begins

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....

4/13
Mount Holyoke Sign for Generic Use

Saka New Year

Observed over two days, the Saka calendar's New Year's Day is a religious and cultural celebration for Sinhalese, Indians, Burmese, Kampucheans, Laotians and...

4/13
Islamic Mosaic

Ramaḍān

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....

4/14
Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is important for Sikhs because on this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, removed the clerical system from Sikhism. Thus he...

4/14
Hindu Om

Vaisakhi (Solar New Year)

The first day of the solar year, Vaisakhi celebrates the harvest. It is especially important in North India. Vaisakhi, as a Hindu festival, is celebrated in...

4/14
Bahá’í star

First Day of Riḍván

The Festival of Riḍván, termed by Bahá’u’lláh the “Most Great Festival” and the “King of Festivals”, commemorates the 12 days that Bahá’u’lláh spent in the...

4/20
Hindu Om

Ramanavami

Celebrates the birthday of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the God Vishnu. During the previous eight days, Hindus read the Ramayana, a Hindu epic, which...

4/21
Christian Cross

Lazarus Saturday (E)

(Eastern Calendar) Commemorates the raising of Lazarus from the dead by Jesus (John 11:1-45). It is a day of both death and life, marking the final great...

4/24
Mahavira Jayanti

Mahavira Jayanti

Celebrates the birthday of Lord Mahavira (Great Hero), the 24th Tirthankara (and the last of this time cycle).

4/25
Christian Cross

Palm Sunday (E)

(Eastern Calendar) Celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

4/25
Christian Cross

Holy Week begins (E)

Holy Week begins in the Eastern Churches the day after Palm Sunday and ends on Holy Friday.

4/26
Bahá’í star

Ninth Day of Riḍván

The 9th Day of Riḍván is when Bahá’u’lláh’s family joined Him at the garden of Riḍván in Baghdad.

4/28
Christian Cross

Holy Thursday (E)

Celebrates the institution of the Lord's Supper by Jesus.

4/29
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Maidyozarem

Ghambar Maidyozarem (April 30 - May 4) celebrates the creation of sky and the harvesting of the winter crop.

4/30
Christian Cross

Holy Friday (E)

Commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ, i.e., his submission to death by crucifixion. Accommodation Possible for special worship may be required for this...

4/30
Pagan/Wiccan Pentacle

Beltane

Also called Beltain, May Eve [April 30] and May Day, Beltane celebrates the conjoining of the infinite potential of the Goddess with the life-sparking energy...

5/1
Christian Cross

Holy Saturday (E)

The final day of Lent, of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum Ñ Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It is a day of vigil in preparation for Easter....

5/1
Christian Cross

Pascha (E)

(Orthodox Easter) Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. It initiates the fifty-day period culminating in Pentecost.

5/2
Islamic Mosaic

Laylat al-Qadr

Also known as the, Night of Power, Laylat al-Qadr commemorates the first revelation of the Qur'an (Islamic scriptures) to Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE....

5/8
Christian Cross

Ascension (W)

The anniversary of Jesus's ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes forty days after Easter.

5/13
Islamic Mosaic

Eid Al Fitr

Literally the Festival of Breaking the Fast, Eid Al Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or...

5/14
Sikh New Year's Day

Sikh New Year's Day

Beginning of the year 552 of the Nanakshahi era.

5/14
Star of David

First Day of Shavuot

(Feast of Weeks) Shavuot marks the conclusion of the seven weeks following Passover. It is a celebration of the harvest of first fruits and commemorates the...

5/17
Star of David

Second (Last) Day of Shavuot

(Feast of Weeks) Shavuot marks the conclusion of the seven weeks following Passover. It is a celebration of the harvest of first fruits and commemorates the...

5/18
Bahá’í star

Declaration of The Báb

The birth anniversary of The Báb (Herald of the new age for Bahá'ís). His shrine is at the Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa, Israel.

5/23
Christian Cross

Pentecost (W)

Also known as Whitsunday in some Western churches, Pentecost is the commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus following his...

5/23
Buddhist Dharma Wheel

Wesak (Buddha Day)

The most important day of the year for Buddhists. Coming on the full moon, it commemorates the birth, awakening, and passing away (paranibbana) of the...

5/26
Bahá’í star

Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh

Marks the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahá'í faith.

5/28
Star of David

Second Day of Passover (Pesach)

Commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home,...

5/29
Christian Cross

Trinity Sunday (W)

A celebration of the Christian understanding of God in Three Persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). It comes one week after Pentecost. (Western Churches)

5/30
Christian Cross

Ascension (E)

The anniversary of Jesus's ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes forty days after Pascha.

6/10
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606) was the first Sikh Martyr and the fifth Guru. He built the Harimandir Sahib (Home of the Divine) in which Sikhs could meet to...

6/16
Christian Cross

Pentecost (E)

Pentecost is the commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus following his ascension (Acts 2:1-11). It comes fifty days after...

6/20
Pagan/Wiccan Pentacle

Litha

Also called Midsummer's Eve, Litha celebrates the consummation of the sacred marriage in which the energy of the God is poured out in the service of life....

6/21
Christian Cross

All Saints Day (E)

A day to honor Christian saints throughout the ages. (Eastern Churches)

6/27
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Maidyoshem begins

Ghambar Maidyoshem (June 29 - July 4) celebrates the creation of water, the sowing of the summer crop and the harvesting of grain.

6/29
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Maidyoshem ends

Ghambar Maidyoshem (June 29 - July 4) celebrates the creation of water, the sowing of the summer crop and the harvesting of grain.

7/3
Bahá’í star

Martyrdom of The Báb

The Martyrdom of The Báb memorializes His death.

7/9
Star of David

Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av, the Ninth day of the month of Av, is a major fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in ancient times.

7/18
Islamic Mosaic

Īd al-Aḍḥá

Also called the Festival of Sacrifice, this day is the concluding act of pilgrimage and is observed even when not on pilgrimage. As Abraham offered his son,...

7/20
Buddhist Dharma Wheel

Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day)

Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day) commemorates the BuddhaÕs first discourse, given to the five monks at the Deer Park at Sarnath, near Varanasi. The day is observed...

7/23
Pagan/Wiccan Pentacle

Lammas

(Also called Lughnasad) Lammas is the celebration of the grain harvest, the Harvest of First Fruits. Many traditions celebrate Lammas as the funeral of Lugh,...

8/1
Christian Cross

Transfiguration (W, E - New Calendar)

Transfiguration celebrates the appearance of Jesus in a transfigured state during his earthly life to three of his disciples.

8/6
Islamic Mosaic

Āshūrā’

‘Āshūrā’ in Arabic means "the 10th", and is commemorated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram. For Sunni Muslims Āshūrā is a time to remember two...

8/19
Christian Cross

Transfiguration (E - Old / Julian Calendar)

Transfiguration celebrates the appearance of Jesus in a transfigured state during his earthly life to three of his disciples.

8/19
Hindu Om

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan (tying on protection) is a festival in which married and unmarried girls and women tie amulets on the wrists of their brothers for protection...

8/22
Hindu Om

Sri Krishna Jayanti

(Also called Janmashtami) celebrates the birthday of Krishna, the eighth of the 10 incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu. Krishna is considered the preserver...

8/30
Paryushana-parva begins

Paryushana-parva begins

The holiest period of the year for the ascetic Shvetambara sect. This 8 day period, concluding on Samvatsari, is a time of dedication to Jain ideals through...

9/3
Star of David

Eve of Rosh Hashanah

Observance begins at sundown. The Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe (also...

9/6
Star of David

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe (also known as the Ten Days of...

9/7
Hindu Om

Ganesh Chaturthi

Celebrates the birthday of Ganesh, God of Success.

9/10
Dashalakshani-parva begins

Dashalakshani-parva begins

The Digambara sect celebrates Dashalakshani-parva for ten days (until September 2) by fasting, worship, meditation, confession, and by dedicating each day to...

9/11
Paryushana-parva ends

Paryushana-parva ends

The holiest period of the year for the ascetic Shvetambara sect. During this 8 day period, concluding on Samvatsari, it is a time of dedication to Jain...

9/11
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Paitishem begins

Ghambar Paitishem (September 12 - 16) celebrates the creation of the earth and the harvesting of the summer crop.

9/12
Star of David

Eve of Yom Kippur

(Day of Atonement) Observance begins at sundown. The conclusion of the 10 Days of Awe, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the the...

9/15
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Paitishem ends

Ghambar Paitishem celebrates the creation of the earth and the harvesting of the summer crop.

9/16
Star of David

Yom Kippur

(Day of Atonement) The conclusion of the 10 Days of Awe, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the the Jewish year. It is characterized by...

9/16
Star of David

Eve of Tisha B'Av

Observance begins at sundown. Tisha B'Av, the Ninth day of the month of Av, is a major fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples...

9/17
Dashalakshani-parva ends

Dashalakshani-parva ends

The Digambara sect celebrates Dashalakshani-parva for ten days (until September 2) by fasting, worship, meditation, confession, and by dedicating each day to...

9/20
Star of David

Eve of Sukkot

(Feast of Booths) Observance begins at sundown. An eight-day Jewish festival of booths (or tabernacles) and the fall harvest. The name refers to the booths...

9/20
Star of David

First Day of Sukkot

(Feast of Booths) An eight-day Jewish festival of booths (or tabernacles) and the fall harvest. The name refers to the booths (sukkot) used by Israelites...

9/21
Pagan/Wiccan Pentacle

Mabon

Also known as Harvest Home, Mabon celebrates life's encapsulation as a seed to survive the cold, barren winter and the Harvest of the Vine, which as wine...

9/22
Star of David

Second Day of Sukkot

(Feast of Booths) An eight-day Jewish festival of booths (or tabernacles) and the fall harvest. The name refers to the booths (sukkot) used by Israelites...

9/22
Star of David

Eve of Shmini Atzeret

Observance begins at sundown.

9/27
Star of David

Last Day of Sukkot

(Feast of Booths) An eight-day Jewish festival of booths (or tabernacles) and the fall harvest. The name refers to the booths (sukkot) used by Israelites...

9/27
Star of David

Eve of Simcḥat Torah

Observance begins at sundown. Simcḥat Torah (Rejoicing of the Law) is the beginning of the synagogue's annual Torah reading cycle. Reform Jews celebrate it...

9/28
Star of David

Shmini Atzeret

Shmini Atzeret (the Eighth Day of Assembly) is a separate holiday concluding Sukkot and the entire fall holiday season. It marks the beginning of winter in...

9/28
Star of David

Simcḥat Torah

Simcḥat Torah (Rejoicing of the Law) is the beginning of the synagogue's annual Torah reading cycle. Reform Jews celebrate it along with Shemini Atzeret.

9/29
Mount Holyoke Sign for Generic Use

World Communion Sunday

Celebrated in Christian congregations around the world, annually, on the first Sunday in October when they can experience Holy Communion as a global faith...

10/3
Hindu Om

Navaratri begins

Navaratri is a nine night festival that honors the Mother Goddess in all her manifestations, including Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. It is a festival...

10/7
Hindu Om

Navaratri

Navaratri is a nine night festival that honors the Mother Goddess in all her manifestations, including Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. It is a festival...

10/8
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Ayathrem begins

Observed from October 12 - 16, this day celebrates the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop, and the return of herds from pasture.

10/12
Hindu Om

Navaratri ends

Navaratri is a nine night festival that honors the Mother Goddess in all her manifestations, including Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. It is a festival...

10/14
Hindu Om

Dassehra

(Vijay Dasami) celebrates the victory of good over evil: of Lord Rama over the demon Ravan, and the Goddess Durga over a demon. It follows the nine-day...

10/15
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Ayathrem ends

Observed from October 12 - 16, this day celebrates the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop, and the return of herds from pasture.

10/16
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