Religious Holidays and Celebrations
Below are many, but not all, of the religious holidays observed by members of the Vassar community.
Please note that individual practices and dates may vary, including for holy days that are determined by the lunar calendar (e.g., the actual start date for Ramadan in the Islamic calendar is determined by the sighting of the new moon).
Religious Observances During Class Times Policy
2025–2026 Dates
Every Friday. Salat al-Jummah (Muslim/Islam)
A weekly congressional prayer service that takes about 30 to 40 minutes between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and includes both a sermon (khutbah) and prayer. The prayer is kept short so congregants can return to work or class afterwards.
Every Friday. Shabbat (Jewish)
A weekly 25-hour Jewish observance from just before sundown Friday to an hour or so after sunset Saturday. There are many ways Jews observe Shabbat, including attending services, gathering for meals with friends/family/beloved, refraining from work, intentional or no use of technology, and more. Some Jews do not do any work on Shabbat including classwork.
Every Sunday. Worship (Christian)
For Christians, Sunday is the most important day of the week because it celebrates the Resurrection of Christ. For Roman Catholics, there is an expectation that members come together as a community to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Catholic students have the opportunity to gather on Sunday evenings at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel at Marist University or at Vassar Chapel Tower Foyer at least once a month. Local Catholic parishes hold Mass on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. Other Christian denominations may choose to attend a weekly Ecumenical Service on Sunday afternoons or connect with one of the many local ecclesial communities. Typically, these services are held in the morning and early afternoon.
Holy Days
June 2025
June 1-3: Shavuot (sundown Sunday - sundown Tuesday, Judaism)
A celebration of the giving of Torah. Some Jews mark this day with an all night learning session called tikkun leil Shavuot. Some communities mark this holiday with a sunrise service. Many Jews refrain from work, go to services, and/or enjoy holiday meals with friends, beloveds, and community.
June 6–7: Eid al-Adha (sundown Thursday–sundown Friday, Muslim/Islam)
One of the two main Islamic festivals celebrated by all Muslims (the other is Eid al-Fitr), this festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and celebrates the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. The start date of a Muslim holiday is determined by the sighting of the new moon the night before, so it can vary by a day. Planning: Muslims attend morning prayers and spend the day celebrating with family and community.
June 14–15: Eid Al Ghadir (sundown Saturday–sundown Sunday, Shi'a/Muslim/Islam)
This Eid is celebrated by the Shi'a Muslim community. It commemorates the time when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was said to have appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor. Shi'a are one of two main sects in the Muslim community, the other being Sunni. The start date of a Muslim holiday is determined by the sighting of the new moon the night before, so it can vary by a day.
June 26: Muharram (Thursday, Shi'a/Muslim/Islam)
The Shi'a community honors this day because it marks the Hijra or migration of Muslims from Mecca to Medina in 622 C.E. It is the start of the first Islamic community. It is also the first day of the first month of the Islamic year. Shi'a are one of two main sects in the Muslim community, the other being Sunni. The start date of a Muslim holiday is determined by the sighting of the new moon the night before, so it can vary by a day.
July 2025
July 5–6: Ashura (sundown Saturday–sundown Sunday Shi'a/Muslim/Islam)
The Shi'a Muslim community honors this as a day of great mourning, marking the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, Prophet Muhammad's grandson. Shi'a are one of two main sects in the Muslim community, the other being Sunni. The start date of a Muslim holiday is determined by the sighting of the new moon the night before, so it can vary by a day.
July 29: Nag Panchami (Tuesday, Hindu)
A day of traditional worship of Nag or the snake-deities. Nag Panchami falls on the fifth day in the month of Shravana according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
August 2025
August 2 - 3: Tisha b’Av (sundown Saturday to sundown Sunday)
The saddest day of the Jewish year, marking the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and Jewish exile. Also used to mark other Jewish tragedies.
August 9: Raksha Bandhan (Saturday, Hindu)
The tying of thread, talisman, or amulet on the wrist as a form of ritual protection. The protection is primarily offered by sisters to brothers, but also by priests to patrons, and sometimes by individuals to real or potential benefactors.
Arbaeen (sundown Thursday–sundown Friday, Shi’a/Muslim/Islam)
The Shi’a community ends the traditional mourning period over the tragedy of Imam Husayn, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Shi’a are one of two main sects in the Muslim community, the other being Sunni. The start date of a Muslim holiday is determined by the sighting of the new moon the night before, so it can vary by a day.
August 15: Assumption (Friday, Catholic)
A Feast Day to celebrate the assumption of Mary, Jesus’ mother, into heaven. A holy day of obligation in the Roman Catholic Church
August 16: Krishna Janmashthami (Saturday, Hindu)
Annual Hindu festival that demarcates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of god Vishnu.
September 2025
September 3–4: Mawlid an-Nabi (sundown Wednesday–sundown Thursday, Muslim/Islam) Some Muslim communities commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The start date of a Muslim holiday is determined by the sighting of the new moon the night before, so it can vary by a day. Planning: Most observances will happen in the evening. Not all Muslims participate in this holiday.
September 21: Fall Equinox (Sunday, Pagan/Wiccan)
A celebration of the transition from life to death, the harvest, and the bounty of the earth, as represented by the equal amount of sunlight and darkness.
September 22–24: Rosh Hashanah (sundown Monday to sundown Wednesday, Jewish)
This marks the beginning of the Jewish year and is the first of the High Holidays and the 10 Days of Awe. Planning: Observance includes refraining from work, attending services, hearing the sound of the shofar, and holiday meals
September 22–October 2: Navaratri (Monday to Thursday, Hindu) A festival dedicated to the Hindu God Shakti.
October 2025
October 2: Yom Kippur (sundown Wednesday to sundown Thursday, Jewish)
The Day of Atonement, at the end of the 10 Days of Awe, and second of the High Holidays is devoted to prayer, repentance and fasting. The Sabbath of Sabbaths in the Jewish calendar, it is the most widely observed Jewish holiday of the year. Planning: Observance includes refraining from work, refraining from eating and drinking from sundown to sundown, and attending services.
October 2: Vijayadashami (Thursday, Hindu)
Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Lord Rama is remembered as winning a victory over evil.
October 6–13: Sukkot (sundown Monday to sundown Monday, Jewish)
The Feast of the Tabernacles is a Fall harvest holiday and commemorates the dwelling of the Ancient Israelites in the wilderness. Jews build sukkot (booths) and spend time in them over the week. Planning: Observance includes refraining from work on the first two days, as well as the last two days, and eating in the sukkah. All are invited to use the campus sukkah during this holiday.
October 13–15: Shemini Atzeret (sundown Monday to sundown Wednesday, Jewish)
The eighth day of Sukkot, this holiday coincides with the beginning of the rainy season in Israel, and incorporates prayers for rain and a good harvest. Planning: Observance includes refraining from work.
October 14–15: Simchat Torah (sundown Tuesday to sundown Wednesday, Jewish)
A celebration of the Torah, this festival marks the end of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle. Planning: Observance includes refraining from work and attending services.
October 18–October 22: Diwali (Deepavali) (Sunday - Wednesday, with a special emphasis on Monday, October 20, Hindu, Jain, Sikh)
The festival of lights, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Planning: October 20 is the Hindu Amavasya, or new moon, when puja is offered to Maha Lakshmi.
October 22-23: Twin Holy Days (Bahá’í)– celebration of the birth of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith *Begins sundown the October 21, work restriction
October 25–October 28: Chhath (Saturday to Tuesday, Hindu)
Native to the Madhesh and Mithila regions, Chhath is the worship of the Sun and his wife Usha, thanking them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.
October 31: Reformation Day (Friday, Protestant Christian)
The Protestant Christian anniversary of their tradition and its emphasis on the place of the Bible and religious freedom.
October 31–November 1: Samhain (sundown Thursday to sundown Friday, Pagan)
On this night, nearly halfway between the Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice, Pagans honor a liminal time when the boundary between the physical and the spiritual world is thinnest, and access to knowledge of the dead is possible.
October 31 to November 2: Día de los Muertos (Sunday, Mesoamerican native and Christian)
A festive Mexican holiday when families remember their dead and the continuity of life.
November 2025
November 1 or November 2: All Saint's Day (Sunday, Christian)
Honors all the saints, known and unknown. A holy day of obligation in the Roman Catholic Church. Planning: Refraining from class or assigned work is not expected, but please note there is a 5 p.m. on-campus Mass for this significant holy day in the Catholic calendar.
November 2: All Soul's Day (Sunday, Christian)
A day commemorating the faithful departed.
November 15–December 24: Nativity Fast (Saturday to Wednesday, Orthodox Christian)
The Nativity Fast begins forty days before the Nativity Feast (Jesus’ birth) and is a time to prepare, through fasting and prayer, for the upcoming feast.
November 25: Day of the Covenant (Bahá’í) – celebrates the appointment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant *Begins sundown November 24
November 27: Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Interfaith, USA)
Celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year.
December 2025
November 30 – December 24: Advent (Sunday to Wednesday, Christian) The season in which Christians prepare and expectantly wait for the birth of Jesus. In the Western Church, Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day.
December 8: Immaculate Conception (Monday, Catholic)
A feast in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A holy day of obligation in the Roman Catholic Church. Planning: Refraining from class or assigned work is not expected, but please note there is a 5 p.m. on-campus Mass for this significant holy day.
December 8: Bodhi Day (Monday, Buddhist)
In the Northern or Mahayana tradition, this day celebrates the Buddha’s attainment of Enlightenment.
December 14–December 22: Hanukkah (sundown Sunday to sundown Monday, Jewish)
The Festival of Lights marks the victory of the Maccabees and rededication of the Temple. It is a celebration of religious freedom and an affirmation of God’s saving power.
December 21: Winter Solstice/Yule (Sunday, Neo-Pagan/ Wiccan)
The shortest day of the year, Winter Solstice symbolizes the natural cycle of life and death, and the return of light into the world.
December 25: Christmas (Thursday, Christian)
The celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in Bethlehem.
December 26–January 1: Kwanzaa (Friday to Thursday, African American)
An African American and Pan-African holiday celebrating family, community and culture, Kwanzaa is a secular observance with some religious participation. Seven life virtues are presented.
2026 Dates
January 2026
January 1: Feast of Mary, Mother of God (Thursday, Catholic)
A holy day of obligation during which Mary, the mother of Jesus, is celebrated.
January 6: Holy Epiphany/Día de los Reyes/Feast of the Theophany (Tuesday, Christian)
A celebration of the epiphany (or manifestation) of Jesus’ divine nature. Eastern or Orthodox Christian churches commemorate the baptism of Jesus; Western churches commemorate the coming of the Magi or “Wise Men.”
January 7: Orthodox Christmas (Wednesday, Orthodox Christian)
Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ.
January 16: Laylat al-Isra’wa al-Mi’raj (Friday, Muslim/Islam)
Prophet Muhammad ascended (al-Mi’raj) to the Heavens on this day following a night’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem (al-Isra).
January 23: Vasant Panchami (Friday, Hindu)
A spring festival that is treated as the start of spring. This also marks the start of preparation for Holika bonfire and Holi, which
January 30: Mahayana New Year (Saturday, Buddhist)
Begins on the first full moon of January (actual date is not always predictable because the beginning is marked by the sighting of the full moon).
February 2026
February 1–2: Tu B'shevat (Sundown Sunday to Sundown Monday, Jewish)
The traditional Jewish New Year for trees, this holiday has become a modern celebration of earth and the environment.
February 15: Nirvana Day (Sunday, Buddhist)
This day is the celebration of the day with Buddha is said to have achieved Parinirvana upon the death of his physical body.
February 15-16: Maha Shivaratri (Sunday-Monday, Hindu)
A Hindu festival in honor of Lord Shiva and his marriage to Goddess Parvati.
February 16 - February 22: Chinese/ Vietnamese/ Korean New Year (Monday-Sunday, Buddhist/ Daoist/ Confucian)
Secular in origin; observed across religious and secular communities throughout East Asia cultural regions, excluding Japan. Celebrated as the most important holiday of the year in the East Asian Lunar calendar (also known as the Chinese lunar calendar). The holiday is observed primarily in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Vietnam and Korea, and also many Southeast Asian countries with significant populations from the above regions.
February 17–March 18: Ramadan (sundown Tuesday 2/17 to sundown Wednesday 3/18)
This is the (lunar) month of fasting for all Muslims. Those who practice abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. The start date of a Muslim holiday is determined by the sighting of the new moon the night before. Planning: Since Muslims are fasting for most of the day, and for 30 consecutive days, they may experience fatigue. Each Muslim experiences Ramadan differently. Muslims may also be staying up late at night in worship or for community gatherings. The last ten days of the month hold special importance, especially March 15 (Laylat al-Qadr). Muslims stay up until dawn on many of these nights.
February 18: Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, Christian)
The beginning of Lent, the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of preparation, prayer and repentance leading up to Easter, the most important time in the Christian calendar. Planning: Refraining from class or assigned work is not expected but attentiveness to the 5pm ecumenical service on campus is encouraged—it is attended by many Christian students.
March 2026
March 2-20: Nineteen Day Fast (Bahá’í) – fast observed by Bahá’í adults *Fasting
March 2–3: Purim (sundown Monday to sundown Tuesday, Jewish)
This joyous celebration of the story of Esther commemorates the victory of the Jews over a tyrannical enemy. It is also a celebration of revealing hidden parts of ourselves and celebrating the fullness of our identities.
March 3: Clean Monday (Tuesday, Orthodox Christian)
Eastern Orthodox churches begin the season of Lent, marked by fasting, prayer, and charity.
March 4: Holi (Wednesday, Hindu)
A widely-celebrated festival during which participants throw colored water or powder at one another to celebrate episodes in the life of Krishna.
March 17: St. Patrick's Day (Tuesday, Christian)
Christian celebration of Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland in early days of the faith.
March 19: New Year (Saturday, Hindu) The new year is celebrated at various times of the year, usually during spring harvest time, based on the solar or lunar calendars.
March 21: Spring Equinox (Saturday, Neo-Pagan/ Wiccan)
A day that marks the rebirth of the year, and celebrates the change of seasons and the rebirth of the spirit after death.
March 19–March 20: Eid al-Fitr (sundown Thursday to sundown Friday, Muslim/Islam)
This celebration marks the end of the month-long Ramadan fasting and is known as the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.” The start date of a Muslim holiday is determined by the sighting of the new moon the night before, so it can vary by a day. Planning: Muslims will go to the mosque in the morning to pray and spend the day with friends and family celebrating.
March 21: Naw Ruz (Saturday, Zoroastrian, Baha’is and Persian)
Marks the return of spring and symbolizes renewal.
March 26: Rama Navami (Thursday, Hindu)
The first day of a nine-day festival in honor of the birth of Rama. The Ramayana, an Indian Epic, is performed.
March 29–April 5 (Sunday to Sunday): Holy Week and Easter (Christian)
The most important Christian holidays, marking the Last Supper, passion, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, with a day of holy observance on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
- March 29. Palm or Passion Sunday.
- April 2. Holy or Maundy Thursday.
- April 3. Good Friday.
- April 4. Holy Saturday.
- April 5. Easter Sunday.
March 31: Mahavir Jayanti (Thursday, Jain)
A festival honoring Lord Mahavira on the founder's birthday.
April 2026
April 1–9: Passover (sundown Saturday to sundown Sunday, Jewish)
Commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Seders, ritual feasts at which the story of the Exodus is recounted, are conducted on the first and second nights, followed by six more days of observance during which dietary restrictions apply.
- Seder Nights: Wednesday, April 1st and Thursday, April 2nd.
April 13–16: Songkran/Thingyan/ Pi Mai Lao (Monday to Wednesday, Buddhist)
These days mark the New Year for many countries in Southeast Asia. Cleansing rituals are performed, which represent a cleansing of the soul and a washing away of the old year.
April 5–12: Orthodox Holy Week and Pascha (Easter) (Friday to Monday, Orthodox Christian) Eastern Orthodox churches observe Holy Week, including Holy Thursday and Great Friday and Easter or Pascha. On Holy Friday, adults abstain from food and drink as their health allows.
- April 5 Palm Sunday.
- April 9 Holy Thursday.
- April 10 Great Friday.
- April 11 Holy Saturday.
- April 12 Pascha.
April 13–14: Yom HaShoah (sundown Monday to sundown Tuesday, Jewish)
Holocaust Remembrance Day.
April 21-May 2: Ridvan (Bahá’í) – commemoration of when the founder of the Bahá’í Faith declared his mission *Begins evening April 20, Work restrictions 4/20 sundown – 4/21 sundown, 4/28 sundown – 4/29 sundown, 5/1 sundown – 5/2 sundown
May 2026
May 14: Ascension (Thursday, Catholic and Orthodox Christian)
A Feast Day to commemorate the ascension of Jesus into heaven after his resurrection.
May 24: Pentecost (Sunday, Christian)
Pentecost celebrates the giving of the Holy Spirit and the founding events of the Christian church.
May 24: Declaration of the Bab (Bahá’í)– celebration of Ali Muhammad’s announcement that he was the “gate” to the promised coming of all religions *Begins evening May 23, work restrictions
May 31: Orthodox Pentecost (Sunday, Orthodox Christian)
Pentecost celebrates the giving of the Holy Spirit and the founding events of the Christian church.
May 21–23: Shavuot (sundown Thursday to sundown Saturday, Jewish)
A harvest festival celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Observance includes refraining from work and all night Jewish learning.
May 26: Eid al-Adha (Tuesday, Muslim/Islam)
One of the two main Islamic festivals celebrated by all Muslims (the other is Eid al-Fitr), this festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. The start date of a Muslim holiday is determined by the sighting of the new moon the night before, so it can vary by a day. Planning: Muslims attend morning prayers and spend the day celebrating with family and community.
May 29: Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (Bahá’í) – commemoration of the death of Bahá u’lláh the founder of the Bahá’í Faith*Begins evening May 28, work restrictions
June 2026
June 20: Summer Solstice (Friday, Pagan)
Midsummer, or the day of “solstinium” (“standing still of the sun”) is associated with symbols of fertility, rebirth, the harvest and the bounty of nature.
June 29: The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (Monday, Christian)
A liturgical feast in honor of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul.