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

Bahá’í star

Martyrdom of The Báb

The Martyrdom of The Báb memorializes His death.

7/9
 
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...

7/29
 
Islamic Mosaic

Day of Arafat/Day of Hajj

This day commemorates the last revelation to Prophet Muhammad at Mount Arafat shortly before his death. Muslims on _ajj (pilgrimage) attend a service on the...

7/30
 
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.

7/30
 
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,...

7/31
 
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
 
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...

8/3
 
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
 
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...

8/11
 
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...

8/17
 
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
 
Islamic Mosaic

First of Muḥarram (New Year's Day, 1442 AH)

The First of Muḥarram (first month of the Islamic year 1442 AH) celebrates the Ḥijra (migration) of Muḥammad and his followers in 622 CE, from Mecca to...

8/20
 
Hindu Om

Ganesh Chaturthi

Celebrates the birthday of Ganesh, God of Success.

8/22
 
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...

8/23
 
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...

8/23
 
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...

8/29
 
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...

9/2
 
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
 
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

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...

9/18
 
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...

9/19
 
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

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...

9/27
 
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...

9/28
 
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...

10/2
 
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...

10/3
 
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...

10/4
 
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...

10/4
 
Star of David

Eve of Shmini Atzeret

Observance begins at sundown.

10/9
 
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...

10/9
 
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...

10/10
 
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...

10/10
 
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.

10/11
 
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
 
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
 
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...

10/17
 
Bahá’í star

Birth 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.

10/18
 
Mount Holyoke Sign for Generic Use

Birth of Bahá'u'lláh

The anniversary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í faith.

10/19
 
Instalation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Instalation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

This day celebrates the passing on of the Guruship to the Holy Scriptures (the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

10/20
 
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...

10/25
 
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...

10/26
 
Pagan/Wiccan Pentacle

Samhain

This day celebrates the Celtic New Year. The dying God returns to the womb of the Goddess in preparation for rebirth at Yule. The souls of those who have...

10/31
 
Christian Cross

All Saints Day (W)

A day to honour Christian saints throughout the ages.

11/1
 
Hindu Om

Diwali (Hindu, Jain and Sikh celebration)

A very popular festival known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali (Deepavali) is dedicated to the Goddesses Kali in Bengal and Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth)...

11/14
 
Mahavira Nirvana

Mahavira Nirvana

On this day (falling on Diwali), Mahavira (6th century BCE), the 24th Tirthankara, attained nirvana and release from the cycle of rebirth (moksha).

11/14
 
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

This day commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered not only for his defence of the...

11/24
 
Bahá’í star

Day of the Covenant

This day celebrates the anniversary of the appointment of 'Abdul-Bahá, the son of Bahá'u'lláh, as the Centre of the Covenant.

11/25
 
Bahá’í star

Ascension of 'Abdul-Bahá

The Ascension of 'Abdul-Bahá, son of Bahá'u'lláh, commemorates His passing. Bahá'í's observe the Holy Day of the Ascension of 'Abdul-Bahá at 1:00 am, about...

11/27
 
Christian Cross

Advent begins (Christmas Fast: E - New Calendar)

The Christmas Fast is the 40 day period before Christmas, ending on Christmas Eve. The New Calendar locates Christmas on December 25, the Old Calendar on...

11/29
 
Birth date of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Birth date of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Founder of the Sikh faith and first of the Ten Gurus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 CE. He was an accomplished poet; 974 of his hymns are contained in...

11/30
 
Buddhist Dharma Wheel

Bodhi Day

Anniversary of the historical Buddha's awakening. (Mahayana) Japan, North America

12/8
 
Christian Cross

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (W)

A Roman Catholic feast day that celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without sin.

12/8
 
Star of David

Eve of Ḥanukkah

Observance begins at sundown. The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following...

12/10
 
Star of David

First Day of Ḥanukkah

The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over...

12/11
 
Christian Cross

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

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...

12/12
 
Star of David

Last Day of Ḥanukkah

The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over...

12/18
 
Pagan/Wiccan Pentacle

Yule

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,...

12/21
 
Christian Cross

Christmas (W, E - New Calendar)

Christmas celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus. Christmas is given more importance in Western Christianity than in Eastern. Accommodation...

12/25
 
Zarathushti symbol

Death Anniversary of Zarathustra

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....

12/26
 
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Maidyarem begins

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

12/31
 
Zarathushti symbol

Ghambar Maidyarem ends

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.

1/4/2021
 
Birthdate of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666 - 1708)

Birthdate of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666 - 1708)

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...

1/5/2021
 
Christian Cross

Epiphany (W)

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

1/6/2021
 
Christian Cross

Theophany (E - New Calendar)

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

1/6/2021
 
Christian Cross

Christmas (Old / Julian Calendar)

Christmas according to the Julian calendar.

1/7/2021
 
Christian Cross

Orthodox New Year (Old / Julian Calendar)

The New Year by the Julian calendar is observed on this day.

1/14/2021
 
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

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

1/18/2021
 
Christian Cross

Theophany (E - Old / Julian Calendar)

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

1/19/2021
 
Star of David

Eve of Tu B'Shevat

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...

1/27/2021
 
Star of David

Tu B'Shevat

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...

1/28/2021
 
Pagan/Wiccan Pentacle

Imbolc

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...

2/2/2021
 
Buddhist Dharma Wheel

Losar - Tibetan New Year

Tibetan year 2147. Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days.

2/12/2021
 
Buddhist Dharma Wheel

Nehan-e (Nirvana Day)

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

2/15/2021
 
Christian Cross

Shrove Tuesday (W)

Shrove Tuesday occurs the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Roman Catholic Church. ÒShroveÒ is the past tense of the word Òshrive,Ò...

2/16/2021
 
Hindu Om

Vasanta Panchami

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

2/16/2021
 
Christian Cross

Ash Wednesday (W)

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

2/17/2021
 
Star of David

Eve of Purim

(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...

2/25/2021
 
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....

2/26/2021
 
Bahá’í star

12th Day of Riḍván

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

3/1/2021
 
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...

3/5/2021
 
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...

3/12/2021
 
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...

3/15/2021
 
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.

3/16/2021
 
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.

3/20/2021
 
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.

3/20/2021
 
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...

3/21/2021
 
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...

3/26/2021
 
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...

3/27/2021
 
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,...

3/28/2021
 
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.

3/28/2021
 
Christian Cross

Holy Week begins (W)

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

3/28/2021
 
Christian Cross

Palm Sunday (W)

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

3/28/2021
 
Christian Cross

Maundy (Holy) Thursday (W)

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

4/1/2021
 
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...

4/2/2021
 
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....

4/3/2021
 
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,...

4/3/2021
 
Christian Cross

Easter (W)

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

4/4/2021
 
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,...

4/4/2021
 
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...

4/7/2021
 
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....

4/8/2021
 
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