Religious Observances Calendar

A celebration of the holiness of Mary as the chosen bearer of Jesus.

Anniversary of the birth of the tenth guru.

End of the 12 days of Christmas; celebrates visit of the three kings to baby Jesus; especially important to Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics.

Commemorates the battle in which 40 Sikhs (the Immortal Ones) laid down their lives for the guru (Guru Gobind Singh).

In 1950, this day was founded by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States to address the need for religious unity.

The Shia observance is based on the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, lady Fatima.

Period of preparation for Easter, usually 40 days before. Clean Monday signifies the beginning of the Lenten period.

Begins Christian Lent; name derives from symbolic use of ashes to signify penitence.

The Shia observance is based on the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, lady Fatima. Some countries recognize this day as Mother’s Day.

Commemorates the death of Buddha

This period adjusts the Baha’i year to the solar calendar. It leads to the 19 day fast; each day of Ayyam-i-Ha is marked by a different virtue like hospitality, gift giving or charity.

A fast to be observed by adult Baha’is in good health from sunrise to sundown.

The Shia observance is based on the Birthday of Imam Ali ibn Aboutaleb. Some countries consider this day as Father’s Day.

Celebrates the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem during Passover. Usually reenacted by the waving of palm branches and the singing of songs. This also commemorates the beginning of Holy Week.

Spring festival; a carnival occasion featuring bright colors, pilgrimages and bonfires.

The Shia observance is based on the beginning of the Holy Prophet’s mission of propagating the message of Almighty Allah.

Feast of Lots; celebrates deliverance of Jews of ancient Persians froma plot to destroy them.

A day to commemorate the valor and bravery of the Sikhs. This 3-day festival consists of mock battles, music and poetry reading.

Also known as Holy Thursday, this day celebrates the institution of the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) at Jesus’ Last Supper.

The Friday of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

Celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

Anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa (the army of the Pure Ones) in 1699.

Marks the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt; “Seder” ceremonies emphasize the concept of freedom.

Commemorates the declaration of Baha’u’llah to his followers in 1863. Work is suspended for the 1st, 9th and 12th day.

Celebrates Jesus’ ascent into heaven.

Celebration of the birth of Buddha in Japan.

Fifty days after Easter, this time celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon early Christians following the ascension of Jesus.

Night of Forgiveness. A night of prayer to Allah for forgiveness of the dead. Preparation for Ramadan through intense prayer.

This is a feast in honor of the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

A commemoration of the death of Baha’u’llah.

The ninth month in the Islamic calendar; 30 days of strict fasting from sunup to sundown in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

Festival of Weeks; celebrates harvest of first fruits and commemorates the giving of the Torah and Commandments at Mt’ Sinai.

Anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev in 1606 C. E., the fifth guru who had built the Golden Temple of Amristar.

Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, it commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery.

Night of Destiny. First revelation of Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). Observed during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Festival of the breaking of the fast of Ramadan.

Anniversary of the martyrdom of the B’ab, the forerunner of Baha’u’llah, in 1850.

Observance of the arrival of Brigham Young and the early settlers to Salt Lake City, Utah.

A day of mourning and repentance in remembrance of the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

The Orthodox Christian commemoration of the death and burial of the Virgin Mary.

Christian remembrance of the death of John who is known for preparing the people so they would recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Hindu festival honoring the loving ties between brothers and sisters in a family.

The Shia observance is based on the day that Prophet Muhammad Appointed his successor Imam Ali ibn Aboutaleb for the completion of the message of Islam, in his last Hajj on 18 Dhu al-Hijjah.

The way a Christian Church arranges a calendar of time and sets dates of special importance.

Hindu commemoration of the birth of Krishna – the 8th incarnation of the god Vishnu who took the form of Krishna to destroy the evil king Kansa.

A Christian celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary.

A Christian day of recognition for the Cross on which Jesus was crucified as a central symbol of the Christian religion.

Jewish New Year. Begins at sundown. A time of introspection, abstinence, prayer and penitence. The story of Abraham is read, the ram’s horn is sounded, and special foods are prepared and shared.

Jain 8 day fesitval signifying human emergence into a new world of spiritual and moral refinement. Marked by recitations from Jain sacred writing and family exchange of cards and letters. Celebration of the natural qualities of the soul. The 8th day (Samvatsari) is most important and is forcused on forgiveness.

Begins at sundown. Islamic observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy.

Begins at sundown. Jewish Day of Atonement. The holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with strict fasting and ceremonial repentance.

Wicca observance of the autumnal equinox when day and night are of equal length. A harvest festival time.

Begins at sundown. Islamic Festival of Sacrifice. The day after Arafat, the most important day in the Hajj ritual. A three-day festival recalling Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (St. Helena) in the 4th century a.d.

Begins at sundown. Jewish Feast of Tabernacles which celebrates the harvest and protection of the people of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness dwelling in tents. Temporary dwelling places have leaves for a roof so the sky can be seen. In temperate climates, night is spent in the Succoth.

Christian recognition of service to people and appreciation of the natural world, as practiced by St. Francis and the Franciscan Monastic Order which he founded.

Arbaeen Chehlum is a Shia religious observance that occurs forty days after the Imam Hussain martyrdom on the Day of Ashura when the caravan of the captives came back to Karbala for the first time.

Begins at sundown. Jewish completion of the annual cycle of reading of the Torah

Begins at sundown. Jewish day to celebrate the reading of the law. Synagogue services involve readings, processions and blessing of the children.

Hindu Festival of the divine mother honoring Durga, wife of Shiva, and seeking her blessings. Also observed as a celebration recalling the days of Lord Krishna.

Begins at sundown. The emigration of Muhammad and his followers to Medina in 615 c.e.

Begins at sundown. Baha’i honoring of the founder of the Babi religion, forerunner to Baha’u’llah and the Baha’i faith.

Sikh scriptures, the Adi Granth, are honored as perpetual Guru.

Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Lord Rama is remembered as winning a victory over evil.

Christian remembrance of a person who, in the 4th century, was a martyr and became an ideal of martial valor and selflessness. Legend of killing a dragon is connected with this patron saint of England.

An Islamic optional one day fast. The Shia observance is based on the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s Grandson, Hussein, martyred on this date in 683/684 AD at the battle of Kerbala. Sunni observance is a recognition of Moses fasting in gratitude to Allah/God for liberation from oppression.

Protestant Christian anniversary of their tradition and its emphasis on the place of the Bible and religious Freedom. On October 31, 1517 c.e. Martin Luther posted a belief statement on Wittenbeg Church door. The date of public observation is the Sunday before October 31.

The Shia observance is based on the death anniversary of Prophet Muhamamd and the martyrdom of Imam Hasan and Imam Reza.

Islamic commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, in about 570 c.e. The prophet’s teachings are read and religious meetings are held. Shia and Sunni on separate days. Begins at sundown.

Christian day of solemn reflection on the relationship of the spiritual community and the powers of civil government. On October 28, 312 c.e., Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and proceeded to make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman Empire.

Christian celebration of mystery combining prayers and merriment involving children and families. It is a prelude to All Saint’s Day.

Christian day for honoring saints, known and unknown. In general, saints are persons with a reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith. A Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have special formal status.

Wicca celebration of endings and beginnings and of remembering the dead. Revering of elders is also observed. Begins at sundown.

Christian day of prayers of remembrance and intercession for the dead. Prayers of the faithful are seen as helping to cleanse the souls for the beatific vision of God in heaven.

Hindu Festival of Lights symbolizing the human urge to move toward the light. Gift exchanges, fireworks and festive meals.

Baha’i celebration of the birth of their founder and teacher. Refrain from work. Begins at sundown.

Christian celebration of the preeminence of Jesus over all earthly authorities.

Sikh time of remembering the execution of Tegh Bahadur by the Moghul Emperor in India.

Sikh honoring of the birth of the first Sikh teacher who lived from 1469 – 1539 c.e. Sacred readings, prayers, hymns, meals together.

Interfaith celebration of the created earth. Celebrated in the USA.

Baha’i day of celebration of the covenant given in the last will and testament of Baha’u’llah.

Baha’i celebration of the rising of the spirit of Abdu’l-Baha to the heavenly dwelling.

Christian time of preparation for observing the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30 and is the beginning of the Christian worship year. Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths, and special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ. The season continues through December 24.

Christian celebration of the birth of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children and role model for gift giving. Many churches are named for this saint who is also the Dutch version of Santa Claus.

Jewish festival of lights. It commemorates the Maccabean recapture and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple in 165-164 b.c.e. Special readings and praise songs focus on liberty and freedom. The eight candle Menorah is lighted. Begins at sundown.

Catholic Christian day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life. A day of obligation and required church attendance.

Buddhist celebration of the enlightenment of Buddha.

Catholic Christian honoring of a legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531 c.e.

Hispanic Christian feast of the Lodgings commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in preparation for the birth of Jesus.

A Norse Pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun. A present day Wicca event.

The festival of the winter solstice

The Shia observance is based on the birthday of Prophet Muhammad’s granddaughter, Bibi Zaynab, who was also representative of the captives’ caravan from Karbala to Damascus.
Some countries recognize this day as Nurse’s day.

Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle-lighting, manager scenes and festive meals.

Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.

A day of remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Zoroastrian anniversary of the death of Prophet Zarathushtra.

Seven-day spiritual celebration of African-American values and traditions and their continued vitality. “Kwanzaa” is Swahili and means “first fruits of the harvest.”

Christian day of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the attempt to destroy Jesus.