Resources for Faculty

Holy Dates

Saint Mary’s University recognizes and respects the diversity of its community, including the diversity of religious faiths. Below are the most commonly observed dates of religious significance. The university community is encouraged to consider these days when scheduling events.

This list is not comprehensive. Students can submit additional documentation to demonstrate other religious commitments not listed. 

Religious Observance Date(s)
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) Begins at sunset on Sept. 22, 2025 and ends at nightfall on Sept. 24, 2025.
Yom Kippur (Jewish) Begins at sunset on Oct. 1, 2025 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 2, 2025.
Dussehra (Hindu)* Oct. 1, 2025
First Two Days of Sukkot (Jewish) Begins at sunset on Oct. 6, 2025 and the second day ends at nightfall on Oct. 8, 2025. 
Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) Begins at sunset on Oct. 13, 2025 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 14, 2025.
Simchat Torah (Jewish) Begins at sunset on Oct. 14, 2025 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 15, 2025.
Diwali (Hindu-Jain-Sikh) Oct. 20, 2025
Birth of the Báb (Bahá'í) Oct. 22, 2025
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í) Oct. 23, 2025
Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh) Oct. 24, 2025
Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikh)* Nov. 5, 2025
Hanukkah (Jewish) Begins at sunset on Dec. 15, 2025 and ends at nightfall on Dec. 22, 2025.
Christmas Eve (Christian) Dec. 24, 2025
Christmas (Christian) Dec. 25, 2025
Epiphany (Christian) Jan. 6, 2026
Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian) Jan. 7, 2026
Makar Sankranti (Hindu) Jan. 14, 2026
Lunar New Year Feb. 17, 2026
Ramadan (Muslim)* Begins at sunset Feb. 17, 2026 and ends at nightfall on March 18, 2026. Muslims may fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food and drink.
Ash Wednesday (Christian) Feb. 18, 2026
Māgha Pūjā Day (Buddhist)* Mar. 3, 2026
Purim (Jewish) Begins at sunset on Mar. 2, 2026 and ends at nightfall on Mar. 3, 2026.
Nowruz New Year Mar. 20, 2026
Eid-al-Fitr (Muslim)* Begins at sunset on Mar. 20, 2026 and ends the evening of Mar. 22, 2026.
Passover - Pesach (Jewish) Begins at sunset on Apr. 1, 2026 and ends at nightfall on Apr. 9, 2026. 
Good Friday (Christian) Apr. 3, 2026
Easter Sunday (Christian) Apr. 5, 2026
Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian) Apr. 10, 2026
Easter (Orthodox Christian) Apr. 12, 2026
Vaisakhi (Sikh)* Apr. 14, 2026
Ridván Festival (Bahá'í) Begins at sunset on Apr. 21, 2026 and ends on May 2, 2026. The first day (April 21), ninth day (April 29) and twelfth day (May 2) are considered particularly significant.
Vesak / Wesak (Buddhist)* May 1, 2026
Shavuot (Jewish) Begins at sunset on May 21, 2026 and ends at nightfall on May 23, 2026.
Declaration of the Báb (Bahá'í) May 22, 2026
Hajj Pilgrimage (Muslim)* From May 26, 2026 to May 31, 2026 for students participating in the pilgrimage to Makkah.
Eid-al-Adha (Muslim)* Begins at sunset on May 26, 2026 and ends May 30, 2026.
Ascension of the Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í) May 28, 2026
Ashura (Muslim)* June 25, 2026 to June 26, 2026
Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá'í) July 9, 2026
Tisha B'av (Jewish) Begins on July 22, 2026 and ends at nightfall on July 23, 2026.
Page Feedback