March 10-April 8, 2024 March 1-March 30, 2025
Feb. 18-March 19, 2026 Feb. 8- March 9, 2027 | Ramadan – Begins at Sundown (Islamic) Ramadan is an
occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer, and is one of the
most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an
was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an
as the ultimate form of guidance for
mankind. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called
Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to
eclipse months of worship. 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. Lunar calendars
can vary based on region and practice. 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). |
March 19, 2024 March 20, 2025
March 21, 2026 March 21, 2027 | Ostara/Alban Eilir/Spring Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) Also
known as Eostre. 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 solstice.
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. |
March 20, 2024 March 20, 2025
March 20, 2026 March 20, 2027 | Naw Ruz – Begins at Sundown (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 |
March 23-24, 2024
March 13-14, 2025
March 2-3, 2026 March 22-24, 2027 | Purim – Begins at Sundown (Jewish) Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved from genocide 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.
Date details: Begins at sundown the first evening listed. 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 basics). |
March 24, 2024 April 13, 2025
March 29, 2026 March 21, 2027 | Palm Sunday (Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant/Eastern Orthodox Christianity) A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds General Practices: Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion. |
March 24-25, 2024
March 13-14, 2025 March 3-4, 2026 March 22-23, 2027 | 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 and celebrate with 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. |
March 28, 2024 April 17, 2025
April 2, 2026 March 25, 2027 | Maundy Thursday (Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant) 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. |
March 29, 2024 April 18, 2025
April 3, 2026
March 26, 2027 | Good Friday (Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant) Friday
before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some
sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. General Practices: 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. |
March 31, 2024 April 20, 2025 April 5, 2026 March 28, 2027 | Easter (Christian/Roman Catholic and Protestant) Holiday with significant work restriction Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ 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). |