Annual Observances Calendar
Observances 2026
Thoughtful acknowledgment of cultural, heritage, and religious observances fosters belonging, invites learning, and strengthens connections. Through this effort, the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment (OEE) serves as a connector and amplifier—curating resources, highlighting events, and creating space for awareness in collaboration with campus partners to recognize the richness of traditions represented across our institution.
Within each month listed below there is a helpful infographic that highlights observances for that particular month. Please feel free to click the image and download the infographic at your convenience.
Coptic & Eastern Orthodox Christmas – Jan 7
International Holocaust Remembrance—Jan 27
Martin Luther King Remembrance Day—Jan 19
Indian Cultural Celebrations Jan 13—Jan 26
- Lohri (Jan 13, 2026)
- Makar Sankranti / Pongal (Jan 14-15, 2026)
- Republic Day (Jan 26, 2026)
- Ramayan Mela (Jan 14-20, 2026)
- Vasant Panchami (Jan 23, 2026)
Black History Month (also known as African American History Month)
Ramadan- Feb 18 or 19
Lunar New Year- February 17
Maha Shivaratri (Hindu) – Feb 26
Women’s History Month
Purim – March 2-3
Ash Wednesday (Christian) – Mar 5
Holi (Hindu) – Mar 14
Hola Mohalla (Sikh) – Mar 14
Indian Celebration
Ramadan end (Islamic) – Mar 19 or 20
Trans Day of Visibility- March 31
International Women’s Day- March 31
Arab American Heritage Month
National Deaf History Month (March 13-April 15)
Autism Acceptance Month
Passover* (Jewish) – Apr 1-9
Easter (Christian) – Apr 5
Vaisakhi (Sikh / Hindu) – Apr 14
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
Shavuot* (Jewish) – 21-23 *work is traditionally prohibited
Vesak / Buddha Day (Buddhist) – May 12
Eid al-Adha* (Islamic) – May 26-May 27* involves morning prayer and community gatherings
Ascension of Baha’u’llah* (Baha’i) – May 28
TBA
TBA
Hispanic Heritage Month (starts September 15, ends October 15)
⚠️ Rosh Hashanah*-11-13
⚠️ Yom Kippur* 20-21
Sukkot- 25-Oct 2
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Diwali (Hindu) – Oct 20
Native American Heritage Month (also known as American Indian Heritage Month)
Christmas (Christian) – Dec 25
Kwanzaa (African American cultural celebration) – Dec 26–Jan 1
Hanukkah 4-12