Cultural and Religious Holidays Calendar and Glossary

2014-2015

Project Interfaith P.O. Box 6037 Omaha, NE 68106 (402) 933-4647 Website: http://www.projectinterfaith.org

2014 Cultural and Religious Observances Observance

Date

Day

New Year’s Day Temple Day (Buddhist) Independence Day (Sudanese) Oshogatsu/Shogatsu (Shinto) Birth of Guru Gobind Singh (Sikh) Epiphany (Christian, Theophany in Eastern Christianity) Christmas (Armenian Orthodox Christian) Christmas (Eastern Christian) Christmas (Coptic Christian) CPA Anniversary Baptism of the Lord (Christian) Milad Al-Nabi (Islamic) Makar Sankranti (Hindu) Seijin Shiki/ Adults’ Day (Shinto) Tu B’Shvat (Jewish) Mahayana New Year (Buddhist) Religious Freedom Day World Religion Day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Lunar New Year (Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean New Year) Birth of Guru Har Rai (Sikh) Black History Month Candlemas (Christian) Imbolc (Pagan) Rissun/ Setsubun (Shinto) Parinirvana/ Nirvana Day (Buddhist) Darwin Day (Atheist/Humanist) Nirvana Day (Buddhist) Intercalary Day/ Ayyam-i-ha (Baha’i) Maha Shivaratri / Shiva Ratri (Hindu) Women’s History Month Taanit Esther/ Fast of Esther (Jewish) Nineteen-Day Fast (Baha’i) Hina-matsuri/Festival of Dolls (Shinto) Clean Monday (First Day of Lent for Eastern Christians) Shrove Tuesday (Western Christian) Ash Wednesday (Western Christian) Magha Puja/ Sangha Day (Buddhist) Purim (Jewish)

January 1 January 1 January 1 January 1 January 5 January 6 January 6 January 7 January 7 January 9 January 12 January 13 January 14 January 15 January 16 January 16 January 16 January 19 January 20 January 31 January 31 February February 2 February 2 February 3 February 8/15 February 12 February 15 February 26-March 1 February 28 March March 1 March 2-20 March 3 March 3 March 4 March 5 March 16 March 16

Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Sunday Monday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Thursday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Sunday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Full Month Sunday Sunday Monday Saturday/Friday Wednesday Friday Wednesday-Saturday Friday Full Month Saturday Sunday-Thursday Monday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Sunday Sunday

St. Patrick’s Day (Christian) Hola Mohalla (Lunar calendar, Sikh) Holi (Hindu) Eoster /Spring Equinox (Pagan) Vernal Equinox (First Day of Spring) Nowruz/Naw-Ruz (Iranian New Year) Jamshedi Noruz (Fasli calendar, Zoroastrian) Shubun-sai/Equinox Day (Shinto) Annunciation (Christian) Khordad Sal (Fasli calendar, Zoroastrian) Ugadi/Yugadi (Hindu) Hanamatsuri (Buddhist) Rama Navami, Swaminarayan Jayanti(Hindu) Palm Sunday (Western Christian) Baisakhi / Vaisakhi (Sikh) Palm Sunday (Eastern Christian) Birth of Guru Nanak (Sikh) Hola Mohalla (Nanakshahi calendar, Sikh) Fast of the Firstborn (Jewish) Pesach/Passover (Jewish) Theravada New Year (Buddhist) Lord’s Supper (Jehovah’s Witnesses) Holy Thursday (Western Christian) Great Thursday (Eastern Christian) Birth of Guru Tegh Bahadur & Guru Angad Dev(Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Great Friday (Eastern Christian) Good Friday (Western Christian) Holy Saturday (Christian) Easter (Western Christian) Pascha/ Easter (Eastern Christian) Easter (Coptic Christian) Groundation Day/Anniversary of Haile Selassie to Jamaica (Rasta) Festival of Ridvan (Baha’i) Yom Hashoah (Jewish)

March 17 March 17 March 17 March 20 March 20 March 21 March 21 March 21 March 25 March 26 March 31 April 8 April 8 April 13 April 13 April 13 April 14 April 14 April 14 April 15-21 April 15 April 15 April 17 April 17 April 18 April 18 April 18 April 19 April 20 April 20 April 20 April 21 April 21-May 2 April 27

Monday Monday Monday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Sunday Sunday Sunday Monday Monday Monday Tuesday-Monday Tuesday Tuesday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Friday Saturday Sunday Sunday Sunday Monday Monday-Friday Sunday

Ninth day of Ridvan (Baha’i) Beltane (Pagan) Twelfth Day of Ridvan (Baha’i) Birth of Guru Arjan Dev (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Cinco De Mayo Mothers’ Day Wesak/ Buddha Day (Buddhist) SPLA Day (Southern Sudanese) Lag B’Omer (Jewish) Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i) Birth of Guru Amar Das (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Ascension Day (Eastern Christian) Ascension Day (Western Christian) Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) Shavuot (Jewish) Pentecost/ Whitsunday (Christian) Pentecost (Eastern Christian) Nisf Shabaan/ Night of Salvation (Islamic) All Saints Day (Eastern Christian) Trinity Sunday Fathers’ Day Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Feast of the Body of Christ/Corpus Christi (Christian) Litha/ Summer Solstice (First day of summer) (Pagan) Independence Day (Somali) Ramadan (Islamic) Inqaz Revolution Day (Sudanese) Independence Day Birth of Guru Hargobind (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i) Asala/ Dharma Day (Buddhist) Bon (Buddhist) Jamshedi Noruz (Qadmi cal, Zoroastrian) Birth of Guru Har Krishen (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Birth of Haile Selassie (Rastafarian) Pioneer Day (Mormon) Khordad Sal (Qadimi cal, Zoroastrian) Laila Al-Qadr (Islamic) Eid Al-Fitr (Islamic) Dab Shid (Somali New Year) Lughnasadh/ Lammas (Pagan) Tisha B’Av (Jewish) Transfiguration (Chirstian) International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Raksha Banhan/ Rakhi (Hindu) Ulambana / Ghost Festival (Buddhist) Bon/ Obon (Buddhist) Dormition of Theotokos (Orthodox/Christian) Krishna Jayanti (Hindu) Jamshedi Noruz (Shenshai cal, Zoroastrian) Khordad Sal (Shenshai cal, Zoroastrian) Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) Nativity of Theotokos (Orthodox Christian) Triumph of the Cross (Christian) Mabon/ Autumn Equinox (Pagan) Native American Day Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) Navaratri (Hindu) Fast of Gedalliah (Jewish) Teacher’s Day (Confucianism) Feast of Guardian Angels (Christian) Yom Kippur (Jewish) Dassera / Durga Puja (Hindu) Eid Al-Adha (Islamic) Birth of Guru Ram Das (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Sukkot (Jewish) Native American Day Hoshanah Rabbah (Jewish) Al-Hijira (Islamic) Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) Simchat Torah (Jewish) Kenname Festival (Shinto) Birth of the Bab (Baha’i) Diwali (Hindu, Jain, Sikh) Muharram (Islamic) Reformation Day (Protestant Christian) All Hallow’s Eve (Christian) Samhain/ Hallowe’en (Pagan) Native American Heritage Month

April 29 May 1 May 2 May 2 May 5 May 11 May 14 May 16 May 18 May 23 May 23 May 24 May 29 May 29 June 4-5 June 8 June 8 June 13 June 15 June 15 June 15 June 16 June 19 June 21 June 26 June 28-July 27 June 30 July 4 July 5 July 9 July 12 July 13-15 July 19 July 23 July 23 July 24 July 24 July 24 July 28 July 28 August 1 August 5 August 6 August 9 August 10 August 10 August 15 August 15 August 17 August 18 August 23 August 29 September 8 September 14 September 23 September 24 September 25-26 September 25-29 September 27 September 28 October 2 October 4 October 4 October 5 October 9 October 9-15 October 14 October 15 October 15 October 16 October 17 October 17 October 20 October 23 October 25 October 31 October 31 October 31 November

Tuesday Thursday Friday Friday Monday Sunday Wednesday Friday Sunday Friday Friday Saturday Thursday Thursday Wednesday-Thursday Sunday Sunday Friday Sunday Sunday Sunday Monday Thursday Saturday Thursday Full Month Saturday-Sunday Monday Friday Saturday Wednesday Saturday Sunday-Tuesday Saturday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Monday Monday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Saturday Sunday Sunday Friday Friday Sunday Monday Saturday Friday Monday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday-Friday Thursday-Monday Saturday Sunday Thursday Saturday Saturday Sunday Thursday Thursday-Wednesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Monday Thursday Saturday Friday Friday Friday Full Month

All Saints’ Day (Western Christian) All Souls’ Day (Christian) Coronation of Haile Selassie (Rasta) Ashura (Islamic) Birth of Guru Nanak (Lunar cal, Sikh) Kristallnacht Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) Shichogsan/ Seven-Five-Three Festival (Shinto) Niiname Festival (Shinto) Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Religious Liberty Day Day of the Covenant (Baha’i) Thanksgiving Day Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i) Beginning of Advent (Christian) Bodhi Day (Buddhist) Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Christian) Our Lady of Guadalupe (Christian) Bill of Rights Day Chanukah (Jewish) Yule/ Winter Solstice (Pagan) HumanLight (Atheist/Humanist) Christmas Eve (Christian) Christmas (Christian) Kwanzaa Wounded Knee Day

November 1 November 2 November 2 November 3 November 6 November 9 November 12 November 15 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 26 November 27 November 28 November 30 December 8 December 8 December 12 December 15 December 17-24 December 21 December 23 December 24 December 25 December 26-Jan. 1 December 29

Saturday Sunday Sunday Monday Thursday Sunday Wednesday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday Monday Monday Friday Monday Wednesday-Wednesday Sunday Tuesday Wedneday Thursday Friday-Thursday Monday

—Jewish, Baha’i and Islamic holidays begin at sunset the previous day.

2015 Cultural and Religious Observances Observance New Year’s Day Temple Day (Buddhist) Oshogatsu/Shogatsu (Shinto) Milad Al-Nabi (Islamic) Mahayana New Year (Buddhist) Birth of Guru Gobind Singh (Sikh) Epiphany (Christian, Theophany in Eastern Christianity) Christmas (Armenian Orthodox Christian) Christmas (Eastern Christian) Christmas (Coptic Christian) Baptism of the Lord (Christian) Makar Sankranti (Hindu) Seijin Shiki/ Adults’ Day (Shinto) Religious Freedom Day World Religion Day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Birth of Guru Har Rai (Sikh) Black History Month Candlemas (Christian) Imbolc (Pagan) Rissun/ Setsubun (Shinto) Tu B’Shvat (Jewish) Parinirvana/ Nirvana Day (Buddhist) Darwin Day (Atheist/Humanist) Nirvana Day (Buddhist) Shrove Tuesday (Western Christian) Maha Shivaratri / Shiva Ratri (Hindu) Ash Wednesday (Western Christian) Lunar New Year (Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean New Year) Clean Monday (First Day of Lent for Eastern Christians) Intercalary Day/ Ayyam-i-ha (Baha’i) Women’s History Month Nineteen-Day Fast (Baha’i) Hina-matsuri/Festival of Dolls (Shinto) Taanit Esther/ Fast of Esther (Jewish) Purim (Jewish) Magha Puja/ Sangha Day (Buddhist) Holi (Hindu) Hola Mohalla (Lunar calendar, Sikh) St. Patrick’s Day (Christian) Eoster /Mabon/Spring Equinox (Pagan) Vernal Equinox (First Day of Spring) Nowruz/Naw-Ruz (Iranian New Year) Jamshedi Noruz (Fasli calendar, Zoroastrian) Shubun-sai/Equinox Day (Shinto) Ugadi/Yugadi (Hindu)

Date January 1 January 1 January 1 January 3 January 5 January 5 January 6 January 6 January 7 January 7 January 11 January 14 January 15 January 16 January 18 January 19 January 31 February February 2 February 2 February 3 February 3-4 February 8/15 February 12 February 15 February 17 February 17 February 18 February 19 February 23 February 26-March 1 March March 2-20 March 3 March 4-5 March 5 March 5 March 6 March 6 March 17 March 20 March 20 March 21 March 21 March 21 March 21

Day Thursday Thursday Thursday Saturday Monday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Sunday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday Monday Saturday Full month Monday Monday Tuesday Tuesday-Wednesday Sunday Thursday Sunday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Monday Thursday-Sunday Full month Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Tuesday Friday Friday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday

Annunciation (Christian) Khordad Sal (Fasli calendar, Zoroastrian) Rama Navami, Swaminarayan Jayanti (Hindu) Palm Sunday(Western Christian) Holy Thursday (Western Christian) Good Friday (Western Christian) Fast of the Firstborn (Jewish) Holy Saturday (Christian) Theravada New Year (Buddhist) Pesach/Passover (Jewish) Easter (Western Christian) Palm Sunday (Eastern Christian) Hanamatsuri (Buddhist) Great Thursday (Eastern Christian) Great Friday (Eastern Christian) Pascha/ Easter (Eastern Christian) Baisakhi / Vaisakhi (Sikh) Birth of Guru Nanak (Sikh) Hola Mohalla (Nanakshahi calendar, Sikh) Lord’s Supper (Jehovah’s Witnesses) Yom Hashoah (Jewish) Birth of Guru Tegh Bahadur & Guru Angad Dev(Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Festival of Ridvan (Baha’i) Groundation Day/Anniversary of Haile Selassie to Jamaica (Rasta) Ninth day of Ridvan (Baha’i) Beltane (Pagan) Twelfth Day of RIdvan (Baha’i) Birth of Guru Arjan Dev (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Cinco De Mayo Lag B’Omer (Jewish) Mothers’ Day Ascension Day (Western Christian) Ascension Day (Eastern Christian) Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i) Birth of Guru Amar Das (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Pentecost/ Whitsun (Christian) Shavuot (Jewish) Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) Trinity Sunday Pentecost (Eastern Christian) Nisf Shabaan/Night of Salvation (Islamic) Feast of the Body of Christ/Corpus Christi (Christian) All Saints Day (Eastern Christian) Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Ramadan (Islamic) Litha/ Summer Solstice (First day of summer) (Pagan) Fathers’ Day Asala/ Dharma Day (Buddhist) Independence Day Birth of Guru Hargobind (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i) Laila Al-Qadr (Islamic) Bon (Buddhist) Eid Al-Fitr (Islamic) Birth of Guru Har Krishen (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Birth of Haile Selassie (Rastafarian) Pioneer Day (Mormon) Tisha B’Av (Jewish) Lughnasadh/ Lammas (Pagan) Transfiguration (Chirstian) International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Dormition of Theotokos (Orthodox/Christian) Ulambana / Ghost Festival (Buddhist) Raksha Banhan/ Rakhi (Hindu) Krishna Jayanti (Hindu) Nativity of Theotokos (Orthodox Christian) Triumph of the Cross (Christian) Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) Fast of Gedalliah (Jewish) Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) Mabon/ Autumn Equinox (Pagan) Eid Al-Adha (Islamic) Yom Kippur (Jewish) Native American Day Teacher’s Day (Confucianism) Sukkot (Jewish) Feast of Guardian Angels (Christian) Hoshanah Rabbah (Jewish) Simchat Torah (Jewish)

March 25 March 26 March 28 March 29 April 2 April 3 April 3 April 4 April 4 April 4-11 April 5 April 5 April 8 April 6 April 10 April 12 April 13 April 14 April 14 April 15 April 16 April 18 April 21 April 21 April 29 May 1 May 2 May 2 May 5 May 7 May 10 May 14 May 21 May 23 May 23 May 24 May 24-25 May 29 May 31 May 31 June 2 June 4 June 7 June 16 June 18 June 21 June 21 July 2 July 4 July 5 July 9 July 13 July 13 July 17 July 23 July 23 July 24 July 26 August 1 August 6 August 9 August 15 August 28 August 29 September 5 September 8 September 14 September 14-15 September 16 September 17 September 22 September 23 September 23 September 25 September 28 September 28-October 4 October 2 October 4 October 6

Wednesday Thursday Saturday Sunday Thursday Friday Friday Saturday Saturday Saturday-Saturday Sunday Sunday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Saturday Tuesday Thursday Sunday Thursday Thursday Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday-Monday Friday Sunday Sunday Tuesday Thursday Sunday Tuesday Thursday Sunday Sunday Thursday Saturday Sunday Thursday Monday Monday Friday Thursday Thursday Friday Sunday Saturday Thursday Sunday Saturday Friday Saturday Saturday Tuesday Monday Monday-Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Friday Monday Monday-Sunday Friday Sunday Tuesday

Birth of Guru Ram Das (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Navaratri (Hindu) Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) Muharram (Islamic) Al-Hijira (Islamic) Kenname Festival (Shinto) Birth of the Bab (Baha’i) Dassera / Durga Puja (Hindu) Ashura (Islamic) Reformation Day (Protestant Christian) All Hallow’s Eve (Christian) Samhain/ Hallowe’en (Pagan) Native American Heritage Month All Saints’ Day (Western Christian) All Souls’ Day (Christian) Coronation of Haile Selassie (Rasta) Kristallnacht Diwali (Hindu, Jain, Sikh) Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) Shichogsan/ Seven-Five-Three Festival (Shinto) Niiname Festival (Shinto) Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Nanakshahi cal, Sikh) Religious Liberty Day Birth of Guru Nanak (Lunar cal, Sikh) Day of the Covenant (Baha’i) Thanksgiving Day Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i) Beginning of Advent (Christian) Chanukah (Jewish) Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Christian) Bodhi Day (Buddhist) Our Lady of Guadalupe (Christian) Bill of Rights Day Milad un Nabi (Islamic) Yule/ Winter Solstice (Pagan) HumanLight (Atheist/Humanist) Christmas Eve (Christian) Christmas (Christian) Kwanzaa Wounded Knee Day

October 9 October 13 October 13 October 14 October 14 October 17 October 20 October 22 October 23 October 31 October 31 October 31 November November 1 November 2 November 2 November 9 November 11 November 12 November 15 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 25 November 26 November 26 November 28 November 29 December 5-14 December 8 December 8 December 12 December 15 December 21 December 22 December 23 December 24 December 25 December 26-Jan. 1 December 29

Friday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Saturday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Saturday Saturday Full Month Sunday Monday Monday Monday Wednesday Thursday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Saturday Sunday Saturday-Monday Tuesday Tuesday Saturday Tuesday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday-Friday Tuesday

—Jewish, Baha’i and Islamic holidays begin at sunset the previous day.

Glossary of Observances Every holiday involves celebrations and rituals that create a singular flavor. While many are observed privately or inconspicuously, some religious days that involve the wearing of certain symbols, fasting and abstention from work are more visible to the public. The numbers of days and type of observance for these holidays are listed below: Ash Wednesday (Christians appear with crosses on their forehead) Ramadan (Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a full month) Sabbath Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Sukkot Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Pesach (Passover) Shavuot

1 day 30 days 1 day 2 days; or 1 day 1 day 2 days; or 1 day 2 days; or 1 day First and last 2 days or 1 day 2 days; or 1 day

AL-HIJIRA (Islamic) the Islamic New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram ALL HALLOW’S EVE (Christian) - preparations, prayers, and fasting prior to the feast of all saints the following day ALL SAINTS’ DAY (Eastern Christian) - November 1. Commemorates all the saints. ALL SAINTS’ DAY (Western Christian) - feast day to remember all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, throughout Christian history ALL SOULS’ DAY (Christian) - day to commemorate the faithful departed ANNUNCIATION (Christian) celebrates an angel’s appearance to the Virgin Mary, announcing that she was to be the mother of Jesus Christ ASALA / DHARMA DAY (Buddhist) - festival marking the beginning of Buddha's teachings of peace and enlightenment ASCENSION DAY (Christian) - The 40th day after Easter. Commemorates the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. ASCENSION OF ABDU’L-BAHA (Baha’i) anniversary of the death of 'Abdu'l-Baha, son of Baha'u'llah and His appointed succesor, on Nov 28, 1921 in Haifa, in what is now northern Israel ASCENSION OF BAHA’U’LLAH (Baha’i) - May 29. Observance of the anniversary of the death in exile of Baha’u’llah. ASH WEDNESDAY (Christian)- The first day of Lent, a 40-day season of spiritual preparation for Easter. ASHURA (Islamic) Celebrates Moses’ exodus from Egypt. For Shi’a Muslims, it also marks the martyrdom of Hussein at the Battle of Kerbala in 680 CE. BAHA’U’LLAH BIRTHDAY (Baha’i) - November 12. Commemorates birth of the founder of Baha’i faith in 1817. BAISAKHI / VAISAKHI (Sikh) - April 13. Sikh observance of rejection of Indian caste system and formation of Khalsa (Sikh Brotherhood).

BAPTISM OF THE LORD (Christian) commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ's by St. John the Baptist. BELTANE (Pagan) fire festival that celebrates of the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year BILL OF RIGHTS DAY - On December 15, 1791, the ten original amendments of the United States Constitution became effective. BIRTH OF GURU GOBIND SINGH (Sikh) celebration of the birth of a Sodhi prince, who would one day become Gobind Singh, 10th and last guru of the Sikhs. BIRTH OF GURU AMAR DAS (Sikh) celebration of the birth of the third guru, who worked for better conditions for women and pushed for more cohesion among Sikh communities BIRTH OF GURU ARJAN DEV (Sikh) Guru Arjan was the fifth Sikh Guru and the first Sikh martyr BIRTH OF GURU HAR KRISHEN (Sikh) the eighth of the ten gurus who healed and comforted many during his lifetime BIRTH OF GURU HAR RAI (Sikh) celebration of the birth of the seventh Guru of the Sikhs, known as the caretaker of creation BIRTH OF GURU HARGOBIND (Sikh) sixth of the ten gurus who was extremely skilled in matters of the state and taught of the unification of temporal and spiritual power BIRTH OF GURU NANAK (Sikh) birth of the founder and first Guru, who challenged and questioned the existing religious tenants and laid the foundations of the Sikh tradition BIRTH OF GURU NANAK (Sikh) birth of the founder and first Guru, who challenged and questioned the existing religious tenants and laid the foundations of the Sikh tradition BIRTH OF GURU RAM DAS (Sikh) celebration of the fourth of ten master gurus of Sikhism, who designed the Golden Temple BIRTH OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR & GURU AGNAD DEV (Sikh) 9th and 2nd gurus of Sikhism. The Ten gurus of Sikhism are hailed for their devotion to renewing eternal wisdom and emphasizing the simplicity of the religion BIRTH OF HAILE SELASSIE (Rastafarian) Haile Selassie I was Ethiopia's 225th and last emperor, whom Rastafarians believe to be divine BIRTH OF THE BAB (Baha’i) - October 20. Observance of the anniversary of the birth of Siyyid Ali Muhammad, known as “the Bab.” BLACK HISTORY MONTH - Celebrated in February to commemorate leading events in African-American history. BODHI DAY (Buddhist) - celebration of the Enlightenment of founder Shakyamuni Buddha, ca. 596 B.C.E. BON (Mahayana Buddhist) - July 15. Occasion for rejoicing in the enlightenment offered by the Buddha. Day of remembrance of all those who have passed away. Also known as Obon-e. BON / OBON (Mahayana Buddhist) - July 15. Occasion for rejoicing in the enlightenment offered by the Buddha. Day of remembrance of all those who have passed away. Also known as Obon-e. CANDLEMAS (Christian) celebration of the purification of Mary and the presentation of Jesus in the temple CHANUKAH/ FEAST OF DEDICATION (Feast of Lights) - Eight-day festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple to the service of God (165 B.C.E.). Commemorates the Maccabean victory over Antiochus who sought to suppress freedom of worship. CHRISTMAS (Christian /Orthodox Christian) - December 25. Commemorates the birth of Jesus. CHRISTMAS (Christian) The day when Western Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. CHRISTMAS EVE (Christian) day of preparation for Christmas day, the day of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. CINCO DE MAYO - May 5 (in Spanish). This date, celebrated in the Southwest, marks the victory in 1862 of a small Mexican force that routed a French army three times its size. CLEAN MONDAY (First Day of Lent for Eastern Christians) day of fasting, cleansing, and prayer in preparation for the season of Lent CORONATION OF HAILE SELASSIE (Rasta) - celebration of the coronation of Haile Selassie as King of Ethiopia CPA ANNIVERSARY (Sudanese) - January 9. Celebration of the Third Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between southern Sudan’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLA) and the north’s National Congress Party (NCP). DAB SHID (Somali) - Celebration of Somali solar New Year. Usually occurs on July 27 or 28. DARWIN DAY (Humanist/Secular/Atheist) – February 12. Celebrates Charles Darwin’s birth and his discoveries. More generally Darwin Day is a celebration of the accomplishments and knowledge science brings DASSERA / DUSSEHRA / DURGA PUJA (Hindu) – Anniversary of the day when Rama killed the evil demon Ravana; also celebrates the Durga. DAY OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (Christian) - December 12. Fiestas commemorate the day in December 1531, when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared before the Indian Juan Diego. Celebrated in the Southwest. DAY OF THE COVENANT (Baha’i) commemorates Baha’u’llah’s appointment of his eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, as the Center of His Covenant DEEPAVALI (DIWALI) (Hindu, Jain, Sikh) - Festival of Lights, celebration of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. DORMITON OF THE THETOKOS (Orthodox/Christian) - commemorates the death, resurrection, and glorification of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’s BIRTHDAY - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is celebrated on the third Monday in January. EASTER SUNDAY / PASCHA (Christian) - Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. EID AL-ADHA (Islamic) - Feast of Sacrifice; concludes the Hajj and celebrates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God. EID AL-FITR (Islamic) – Feast of the Breaking of the Fast of Ramadan, the month of fasting from sunrise to sunset. EOSTER/ SPRING EQUINOX (Pagan) celebrates the renewed life of the earth that comes with spring EPIPHANY (Christian, Theophany in Eastern Christianity) / FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY (Christian) - January 6. The revealing of Jesus as the Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi at Bethlehem. FAST OF GEDALIIAH (Jewish) fast in mourning of the assassination of Gedaliah FAST OF THE FIRSTBORN (Jewish) first born male of every Jewish household fasts in commemoration of the 10th plague of Passover. FATHERS DAY - day honoring all fathers FEAST OF GUARDIAN ANGELS (Christian) commemoration of the belief in every person having a guardian angel who watches over them and helps them to attain salvation FEAST OF THE BODY OF CHRIST / CORPUS CHRISTI (Christian) celebrates the institution of the sacrament of Holy Communion at the Last Supper FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (Christian)- December 8. Observance commemorating the doctrine that Mary, from the moment of her conception, was free from the stain of Original Sin. FESTIVAL OF RIDVAN (Baha’i) - April 21. Beginning of the most important festival period, the 12 days which Baha’u’llah spent in the garden of Ridvan, before his exile to Constantinople. FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT (Christian) - Begins four weeks of spiritual preparation in observance of the birth of Jesus. GANESH CHATURTHI (Hindu) - celebration of the birth of Ganesha, the deity of intellect and wisdom GOOD FRIDAY (Christian) - Commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus. Two days before Easter. GROUNDATION DAY / ANNIVERSARY OF HAILE SELASSIE TO JAMAICA (Rasta) Marks the date Haile Selassie I visited Jamaica in 1966. The visit was the only time the Emperor visited Jamaica. HANAMATSURI (Buddhist) (Buddha’s Birthday)- April 8. Celebrates the birth of the founder of Buddhism, ca. 560 B.C.E. HASHANAH/ NEW YEAR (Jewish) - The first of the High Holy Days, which marks the beginning of a 10-day period of penitence and spiritual renewal. HINA-MATSURI /Festival of Dolls (Shinto) day of prayer for young girls

HOLA MOHALLA (Lunar calendar, Sikh) festival of processions that originated from historical army demonstrations reminding followers of the importance of courage and preparedness. HOLI (Hindu) celebration of spring, colors, and good over evil, among other themes HOLY SATURDAY / EASTER VIGIL (Christian) final day of season of Lent HOLY THURSDAY (Maundy Thursday / Great Thursday) (Christian) - Commemorates the Last Supper, at which Jesus and the Disciples were together for the last time before the Crucifixion, and the sacrament of the Eucharist was instituted. HOSHANAH RABBAH (Jewish) - the seventh and last day of Sukkot, a day of final sealing of judgment during the festival HSIN-NIEN - Chinese New Year HUMANLIGHT (Atheist/Humanist) - December 23. Celebration of a humanist view of the future in which all people act justly and morally in a peaceful world IINTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES - celebrates the richness of indigenous cultures and recognizes the challenges facing them today IMBOLC (Pagan) celebration of the end of winter and the anticipation of spring INDEPENDENCE DAY (American) - American celebration of the 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence, ceasing rule by Great Britain INDEPENDENCE DAY (Somali) - June 26 Celebrates the independence from Britain in 1960. INQAZ REVOLUTION DAY (Sudanese)-June 30. Celebrates National Islamic Front’s overthrow of the government of the former Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi in 1989. INTERCALARY DAY/ AYYAM-I-HA (Baha’i) spiritual preparation for the Fast in which followers celebrate hospitality, charity, and gift giving JAMSHEDI NORUZ (Fasli calendar, Zoroastrian) obligatory feast dedicated to fire; Zoroastrian New Year celebration KENNAME FESTIVAL (Shinto) - October 17. Celebration of the autumn harvest. KHORDAD SAL (Fasli calendar, Zoroastrian) marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Zoroaster, founder of Zoroastrianism KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI / KRISNA JAYANTI (Hindu) - festival of celebrations and rituals to mark the birth of Krishna KRISTALLNACHT - November 9-10. Dates of 1938 Nazi riots against Jews in which many people were killed, hundreds of synagogues burned, and thousands of Jewishowned businesses destroyed. KWANZAA – December 26-January 1. Seven-day celebration of African-American values and traditions and their continued vitality. “Kwanzaa,” in Kiswahili, means “first fruits of the harvest.” LAG B’OMER (Jewish) - According to the Talmud, 24,000 disciples of the Jewish scholar, Rabbi Akiva (ca. 50-132 C.E.), died of a plague during the period between Pesach and Shavuot because they did not sufficiently honor one another. The plague ceased on Lag B’Omer which, consequently, became a Jewish festival. LAILA AL-QADR / Night of Power (Islamic) - special celebration during Ramadan that commemorates the night when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad LITHA /SUMMER SOLSTICE (First day of summer) (Pagan) honors the longest day of the year as well as the power of the sun LORD’S SUPPER (Jehovah Witnesses) - Also called Memorial of Christ’s Death, Jehovah’s Witnesses commemorate Jesus’ last meal with his apostles and his death once a year. LUGHNASADH / LAMMAS (Pagan) - celebration of the beginning of the harvest season; also a celebration of the Celtic god Lugh LUNAR NEW YEAR (Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean New Year)- A festive holiday celebrated for about two weeks. Each year is symbolized by a different animal. MABON / AUTUMN EQUINOX (Pagan) mid-harvest festival honoring the changing seasons and celebrating the second harvest; time of giving thanks MAGHA PUJA/ SANGHA DAY (Buddhist) commemorates a day when 1,250 monks, all from different places and on their own initiative, spontaneously came to pay homage to the Buddha MAHA SHIVARATRI/ SHIVA RATRI /Night of Shiva (Hindu) special tribute celebration to Shiva, the lord of destruction MAHAYANA NEW YEAR (Buddhist) In Mahayana countries the new year starts on the first full moon day in January MAKAR SANKRANTI (Hindu) harvest festival and celebration of the sun-god MARTYRDOM OF GURU ARJAN DEV (Sikh) memorial of the fifth guru and first martyr, one of ten who taught compassion, love, dedication, hard work, worship of one God, and the commitment to peace and harmony for all the peoples of the world MARTYRDOM OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR (Sikh) mourning the death of the 9th guru of Sikhism. The Ten gurus of Sikhism are hailed for their devotion to renewing eternal wisdom and emphasizing the simplicity of the religion MARTYRDOM OF THE BAB (Baha’i) - July 9. Observance of the anniversary of the execution of the Bab in 1850. MILAD AL--NABI (Islamic) - Birthday of the Prophet. MOTHERS’ DAY - in many nations and cultures to honor the special role of all mothers; American holiday since 1908 MUHARRAM (Islamic)- The first month of the Islamic new year. NATIVE AMERICAN DAY - celebrates Native American history and culture NATIVE AMERICAN DAY - Several states now celebrate this day on the fourth Friday in September. Nebraska, however, celebrates this day on the last Monday in September. Legislation now before Congress would make it a national observance. NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH - November. A month celebrating the contributions Native Americans have made to the United States’ establishment and growth. NATIVITY OF THEOTOKOS (Orthodox Christian) commemoration of the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus NAVARATRI (Hindu) nine-day festival at the changing seasons to honor of the energy aspect of God in the form of the universal mother, Durga NEW YEAR’S DAY – First day of the new year according to the Gregorian Calendar. NIINAME FESTIVAL (Shinto) - November 23. National holiday for labor in Japan. It originated as thanksgiving to the Gods of Heaven and Earth. NINETEEN-DAY FAST (Baha’i) period of reflection on spiritual progress and detachment from material desires. NINTH DAY OF RIDVAN (Baha’i) major holy day in Baha’i on which work is suspended to commemorate when Bahá’u’lláh declared his mission to his companions NISF SHABAAN/ Night of Salvation (Islamic) night of seeking pardon and repenting to Allah, remembering past sins and setting intentions to avoid committing the sins in the future. NOWRUZ/ NAW-RUZ (Iranian New Year)– Also called NowRooz or Norouz, the first day of the Iranian New Year, occurs on the Vernal Equinox each year. This celebration is celebrated by most religious groups in Iran. PALM SUNDAY (Christian) – Beginning of the Holy Week. Commemorate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when palm leaves were placed along his path. PARINIRVANA/ NIRVANA DAY (Mahayana Buddhist) - February 15. Observes the passing of Shakyamuni into Nirvana, when he obtained enlightenment and became a Buddha. Also known as Nehan-e. PENTECOST/ WHITSUNDAY (Christian) - Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, 50 days after Easter Sunday. Marks the beginning of the Christian Church. PESACH/ PASSOVER (Jewish) - Celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage. During this 8-day Spring festival, matzoh (unleavened bread) is eaten. PIONEER DAY (Mormon) - Celebration of arrival of the first pioneers at the Great Salt Lake in 1847. PURIM/ FEAST OF LOTS (Jewish) - Marks the salvation of the Jews of ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to exterminate them, through the intervention of Queen Esther. RAKSHA BANHAN / RAKHI (Hindu) celebrates the special bond between brother and sister by ritual tying of holy thread around the wrist, signifying love and protection. RAMA NAVAMI / SWAMINARAYAN JAYANTI (Hindu)- Anniversary of the birth of Rama, incarnation of Vishnu (the Preserver) in Hinduism.

RAMADAN (Islamic)- The ninth month in the Islamic calendar; 30 days of strict fasting from sunrise to sundown in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. REFORMATION DAY (Protestant Christian)- October 31. Commemorates the begnning of the Protestant Reformation. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY – January 16 American observance of the anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom in 1786. This national day strives to promote and protect religious expression rights. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DAY - November 25. The anniversary of 1981 United Nations declaration on religious liberty as a fundamental human right. RISSUN/SETSUBUN (Shinto) celebration of the end of winter and beginning of spring SAINT PATRICK’S DAY (Christian) - March 17. Feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. SAMHAIN / HALLOWE’EN (Pagan) - Feast of the Dead, honoring life, wisdom, and endings that take place throughout the course of life SEIJIN SHIKI /ADULTS DAY (Shinto) young people who have turned 20 go to a shrine for their "coming of age" ceremony SHAVUOT/ FEAST OF WEEKS (Jewish) - Celebrates the covenant established at Sinai between God and Israel, and the revelation of the Ten Commandments. SHEMINI ATZERET/ EIGHTH DAY OF SOLEMN ASSEMBLY (Jewish) - A part of the Sukkot festival. SHICHIGOSAN / Seven-Five-Three Festival (Shinto) means "Seven Five Three". Girls of age three and seven, and boys of age three and five are celebrated on Shichigosan, prayers are offered for their good health and growth SHOGATSU (Shinto) Japanese New Year/ a multiple-day celebration of the arrival of the new year SHROVE TUESDAY (Western Christian) day of preparation for the penance and absolution that takes place during the subsequent season of Lent SHUBUN-SAI/ EQUINOX DAY (Shinto) day for visiting graves SIMCHAT TORAH/ THE REJOICING IN THE TORAH (Jewish) - Celebrates the conclusion of the public reading of the Pentateuch (Torah) and its beginning anew, thus affirming that the study of God’s word is an unending process. Concludes the Sukkot festival. SUKKOT/ FEAST OF BOOTHS (Tabernacles) (Jewish) - Commemorates the 40-year wandering of Israelites in the desert on the way to the Promised Land; expresses thanksgiving for the fall harvest. TAANIT ESTHER / Fast of Esther (Jewish) commemorates the Fast observed by Mordechai and Esther and all Israel before a historic war. TEACHER’S DAY (Confucianism) - September 28. Commemorates the birth of Confucius, and honors the teaching profession. TEMPLE DAY (Buddhist) North American Buddhists attend special services in temples on this day. TET - Vietnamese New Year THANKSGIVING DAY - varied traditions and understandings surround this holiday, however, a common belief is the commemoration of an autumn feast shared between American colonists and Native Americans THE DECLARATION OF THE BAB - (Baha’i) May 23. Day when Baha’u’llah revealed His Mission to his disciples. THERAVADA NEW YEAR (Buddhist) In Theravada countries the new year starts on three days from the first full moon day in April. TISHA B’AV (Jewish) - day of fasting and mourning on the ninth of Av commemorating the destruction of the first and the second Holy Temples TRANSFIGURATION (Chirstian) - event in which the divinity of Jesus was revealed through a transformed appearance TRINITY SUNDAY (Christian)- celebrates belief in the Holy Trinity, the most fundamental of Christian beliefs TRIUMPTH OF THE CROSS (Christian) celebrates the Holy Cross as the instrument of salvation TU B’SHVAT (Jewish) (Fifteenth day of Shvat) - named for the festival of the New Year of Trees. In certain communities, it is customary to eat 15 different kinds of fruit on this day with special preference given to the kinds of fruits grown in the land of Israel. TWELFTH DAY OF RIDVAN (Baha’i) major holy day in Baha’i on which work is suspended to commemorate Bahá’u'lláh’s announcement of his claim to prophethood and his departure from the garden of Ridvan UGADI/ YUGADI (Hindu) commemorates the day the Lord Brahma started creation; marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar ULLAMBANA / GHOST FESTIVAL (Buddhist) the day for helping those beings who are suffering so that they can obtain liberation VERVAL EQUINOX (First Day of Spring) WESAK/ BUDDHA DAY (Mahayana Buddhist) - April 8. Commemorates the birth of Gautama, the Buddha of Infinite Wisdom and Compassion. Also known as Hanamatsuri. WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH - Designated by Congress in March, as a time to remember and salute women as significant agents of historical change. WORLD RELIGION DAY – Third Sunday in January. Global day of observance to promote understanding and dialogue between the followers of all religions WOUNDED KNEE DAY - December 29. Observance of the anniversary of the massacre of more than 250 Sioux Indians at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in 1890. YOM HASHOAH/ HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY (Jewish) - Memorializes the heroic martyrdom of the six million Jews who perished in the Nazi Holocaust. YOM KIPPUR/ DAY OF ATONEMENT (Jewish) - This most holy day in the Jewish year is marked by fasting and prayer. YULE / WINTER SOLSTICE (Pagan) celebration focusing on rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings as the sun makes way back to the earth **This calendar uses information adapted from the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate Cultural and Religious Calendar as well as the BBC’s Multifaith Calendar, Interfaith Calendar’s calendars, and various other sources.

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