Date

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Holiday

Religion

Description

1/1/10

1/1/11

1/1/12

1/1/13

1/1/14

1/1/15

Gantan-sai

(New Years)

Shinto

Shinto New Year festival observed with prayers for inner renewal, prosperity and health.

1/14/10

1/13/11

1/13/12

1/13/13

1/13/14

1/13/15

Maghi

Sikh

Sikh commemoration of a battle in which forty Sikhs died for Guru Gobindh Singh Ji

2/2/10

2/2/11

2/2/12

2/2/13

2/2/14

2/2/15

Imbolc-Lughnassad*

Wicca

Wicca reflection on the power of the gods from which physical and spiritual harvest will come. Wicca/neo pagan observance of first harvest of the year involving agricultural festivals and prosperity magic. The Christian name of Lammas is sometimes used.

2/3/10

2/3/11

2/3/12

2/3/13

2/3/14

2/3/15

Setsubun Sai

Shinto

Shinto celebration of the change of seasons with the coming of spring with shouts of "Devils out, Good Fortune in". Bean throwing protects against demons.

2/12/10

3/02/11

2/20/12

3/10/13

2/28/14

2/17/15

Maha Shivaratri

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.

2/14/10

2/3/11

1/23/12

2/10/13

1/31/14

2/19/15

Chinese New Year

Cunfucian

Daoist

Buddhist

Begins a fifteen Day Festival for Chinese people of all religions. Family reunions with thanksgiving and remembrance of departed relatives take place. Traditionally a religious ceremony honors Heaven and Earth.

2/15/10

2/15/11

2/15/12

2/15/13

2/15/14

2/15/15

Nirvana Day

Buddhist

A regional observance of the death of the Buddha.

2/17/10

3/9/11

2/22/12

2/13/13

3/5/14

2/25/15

Ash Wednesday

Christian

observance to begin the 40 day season of Lent. Ashes are marked on worshippers as a sign of penitence.

2/26/10

2/15/11

2/4/13

1/24/13

1/13/14

1/03/15

Mawlid an Nabi***

Islam

Islamic commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, in about 570 c.e. Not universally observed. The prophet's teachings are read and religious meetings are held.

3/1/10

3/20/11

3/9/12

3/27/13

3/17/14

3/6/15

Holi

Hindu

Hindu spring festival dedicated to the god of pleasure. It is observed in a colorful and boisterous manner. People shower each other with colored water and smear red and green powder on each other

4/13/10

4/13/11

4/13/12

4/13/13

4/13/14

4/13/15

Vaisakhi

(New Year)

Hindu/Sikh

Hindu solar new year. For Sikhs the day remembers Guru Gobind Singh and the founding of the militant fraternity of Sikhs named Kahlsa. The day is observed by temple worship, feasting and dancing.

3/20/10

3/20/11

3/20/12

3/20/13

3/20/14

3/20/15

Equinox Ostara/Mabon*

Wicca

Wicca welcoming of spring and the goddess-as-maiden. Wicca observance of the autumnal equniox when day and night are of equal length. A harvest festival time.

3/21/10

3/21/11

3/21/12

3/21/13

3/21/14

3/21/15

Norouz

Zoroastrian

Zoroastrian New Year.

3/21/10

3/20/11

3/21/12

3/21/13

3/21/14

3/21/15

Naw Ruz

(New Year)*

Baha’i

Baha'i observance of the vernal equinox symbolizing spiritual growth and renewal.

3/24/10

4/11/11

4/1/12

4/20/13

4/8/14

3/28/11

Ramanavami

Hindu

Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic poem, The Ramayana. The day involves telling of stories and going to the temple.

3/28/10

4/17/11

4/1/12

3/24/13

4/13/14

3/29/15

Palm Sunday

Christian

Christian celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches

3/28/10

3/28/11

3/28/12

3/28/13

3/28/14

3/28/15

Khordad Sal

Zoroastrian

Zoroastrian remembrance of the birth of Prophet Zarathushtra.

3/29/10

4/17/11

4/6/12

4/25/13

4/13/14

4/3/15

Mahavir Jayanti

Jain

Jain festival honoring Lord Mahavira on the founder's birthday. Shrines are visited. Teachings are reviewed and reflected upon.

3/30/10

4/18/11

4/6/12

4/25/13

4/15/14

4/4/15

Hanuman Jayati

Hindu

Hindu celebration of Hanuman who was an embodiment of Lord Rama. Devotion and selfless work are encouraged.

3/30-31/10

4/18-19/11

4/6-7/12

3/26-27/13

4/14-15/14

4/3-4/15

Pesach (Passover)

Jewish

Jewish 8 day pilgrimage festival celebrating the Exodus from slavery to freedom. Also known as Passover.

4/2/10

4/22/11

4/6/12

3/29/13

4/18/14

4/3/15

Good (Holy) Friday

Christian

Christian remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and related events.

4/4/10

4/24/11

4/8/12

3/31/13

4/20/14

4/5/15

Easter

Christian

The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion. Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise, special music, feasting, and parades.

4/5-6/10

4/25-26/11

4/13-14/12

4/2/13

4/21-22/14

4/10-11/15

Pesach (Passover) final days*

Jewish

Jewish 8 day pilgrimage festival celebrating the Exodus from slavery to freedom. Also known as Passover.

4/11/10

4/18/11

4/6/12

4/7/13

4/14/14

4/03/15

Yom HaSho’ah*

Jewish

Jewish Holocaust Day. The day has been established to remember the six million Jews killed by the Nazis in 1933-45. It is observed by many non-Jews as well.

4/14/10

4/14/11

4/14/12

4/14/13

4/14/14

4/14/15

Baisakhi

Sikh

Hindu start of the New Years. Greetings that wish good life in coming days are exchanged. In Sikhi the day commemorates the founding of the Khalsa, a distinctive Sikh brotherhood.

4/21/10

4/21/11

4/21/12

4/21/13

4/21/14

4/21/15

First Day of Ridvan *

Baha’i

Baha'i commemoration of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

4/29/10

4/29/11

4/29/12

4/29/13

4/29/14

4/29/15

Ninth Day of Ridvan*

Baha’i

Baha'i commemoration of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

5/1/10

5/1/11

5/1/12

5/1/13

5/1/14

5/1/15

Beltane-Samhain*

Wicca

Wicca celebration of the conjoining of the goddess with the energy of the god in the sacred marriage which is the basis of all creation.

5/2/10

5/2/11

5/2/12

5/2/13

5/2/14

5/2/15

Twelfth Day of Ridvan*

Baha’i

Baha'i commemoration of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

5/23/10

6/12/11

5/27/12

5/19/13

6/8/14

5/24/15

Pentecost

Christian

Christian observation of the day when the God the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in the forms of tongues of fire and rushing wind. It is a traditional day for baptism and confirmation of new Christians.

5/23/10

5/23/11

5/23/12

5/23/13

5/23/14

5/21/15

Declaration of the Bab

Baha’i

Baha'i recognition of the declaration in 1844 by Ali Muhammed that he is the anticipated "Coming One" of all religions. Work is suspended.

5/27/10

5/17/11

5/6/12

5/25/13

5/14/14

5/4/15

Buddha Day- Visakha Puja

Buddhist

Buddhist marking of the birth, enlightenment and death (attainment of Nirvana) of Lord Buddha.

5/29/10

5/29/11

5/29/12

5/29/13

5/29/14

5/29/15

Ascension of Baha’u’llah*

Baha’i

Baha'i recollection of the death of Baha'u'llah, the founder. Observed by prayers and readings. Work is suspended.

6/21/10

6/21/11

6/20/12

6/21/13

6/21/14

6/21/15

Solstice

Wicca

That time when the earth is most inclined away from the sun. It is the most southern or northern point depending on the hemisphere.

6/21/10

6/21/11

6/20/12

6/21/13

6/21/11

6/21/11

Litha*

Wicca

Wicca celebration of the sacred marriage in which energy of the gods is poured into the service of life.

6/21/10

6/21/11

6/20/12

6/21/13

6/21/11

6/21/11

Yule*

Wicca

Also a Norse pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun. A present day Wicca event.

7/8/10

6/28/11

6/16/12

6/5/13

5/27/14

5/13/15

Lailat al Miraj

Islam

Islamic observance of Mohammed's night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven

7/9/10

7/9/11

7/9/12

7/9/13

7/9/14

7/9/15

Martyrdom of the Bab*

Baha’i

Baha'i - Ali Mohammed was executed in 1850 by Persian political and religious powers. Observed by abstaining from commerce and work.

7/26/10

7/15/11

7/3/12

6/23/13

6/14/14

6/1/15

Lailat al Bara’ah

Islam

Islamic Night of Forgiveness. A night of prayer to Allah for forgiveness of the dead. Preparation for Ramadan through intense prayer.

8/1/10

8/1/11

8/1/12

8/1/13

8/1/14

8/1/15

Lughnassad (Lammas)

Wicca

Neo Pagan

Wicca/neo pagan observance of first harvest of the year involving agricultural festivals and prosperity magic. The Christian name of Lammas is sometimes used.

8/11/10

8/1/11

7/20/12

7/9/13

6/28/14

6/18/15

Ramadan begins***

Islam

9th month on Islamic calendar, devoted to the commemoration of Muhammad's reception of the divine revelation recorded in the Qur'an. The event begins when authorities in Saudi Arabia sight the new moon of the 9th month. It is the holiest period of the Islamic Year. There is strict fasting from sunrise to sunset.

8/24/10

8/24/11

8/2/12

8/21/13

8/10/14

8/29/15

Raksha Bandham

Hindu

Hindu festival honoring the loving ties between brothers and sister in a family.

9/2/10

8/22/11

8/10/12

8/28/13

8/17/14

9/5/15

Krishna Janmashtami

Hindu

Hindu commemoration of the birth of Krishna - the 8th incarnation of god Vishnu who took the form of Krishna to destroy the evil king Kansa.

9/6/10

8/26/11

8/14/12

8/3/13

7/23/14

7/13/15

Laylat al Kadr***

Islam

Islamic Night of Destiny. First revelation of Qur'an to Prophet Mohammed. Observed during the last ten days of Ramadan.  Prayers to Allah for a good destiny

9/9-10/10

9/29/12

9/17/12

9/05/13

9/25/14

9/14/15

Rosh Hashanah*

Jewish

Jewish New Year. A time of introspection, abstinence, prayer and penitence. The story of Abraham is read, the ram's horn is sounded, and special foods are prepared and shared.

9/10/10

8/31/11

8/18/12

8/9/13

7/29/14

7/16/15

Eid al Fitr***

Islam

Islamic event marking the close of Ramadan. It is a festival of thanksgiving to Allah for enjoying the month of Ramadan. It involves wearing finest clothing, saying prayers, and fostering understanding with other religions.

9/11/10

9/1/11

9/19/12

9/9/13

8/29/14

9/17/15

Ganesha Chaturthi

Hindu

A Hindu festival honoring the god of prosperity, prudence and success. Images of Ganesha are worshipped.

9/12/10

9/2/11

9/20/12

9/10/13

8/30/14

9/18/15

Paryushana

Jain

8 day festival signifying human emergence into a new world of spiritual and moral refinement. Marked by recitations from Jain sacred writing and family exchange of cards and letters. Celebration of the natural qualities of the soul. The 8th day (Samvatsari) is most important and is focused on forgiveness.

9/18/10

10/08/11

9/26/12

9/14/13

10/04/14

9/23/15

Yom Kippur

Jewish

Jewish Day of Atonement. This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with strict fasting and ceremonial repentance.

9/23-29/10

10/20/11

10/08/12

9/26/13

10/16/14

10/05/15

Sukkot*

Jewish

Jewish Feast of Tabernacles which celebrates the harvest and the protection of the people of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness dwelling in tents. Temporary dwelling places have leaves for a roof so the sky can be seen. In temperate climates, night is spent in the Succoth.

3/20/10 (Vernal)9/23/10 (Autumnal)

3/20/11 (Vernal) 9/23/11 (Autumnal)

3/20/12 (Vernal) 9/22/12 (Autumnal)

3/20/13 (Vernal) 9/22/13 (Autumnal)

3/20/14 (Vernal) 9/23/14 (Autumnal)

3/20/15 (Vernal) 9/23/15 (Autumnal)

Equinox

Wicca

The time when the sun is directly above a point on the equator. The equinox will be either Vernal or Autumnal depending on the hemisphere.

9/23/10

9/23/11

9/22/12

9/22/13

9/23/14

9/23/15

Mabon*

Wicca

Wicca observance of the autumnal equniox when day and night are of equal length. A harvest festival time.

10/8-16/10

9/28/11

10/16/12

10/5/13

9/25/14

10/13/15

Navaratri

Hindu

Hindu Festival of the divine mother honoring Durga, wife of Shiva, and seeking her blessings. Observed as a celebration recalling the days of Lord Krishna.

10/17/10

11/6/11

10/24/12

10/14/13

10/4/14

10/22/15

Dasera

Hindu

Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Lord Rama is remembered as winning a victory over evil.

10/20/10

10/20/11

10/20/12

10/20/13

10/20/14

10/20/15

Birth of the Bab*

Baha’i

Baha'i honoring of the founder of the Babi religion, forerunner to Baha'u'llah and the Baha'i faith.

11/1/10

5/1/11

5/1/12

5/1/13

5/1/14

5/1/15

Samhain-Beltane*

Wicca

Wicca celebration of endings and beginnings and of remembering the dead. Revering of elders is also observed.

11/5/10

10/26/11

11/13/12

11/3/13

10/23/14

11/11/15

Diwali

Hindu

Jain

Sikh

Hindu Festival of Lights symbolizing the human urge to move toward the light. Gift exchanges, fireworks and festive meals. Jain celebration of Lord Mahavira's day of final liberation.

11/12/10

11/12/11

11/12/12

11/12/13

11/12/14

11/12/15

Birth of Baha’u’llah*

Baha’i

Baha'i celebration of the birth of their founder and teacher.

11/15/10

11/5/11

10/25/12

10/14/13

10/3/14

9/22/15

Waqf al Arafa-Hajj***

Islam

Islamic observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy.

11/16/10

11/6/11

10/26/12

10/15/13

10/4/14

9/23/15

Eid al Adha***

Islam

Islamic Feast of Sacrifice. The most important feast of Islam. It concludes the Hajj and is a three-day festival recalling Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

11/21/10

11/10/11

11/28/12

11/17/13

11/6/14

11/25/15

Guru Nanak birthday

Sikh

Sikh honoring of the birth of the first Sikh teacher who lived from 1469 -1539 c.e. Sacred readings, prayers, hymns, meals together.

11/28/10

11/27/11

12/2/12

12/1/13

11/30/14

11/29/15

First Sunday of Advent

Christian

Christian time of preparation for observing the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30 and is the beginning of the Christian worship year.  Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths, and special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ. The season continues through December 24.

12/2-9/10

12/21 to 12/28/11

12/9 to 12/16/12

11/28 to 12/5/13

12/17 to 12/24/14

12/7 to 12/14/15

Hanukkah*

Jewish

Jewish Festival of Lights. It commemorates the Maccabean recapture and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple in 165-164 b.c.e. Special readings and praise songs focus on liberty and freedom. The eight candle Menorah is lighted

12/4/10

12/4/11

12/4/12

12/4/13

12/4/14

12/4/15

Nevets Day

Miesestrian

Miesestrian holiday celebrating the birth of the Prophet Nevets, he along with Joseph Smith found the tablets sent down by God, however each have different interpretations

12/8/10

12/8/11

12/8/12

12/8/13

12/8/14

12/8/15

Bodhi Day (Rohatsu)

Buddhism

Buddhist celebration of the time when Prince Gautama took his place under the Bodhi tree, vowing to remain there until he attained supreme enlightenment.

12/8/10

12/8/11

12/8/12

12/8/13

12/8/14

12/8/15

Immaculate Conception of Mary

Catholic Christian

Catholic Christian day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life. A day of obligation and required church attendance.

12/26/10

12/26/11

12/26/12

12/26/13

12/26/14

12/26/15

Zarathosht Diso

Zoroastrian

Zoroastrian anniversary of the death of Prophet Zarathushtra.

12/21/10

12/21/11

12/21/12

12/21/13

12/21/14

12/21/15

Yule*

Wicca, Northern

Also a Norse pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun. A present day Wicca event.

12/21/10

12/21/11

12/21/12

12/21/13

12/21/14

12/21/15

Litha*

Wicca, Southern,

Wicca celebration of the sacred marriage in which energy of the gods is poured into the service of life

12/25/10

12/25/11

12/25/12

12/25/13

12/25/14

12/25/15

Christmas*

Christian

Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.

12/26/10

12/26/11

12/26/12

12/26/13

12/26/14

12/26/15

Zarathustra

Zoroastria

On the commemoration of Zarathushtra’s death, special prayer sessions are organized and prayers are recited, with religious discourses focusing on the life and works of the Prophet.