For questions, additions, or clarifications, please contact Gladys McCormick, Associate Dean for Diversity Equity and Inclusion in the Maxwell School, or Stephanie Williams, Academic Specialist for the Maxwell School.
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August 30: The Ghost Festival / Ullambrana (Buddhist, Taoist)
In Chinese culture, the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar is called Ghost Day, and the seventh month, in general, is regarded as the Ghost Month. During this time, ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the lower realm.
September 2023
September 1: First Installation of Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple (Sikh)
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Zoroastrians celebrate this feast, one of six Gahanbars (five-day festivals) spread throughout the year, to commemorate the creation of the earth or the "feast of bringing in the harvest.". The third festival commemorates the earth’s creation and the fall harvest.
September 15: International Day of Democracy
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September 28: Meskel (Ethiopian Orthodox Christian)
Meskel is the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (St. Helena) in the 4th century. It is celebrated soon after the beginning of the Ethiopian calendar year (mid-September).
Septmber 29 - October 6: Sukkot (Jewish)
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There are six Gahambars (five-day festivals) spread throughout the year. This feast is the Zoroastrian celebration of the creation of plant life ("bringing home the herds") at the end of autumn.
October 15
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Navratri (Hindu)
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Navaratri is one of the greatest Hindu festivals and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
October 16-17: Twin Holy Days – Birth of the Bab and Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í)
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The Feast of the Holy Family is a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus of Nazareth, his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his father Saint Joseph as a family. The primary purpose of this feast is to present the Holy Family as a model for Christian families.
December 31: Maidyarem Gahanbar (Zoroastrian)
There are six Gahanbars (five-day festivals) spread throughout the year. This “mid-winter feast” celebrates the winter solstice.
January 2024
January 1-2: Feast Day of Saint Basil (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
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Gantan-sai is the annual New Year festival of the Shinto religion.
January 1-5: Maidyarem Gahanbar (Zoroastrian)
There are six Gahanbars (five-day festivals) spread throughout the year. This “mid-winter feast” celebrates the winter solstice.
January 1: Solemnity of Mary / Mary: Solemnity of Mary / Mary, Mother of God (Roman Catholic)
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Orthodox Christian time period leading up to Lent. The liturgy involves hymns, odes, and scriptures.
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Febuary 25: Lailat al Bara’ah (Islam)
This holy day is known as Lailat al-Bara'ah ("Night of Forgiveness") in Arabic and Shab-Barat in Persian.
Febuary 29 - March 19: Nineteen Day Fast (Bahá’í)
Bahá’í Fast to be observed by adult Bahá’ís in good health, with no food or drink taken from sunrise to sundown.
March 2024
March 1: Employee Appreciation Day (National)
It's the perfect opportunity for organizations to reach out to all of their employees by creating recognition experiences that are heartfelt, fun, and memorable.
March 4: Maha Shivarati (Hindu)
A Hindu festival in honor of Lord Shiva and his marriage to Goddess Parvati. Ceremonies involving prayers and hymns take place mostly at night. Special foods are not used
March 8: International Women’s Day
International Women's Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women's rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
March 10: Ramadan begins (Islam)
Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer and is one of the most important Muslim holidays.
March 14: Pi π Day
Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π. Pi Day is observed on March 14 since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant figures of π. It was founded in 1988 by Larry Shaw, an employee of the San Francisco Science Museum's Exploratorium.
March 16: Hamaspathmaidyem Ghanbar (Zoroastrian)
The Festival of All Souls. It marks the spring equinox and humans’ evolution on the earth.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day (Irish)
It is a cultural and religious holiday that commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
March 18: Clean Monday (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Orthodox Christian first day of Lent.
March 21: World Down Syndrome Day (National)
Every year, the world pauses to recognize and celebrate the vibrant lives and countless contributions of people with Down syndrome.
March 21: Saint Benedict Feast (Celebrated by Roman Catholic July 11)
Recognition of the Father of the Benedictine Order.
March 23: Purim (Jewish)
Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther.
March 24: Orthodox Sunday (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Orthodox Christian first Sunday of Lent. Restoration of icons to the church is celebrated.
March 25: Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (International)
This day serves as a tribute to the millions of men, women, and children who suffered and perished through the transatlantic slave trade. The observance aims to raise awareness about the historical injustices and consequences of slavery, as well as to promote tolerance, understanding, and respect among all peoples.
March 25: Holi (Hindu)
Also known as the “festival of colors,” this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures commemorating good over evil.
March 26: Hola Mohalla (Sikh)
A Sikh day when mock battles are fought, and martial arts are displayed. It follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day.
March 31st: International Transgender Day of Visibility
International Transgender Day of Visibility occurs annually and is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
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