Major Holidays and Suggested Accommodations
The holidays and accommodations section of this guide is provided to faculty, staff, and students leaders as an educational resource for the myriad of religious holy days celebrated at RIT and beyond.This section offers crucial information about dates and practices, and we hope that the information about recommended academic and food accommodations will be valuable to those planning classroom activities and other academic and co-curricular events. Questions about reasonable accommodations for religious holy days or other multicultural events may be sent to Office for Diversity & Inclusion at RIT at mmmpro@rit.edu.
Points to Remember
- Dates are assembled from several calendars and begin with the academic year (August through September). Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice.
- Kosher restrictions apply: refers to the dietary guidelines of Jewish law which apply daily throughout the year. Restrictions include: pork, shellfish (fish is allowed) and mixing meat with dairy.
- Halal dietary restrictions apply: refers to the foods prohibited according to Islamic dietary law throughout the year. Restrictions include alcohol and pork.
Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
|---|---|
Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)This two-day festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, a widely-worshipped Hindu god. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher. General Practices:During this festival, Hindus are likely to forgo sleep in order to sing bhajans, traditional Hindu songs. Many Hindus also fast during the first day of the festival. Dances, songs, and plays depicting the life of Krishna are common. Date Details: The first day is called Krishan ashtami or Gokul ashtami. The second day is known as Kaal ashtami or more popularly Janam ashtami. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that students will be operating on very little sleep. |
|
Ramadan (Islamic)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices:Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims also believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan. Date Details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. The observed date marks the beginning of a 30 day observation. Recommended Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
Starts on:
|
Eid al-Fitr (Islamic)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Muslims often pray, exchange gifts, give money to children, feast, and celebrate with friends and family. Date Details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Eid al Fitr is a three day celebration. Recommended Accommodations:Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day on this day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
|
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Prayer in synagogue and festive meals Date details: Begins at sundown of prior day. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
|
Mabon / Autumnal Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan)Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, and Meán Fómhair. Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: At Mabon, day and night are in equal balance. It is a time to offer gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and also to begin to prepare for turning inward. Making dishes with apples, squash and pumpkins as part of ritual celebration is customary. |
|
Yom Kippur (Jewish)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: During Yom Kippur, Jews fast from before sundown until after sunset, and light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the night of Yom Kippur. Date details: Begins at sundown of prior day. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting. |
|
Sukkot (Jewish)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork. Date details: Begins at sundown of prior day; work holiday varies by denomination. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—although it is customary to eat dairy for this celebration). |
|
Navratri (Hindu)Navarati is one of the greatest Hindu festivals, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. General Practices: Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are are often feasts and dances. |
|
Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Jews light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzereth (the 8th night of Sukkot). Date details: Begins at sundown on the eighth day of Sukkot. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
|
Simchat Torah (Jewish)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Practitioners dance in synagogues as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. (kosher restrictions apply) |
|
|
Diwali (Hindu / Buddhist / Sikhism / Jainism) *Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks, and prayer. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date. |
|
Eid al-Adha (Islamic)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Prayers, gift giving, prayers, and sometimes slaughtering of sheep, with a portion of the meat gifted to the poor. Date details: All Islamic days begin at sunset of the prior day. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
|
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Baha’i)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. (Baha’i employees will likely request to have this day off.) |
|
Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan)One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life. General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died. |
|
Hanukkah / Chanukah (Jewish)
General Practices: On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Jews celebrate with food and song, as well as exchanging gifts for eight days. Date details: Hanukkah begins at sundown of prior day. Recommended Accommodations: Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary). |
|
Yule / Midwinter / Winter Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan)Also known as Alban Arthan; the longest night of the year followed by the sun's "rebirth" and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Burning the yule log (which was traditionally part of last year’s yule tree) is an act of faith and renewal that, indeed, the light, and the warmth will return. |
|
Christmas (Christian)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees, and visiting family. Date details: Begins at sundown on Dec. 24 annually and continues with all day celebration on Dec. 25. Recommended Accommodations: This is a national holiday in the United States, so special accommodations are likely not required. |
|
Gantan-sai (Shinto)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Practitioners pray for inner renewal, prosperity, and health, as well as visiting shrines and visiting friends and family. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on this date (work holiday) |
|
Epiphany / Twelfth Night / Three Kings Day (Christian)This date is also known as Befana Day; commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and marks the time the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts to the baby Jesus. General Practices: Prayer, festive meals, offerings, gifts |
|
Chinese New Year (Confucian / Taoist / Buddhist)
|
|
Imbolc / Candlemas (Pagan, Wiccan)Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights, and Oimele. Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, redication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four "greater Sabbats." General Practices: Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories. |
|
Setsubum-sai (Shinto)Setsubum-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival. The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season. |
|
Ash Wednesday (Christian)This is the first day of Lent, the period of forty days before Easter in which many Christians sacrifice ordinary pleasures to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. General Practices: On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—prohibitions include animal products. |
|
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. General Practices: Many Jews hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, dressing in costumes, and read the Book of Esther. Triangular, fruit-filled pastries are eaten in opposition to the villain Haman, who wore a three-cornered hat. Recommended Accommodations: Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jews should not go about their ordinary business at Purim out of respect for the festival. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
|
Magha Puja Day (Buddhism)Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha. |
|
Holi (Hindu)Also known as the “Festival of Colors,” this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures commemorating good over evil. This date is also a celebration of the colorful spring and a farewell to the dull winter. General Practices: Hindus often sprinkle colored water and powder on others bonfires and lights, signifying victory of good over evil. Date details: Celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar moon in late February or early March. |
|
Ostara / Spring Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan)Also known as Eostre or Alban Eilir. Regarded as a time of fertility and conception. In some Wiccan traditions, it is marked as the time when the Goddess conceives the God's child, which will be born at the winter solistice. One of eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Lighting fires to commemorate the return of light in the spring and to honor the God and Goddess. Coloring eggs as a way of honoring fertility is also practiced. |
|
Pesach / Passover (Jewish)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, reading of the Haggadah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the last night of Passover. Date details: Begins at sundown of prior day. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—The use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread.) |
|
Naw Ruz (Baha’i)This is the Baha’i New Year, a traditional celebration in Iran adopted as a holy day associated with Baha’i. It is a celebration of spring and new life. General Practices: Festive music dancing, prayers, meetings, meals |
|
Palm Sunday (Christian)A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds General Practices: PPrayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion. |
|
Maundy Thursday (Christian)Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. General Practices: Prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations Date details: Always falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. |
|
Good Friday (Christian)Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. General Pratices: Prayer, fasting, and noon or afternoon services in some Christian denominations. Date details: Always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some. |
|
Vaisakhi (Sikh)Vaisakhi is the Sikh new year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival. General Practices: There are often parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day. These celebrations involve music, singing, and chanting of scriptures and hymns. |
|
Easter (Christian)*Holiday with signficant work restriction
General Practices: Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies. It is a celebration of renewal. Date details: Easter Sunday is determined by the Gregorian calendar (Gregorian calendar regulates ceremonial cycle of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches). |
|
Yom HaSho’ah (Jewish)Holocaust Remembrance Day; a day to remember the lives and names of Jewish victims and activists of the Holocaust. General Practices: Ceremonies or events to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II; activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the departed. Date details: Begins at sundown. If the date falls on a Friday, Israel observes Yom Hashoah on the preceding Thursday. When the date falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. Recommended Accommodations: This is not a work holiday—academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested. (kosher restrictions apply) |
|
Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan)The fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Jumping the balefire,dancing the MayPole. |
|
Shavuot (Jewish)
|
|
Buddha Day / Visakha Puja (Buddhist)This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. General Practices: Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning menus for events on this date. |
|
Ascension of the Baha’ullah (Baha’i)Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha’I faith; Baha’llah died on May 29, 1892. General Practices: Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures |
|
Litha / Midsomer / Summer Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan)A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of the the Goddess manifesting as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Lighting to bonfires and watching the sun rise |
|
Tisha B’Av (Jewish)Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. General practices: Fasting and mourning. Date details: Begins at sundown, fast deferred because of the Sabbath. Recommended accommodations: Plan limited activities after a fast. |
|
Lammas / Lughnasadh (Pagan, Wiccan)A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest. |
|
Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)The Rakhi festivity falls in the holy month of Shravan; The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times. General Practices: A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships. |
|
Many thanks to the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative at the University of Missouri for providing this content.