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 The Office for Religious Life > Religious Holidays |
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Major Holy Days During 2009-2010
Date | Observance (Religion) |
| September 19-20 |
Rosh Hashanah |
| September 20-21 |
Eid-ul-Fitr
Also known as Seker Bayram or Ramazan Bayram, marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a day of thanksgiving. |
| September 28 |
Yom Kippur begins at sundown (Jewish)
The Jewish day of atonement, a solemn day dedicated to fasting and prayer. |
| October 3-4 |
Sukkot begins at sundown (Jewish)
Sukkot is the week-long Jewish Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, during which meals are eaten out of doors in a sukkah (tent), in remembrance of the years spent by the people of Israel in the wilderness. The first two and last two days are times to refrain from work. |
| October 10-11 |
Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
The eighth and last day of Sukkot (see September). |
| October 17 |
Diwali (Hindu)
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, marking the end of the Hindu year. It is the first of five days of celebration, known as Deepavali. It is marked by fireworks and festivity. |
| November 27-28 |
Eid al-Adha begins at sundown (Muslim)
The three day Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham and his offering of his son, Ishmael, in obedience to Allah. It is observed as a time of the distribution of meat to the poor. |
| December 12-19 |
Hanukkah begins at sundown (Jewish)
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah lasts for eight days, and commemorates the victory of Judah the Maccabee, and the rededication of the Temple in 165 B.C.E. Jews light successive candles on the menorah on each of the eight days. |
| December 25 |
Christmas Day (Western Christian)
Observed on December 25 in the West, on January 6 by Armenian Christians, and on January 25 by Orthodox Christians, it is the celebration of the birth of Christ. The feast of Christmas lasts for twelve days, from the eve of Christmas Day to the eve of the Epiphany. |
| February 17 |
Ash Wednesday (Christian)
The first day of Lent, the season of 40 days (excluding Sundays) of prayer and self-examination leading to Holy Week. Ashes are placed on the heads of the faithful as a sign of penitence. |
| February 28 |
Purim begins at sundown (Jewish)
Marks the events told in the Biblical Book of Esther, celebrating victory over the oppression and the deliverance of the people of Israel in exile from a genocidal ruler. |
| March 30-31 |
Passover, first two days, begins at sundown (Jewish)
Also known as Pesach, is the eight-day feast commemorating the exodus of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The first two and last two days of the festival are observed as holidays from work. |
| April 1 |
Holy Thursday (Christian)
Also known as Maundy Thursday, marks Christ's Last Supper, upon which the Eucharist (mass, communion) is based. |
| April 2 |
Good Friday (Christian)
Good (Holy) Friday is the day on which the death of Christ is remembered. |
| April 4 |
Easter Sunday (Christian)
The feast of the resurrection of Christ, the most important feast of the church. Christians commonly gather to celebrate at sunrise. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is always timed to follow Passover. |
| April 5-6 |
Passover, last two days. |
| May 2 |
Buddha's Birthday |
| May 19-20 |
Shavuot begins at sundown (Jewish)
The giving of the Torah (law) to the Jewish people is commemorated. |
(Note that Jewish and Muslim holy days begin at sunset the evening before the date given)

Stanford has long supported faculty, students and staff in observing religious holiday of significance to them. In the complex process of creating the academic calendar, religious holy days are but one of many considerations. The university administration has always been helpful in facilitating communication and encouraging respect and understanding when there are academic calendar conflicts with religious holy days. Most instructors will be cooperative and flexible regarding students' religious observance when they receive appropriate and early communication. If a student is planning NOT to attend class or take an exam because of a religious holiday, he or she should convey this information to instructors in advance so that the student will not be disadvantaged as a result of religious practice. The Office for Religious Life makes available to faculty, staff and students this list of significant religious holidays at the beginning of each academic year. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Dean Scotty McLennan, Senior Associate Dean Patricia Karlin-Neumann or Associate Dean Joanne Sanders.

Major Holy Days During 2009-2010
Date | Observance (Religion) |
| Saturday, August 22
| Ramadan begins at sundown (Muslim)
The holy month during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown for
thirty days, commemorating the giving of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammed.
Each day ends with a celebratory Iftar, or breaking-of-the-fast. |
| Sunday, August 23 |
Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
Marks the birth of Ganesh, Lord of power and wisdom. |
| Tuesday, September 8 |
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic)
A celebration of the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus. |
| Monday, September 14 |
Holy Cross Day (Christian)
This day recalls the dedication, in the days of Constantine, of the
shrine built over the site where the crucifixion of Jesus was believed
to have taken place. It is observed in the liturgical churches as a
day of veneration of the cross. |
| Wednesday, September 16 |
Lailat-al-Qadr begins at sundown (Muslim)
Commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Muhammed. The night is spent in worship. |
| Saturday, September 19 |
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown (Jewish)
Rosh Hashanah is the name given to the new year in the Jewish calendar,
marking the beginning of the High Holy Days of the year 5768. Sweet
foods are served, symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead. Some
Jews observe one day away from work, others two.
First day of Navaratra Dashara(Hindu)
The nine-night festival of the Goddess in the form of universal mother,
honoring Durga, wife of Shiva, and seeking her blessings. It incorporates
Saraswati Puja, dedicated to the goddess of learning. It closes
with Vijaya Dasami, a special puja (offering or act of worship),
celebrating the victory of good over evil. |
| Sunday, September 20 |
Second day of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
Eid-Ul Fitr (Muslim)
Also known as Seker Bayram or Ramazan Bayram, marks the end of Ramadan. |
| Tuesday, September 22 |
Mabon (Pagan/Wiccan)
The celebration of the harvest at the time of the autumn equinox, the
moment when night and day are equal in length. |
| Sunday, September 27 |
First day of Banned Books Week (Atheist/Secular)
Banned Books Week is an eight-day celebration of the democratic freedom
to express opinions, including those that may be deemed unpopular or
unorthodox by others.
Last day of Navaritri (Hindu) |
| Monday, September 28 |
Yom Kippur begins at sundown (Jewish)
The Jewish day of atonement, a solemn day dedicated to fasting and prayer.
Dasera (Hindu)
A holiday marking the end of Navaratri, the nine day celebration in
honor of the Goddess, Durga. |
| Tuesday, September 29 |
St. Michael and All Angels (Christian)
Commonly known as Michaelmas, is a celebration of all those understood
to be messengers of God, visible and invisible. |
| Saturday, October 3 |
Sukkot begins at sundown (Jewish)
Sukkot is the week-long Jewish Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, during
which meals are eaten out of doors in a sukkah (tent), in remembrance
of the years spent by the people of Israel in the wilderness. The first
two and last two days are times to refrain from work. |
| Sunday, October 4 |
Second day of Sukkot (Jewish) |
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Catholic Christian)
St. Francis of Assisi is honored for his connection to nature, and his
feast day is often celebrated as a time of giving thanks for animals.
| Monday, October 5 |
Indigenous Peoples' Day (Interfaith)
Celebrates the survival and traditions of indigenous peoples in the
Americas. |
| Saturday, October 10 |
Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
The eighth and last day of Sukkot (see October 3). |
| Sunday, October 11 |
Simchat Torah (Jewish)
The day of rejoicing in the Law. Along with Shemini Atzeret, these
two observances conclude the feast of Sukkot, and mark the ending of
the year's cycle of readings from the Torah, and the beginning of the
new cycle. |
| Saturday, October 17 |
Diwali (Hindu)
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, marking the end of the Hindu
year. It is the first of five days of celebration, known as Deepavali.
It is marked by fireworks and festivity.
Mahavira Nirvana (Jain)
The day on which the prophet Mahavira attained Nirvana, on the first
day of Diwali, the beginning of the new year.
Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh)
Marks the return of the Sixth Guru after his release from prison on
the first day of Diwali. |
| Tuesday, October 20 |
Birth of Bab (Baha'i)
Commemorates the birth of the forerunner to the prophet and founder
of the Baha'i faith.
Installation of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh)
Marks the passing of the role of guru to the Sikh Scriptures, by the
tenth and last guru, Gobind Singh Ji. |
| Wednesday, October 28 |
Birth of Confucius (Confucian)
Observed in all religions emanating from China. |
| Saturday, October 31
| Reformation Day (Protestant Christian)
A celebration of the Reformation, particularly by Lutherans and other
reformed church communities.
Samhain (Pagan/Wiccan)
The observance of the mid-point between the autumn equinox and the
winter solstice, the moment of descent into the depths of winter. It
is the time when souls who have died are bid farewell, and when the
veil between physical and spiritual worlds is at its thinnest. It passed
into Christian tradition as All Hallows Eve (Halloween). |
| Sunday, November 1 |
All Saints Day (Christian)
All Saints Day is observed by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants,
and celebrates the lives of the saints (individuals honored for their
holiness). |
| Monday, November 2 |
All Souls Day (Christian)
Marked in Mexico
as the Dia de los Muertos, is a day of remembering and interceding for
those who have died.
Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib (Sikh)
Marks the birth of the First Guru and founder of the Sikh faith in 1469
C.E. |
| Tuesday, November 12 |
Birth of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
Marks the birth of the founder of the Baha'i faith. |
| Tuesday, November 24 |
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikh)
Defender of Sikhism, Hinduism, and of religious liberty, was executed
by the Moghul Emperor in India in 1675 C.E. |
| Wednesday, November 25 |
Haji (Muslim)
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca is considered to be one of fine pillars
of Islam. Millions of Muslim pilgrims make the journey each year, making
it the largest pilgrimage in the world. |
| Thursday, November 26 |
Thanksgiving Day (Interfaith, USA)
Waqf al-Arafa (Muslim)
The day during the annual Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) when pilgrims
pray for forgiveness and mercy.
Day of Covenant (BahaÕi)
The day when BahaÕis celebrate ÔAbduÕl-Baha as the exemplar of BahaÕuÕllahÕs Covenant. |
| Friday, November 27 |
Eid al-Adha begins at sundown (Muslim)
The three day Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham and his offering of his
son, Ishmael, in obedience to Allah. It is observed as a time of the
distribution of meat to the poor. |
| Saturday, November 28 |
Ascension of Abdul'Baha (Baha'i)
Marks the ascension to heaven of the son of Baha'u'llah, founder of
the Baha'i faith. |
| Sunday, November 29 |
First Sunday of Advent (Christian)
The season of preparation for the coming of Christ, also the beginning
of the Christian liturgical year. Advent candles are lit in progression
each week until the celebration of Christmas begins. |
| Sunday, December 6 |
St. Nicholas Day (Christian)
A childrenÕs festival celebrated throughout Europe, commemorating
the life of St. Nicholas, particularly his reputation as a bringer of
gifts. |
| Tuesday, December 8 |
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic Christian)
Celebrates the conception of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
The celebration of the day when Prince Gautama vowed to remain under
the bodhi tree until he attained enlightenment. |
| Saturday, December 12 |
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Roman Catholic)
Celebrates Mary as the patron saint of Mexico, honoring her appearance
near Mexico City in 1531, C.E. |
| Saturday, December 12 |
Hanukkah begins at sundown (Jewish)
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah lasts for eight days,
and commemorates the victory of Judah the Maccabee, and the rededication
of the Temple in 165 B.C.E. Jews light successive candles on the menorah
on each of the eight days. |
| Friday, December 18 |
Al-Hijra begins at sundown (Muslim)
The Muslim new year, timed to mark the arrival of Muhammed and his first
followers in Medina in 622 C.E. |
| Monday, December 21 |
Yule (Pagan/Wiccan)
Commemorates the rebirth of the sun after the longest night of winter,
and also the wintertime birth of God in the form of a King. |
| Wednesday, December 23 |
HumanLight (Atheist/Humanist/Freethought)
A celebration of the humanist vision for a future in which all people
learn to co-exist peacefully and with goodwill toward one another. |
| Thursday, December 24 |
Christmas Eve (Western Christian)
The eve of Christmas Day |
| Friday, December 25 |
Christmas Day (Western Christian)
Observed on December 25 in the West, on January 6 by Armenian Christians,
and on January 25 by Orthodox Christians, it is the celebration of the
birth of Christ. The feast of Christmas lasts for twelve days, from
the eve of Christmas Day to the eve of the Epiphany. |
| Saturday, December 26 |
First day of Kwanzaa (African American/Interfaith)
A week-long celebration of African American life and culture.
Zarathosht Diso (Zoroastrian)
Marks the death of the prophet Zarathustra. |
| Sunday, December 27 |
Ashura (Muslim)
Remembers tests endured by prophets and righteous leaders, including
Noah and Moses; and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of Muhammed. |
| Friday, January 1 |
Gantan-sai Ð New YearÕs (Shinto)
A new yearÕs festival observed with prayers for inner renewal.
| Tuesday, January 5 |
Twelfth Night (Christian)
Also called Epiphany
Eve, celebrates the coming of Epiphany, which marks the end of the twelve
days of Christmas.
Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Sikh)
Marks the birth in 1666 C.E. of the Tenth Guru (the final master) of
the Sikh faith. |
| Wednesday, January 6 |
Epiphany (Christian)
The twelth night of Christmas, marking the visit of the sages to the
Christ child. This date is observed as the birth of Christ in the Armenian
tradition.
Theophany (Orthodox Christian)
The Eastern Orthodox celebration of Christmas.
Nativity of Christ (Armenian Christian)
Armenian Orthodox celebration of Christmas. |
| Thursday, January 7 |
Nativity of Christ (Orthodox Christian)
Eastern Orthodox celebration of Christmas. |
| Thursday, January 14 |
Maghi (Sikh)
Marks the remembrance of the battle in which 40 Sikhs died for Guru
Gobind Singh Ji. |
| Sunday, January 17 |
World Religions Day (BahaÕi)
A day to call attention
to the harmony of the various religionsÕ spiritual principles and
to emphasize that religion is the motivating force for world unity. |
| Monday, January 18 |
Beginning of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Christian)
A week when Christians pray that past divisions and schisms be healed
and forgiven. |
| Wednesday, January 20 |
Vasant Panchami (Hindu)
A celebration dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning. |
| Saturday, January 30 |
Mahayana Ð New Year (Buddhist)
New YearÕs celebration for Mahayana Buddhists from around the world.
Tu BÕShevat (Jewish)
A celebration of the coming of spring; a day of environmental awareness,
often marked by the planting of trees. |
| Tuesday, February 2 |
Candlemas (Christian)
The feast of the presentation of Christ to the aged Simeon, who proclaimed
him a light to the world. This day is celebrated by Eastern Orthodox
Christians as the Meeting of Our Lord in the Temple. |
| Wednesday, February 3 |
Setsubun Sai (Shinto)
A Japanese festival of good luck celebrated with a bean throwing ceremony. |
| Friday, February 12 |
Darwin Day (Atheist/Secular)
The anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species is
an international celebration of scientific discovery as a human achievement
and as a pointer to the essential unity and equality of all human life.
Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
The festival of Shiva, celebrated as the one whose cosmic dance
creates and re-creates the universe. |
| Sunday, February 14 |
Chinese New Year (Taoist/Buddhist/Confucian)
Observed as a festival day by Buddhists, Taoists, and all religions of China. |
| Monday, February 15 |
Nirvana Day (Buddhist)
Marks the anniversary of the death of the Buddha. |
| Tuesday, February 16 |
Mardi Gras (Christian)
Also known as Shrove Tuesday, preparation for the beginning of Lent, marked in some places
by feasting and carnival activities. |
| Wednesday, February 17 |
Ash Wednesday (Christian)
The first day of Lent, the season of 40 days (excluding Sundays)
of prayer and self-examination leading to Holy Week. Ashes are placed
on the heads of the faithful as a sign of penitence. |
| Friday, February 26 |
Mawlid al-Nabi begins at sundown (Muslim)
Commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammed in about 570 C.E. |
| Monday, March 1 |
Holi begins at sundown (Hindu)
A spring festival celebrating color and joy. |
| Tuesday, March 2 |
First day of Ala' (Baha'i)
Month of Ala' is a month of fasting and meditation for Baha'is, with
no food consumed between the rising of the sun and it's setting.
Months in the Baha'i calendar last for nineteen days so this is sometimes
referred to as the Nineteen Days of Fasting. |
| Saturday, March 20 |
Ostara (Pagan/Wiccan)
The festival of the spring equinox, the return of light and celebration
of the reawakening of seeds in the belly of the earth. |
| Sunday, March 21 |
Naw Ruz (Persian New Year)
The Persian new year, celebrated as a festival by people of all faiths of Iranian origin. |
| Wednesday, March 24 |
Ramanavami (Hindu)
The last day of a week of celebration marking the birth of Rama, hero
of the epic poem, Ramayana. |
| Sunday, March 28 |
Palm Sunday (Christian)
Also known as Passion
Sunday, marks the beginning of the Christian Holy Week, leading to Easter.
On this day, Jesus entered Jerusalem and was acclaimed as a king. |
| Sunday, March 28 |
Khordad Sal (Zoroastrian)
The birthday of the prophet Zarathustra. |
| Monday, March 29 |
Mahavir Jayanti (Jain)
Marks the birth of Mahavira, founder of the Jain religion, in 540 B.C.E. |
| Tuesday, March 30 |
Hanuman Jayanti (Hindu)
A celebration commemorating the birth of Hanuman who is revered by Hindus for his strength and devotion.
Passover begins at sundown (Jewish)
Also known as Pesach, is the eight-day feast commemorating the exodus
of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The first two and last
two days of the festival are observed as holidays from work.
Magha Puja Day (Buddhist)
A time when Southeast Asian Buddhists commemorate the Buddhist sangha (monastic community). |
| Wednesday, March 31 |
Second day of Passover (Jewish) |
| Thursday, April 1 |
Holy Thursday (Christian)
Also known as Maundy Thursday, marks Christ's Last Supper, upon
which the Eucharist (mass, communion) is based. |
| Friday, April 2 |
Good Friday (Christian)
Good (Holy) Friday is the day on which the death of Christ is remembered. |
| Saturday, April 3 |
Holy Saturday (Christian)
A day of vigil culminating in the feast of the resurrection. |
| Sunday, April 4 |
Easter Sunday (Christian)
The feast of the resurrection of Christ, the most important feast of
the church. Christians commonly gather to celebrate at sunrise. In the
Eastern Orthodox Church, it is always timed to follow Passover. |
| Monday, April 6 |
Founding of the Church (Latter-day Saint)
The commemoration of the founding by Joseph Smith in 1830 C.E. of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
| Wednesday, April 14 |
Baisakhi (Sikh)
The harvest festival of North India, the beginning of the solar year.
For Sikhs, it represents the founding of the Khalsa, a Sikh brotherhood. |
| Tuesday, April 20 |
Yom HaShoah begins at sundown (Jewish)
The remembrance of the Holocaust. |
| Wednesday, April 21 |
Yom HaShoah (Jewish)
First day of Ridvan (Baha'i)
A twelve-day festival commemorating the declaration of Baha'u'llah in
1863 C.E. that he was God's messenger. Work ceases on the first, ninth,
and twelfth days.
Earth Day (Interfaith)
A day of reflection and activities focusing on the need for a healthy,
sustainable environment. |
| Thursday, April 29 |
Ninth day of Ridvan (Baha'i) |
| Saturday, May 1 |
Beltane (Pagan/Wiccan)
The mid-point between the spring equinox and summer solstice, a celebration
of the earth's fertility. |
| Sunday, May 2 |
Twelfth Day of Ridvan (Baha'i) |
| Thursday, May 13 |
Ascension of Christ (Christian)
The feast of the Ascension of Christ marks the raising of Christ
to heaven on the 40th day after Easter. |
| Wednesday, May 19 |
Shavuot begins at sundown (Jewish)
The giving of the Torah (law) to the Jewish people is commemorated. |
| Thursday, May 20 |
First day of Shavuot (Jewish) |
| Sunday, May 23 |
Declaration of the Bab (Baha'i)
Commemorates the declaration in 1844 by Ali Muhammed, forerunner
to the founder of the Baha'i faith, that he was the anticipated "coming
one."
Pentecost (Christian)
The 50th day after Easter, and the day upon which the Spirit of God
descended upon the first Christians with the appearance of wind and
fire. |
| Thursday, May 27 |
Visakha Puja (Buddhist)
Also known as Wesak, marks the birth, enlightenment and death of the
Buddha. It is the most important day of the calendar for Buddhists. |
| Saturday, May 29 |
Ascension of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
The commemoration of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah marks the ascension
into heaven of the founder of the Baha'i faith. |
(Note that Jewish and Muslim holy days begin at sunset the evening before the date given)

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