2025 Holy Days Calendar
January 1-3
Shinto New Year festival observed with prayers for inner renewal, prosperity, and
health.
January 1
Orthodox Christian commemoration of St. Basil the Great, who wrote a Eucharist Liturgy
which bears his name.
January 1
The liturgical feast of Mary celebrated by the Catholic church.
January 3
Remembrance of the naming of Jesus as a child based on the Gospel reading of the day.
Celebrated by Christians on different dates.
January 5
Christian observance of the close of Christmastide and prelude to Epiphany which begins
the next day.
January 6
Christian commemoration of the manifestations of the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
The homage of the magi to the infant Jesus is honored by some.
January 6
Orthodox Christian Feast to recall the revelation of the Holy Trinity in the baptism
of the Lord.
January 6
Anniversary of the birthday of the tenth and last human Guru of the Sikh religion.
January 7
An Orthodox Christian celebration of the Nativity of Christ.
January 10
The Jewish celebration of the coming of spring by preparation of foods native to Israel.
It is also known as 鈥淣ew Year for Trees鈥� 鈥� a method for determining the age of trees
for tithing purposes.
January 12
Christian commemoration of the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus.
January 13
Commemoration of a battle in which forty Sikhs died for Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
January 18
Christian observance with a prayer for the restoration of unity among the churches
of the faith.
January 19
Ethiopian Orthodox Christian epiphany celebration of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
River.
January 19
Baha鈥檌 sponsored day dedicated to the unity and oneness of all world religions.
January 25
Christian observance of the experience of Paul when he was confronted by a vision
of Jesus while on his way to persecute Christians and became a leading Apostle of
Jesus.
January 26-27
Islamic observance of Mohammed鈥檚 night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension
to heaven.
January 29
Festival celebrating the beginning of the new year based on the lunisolar and solar
Chinese calendar. The holiday is a time to honor household and heavenly deities as
well as ancestors and includes feasting together as a family.
January 29
Mahayana is one of three main existing branches of Buddhism.
February 1
Festival commemorating the beginning of spring. It is held in the middle of the winter
solstice and spring equinox.
February 2
Christian celebration of the presentation of young Jesus in the temple to the aged
Simeon. New beginnings are recognized. Candles are lighted.
February 2
A North Indian celebration is associated with Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning,
and Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Yellow is associated with this festival.
February 3
Shinto celebration of the change of seasons with the coming of spring with shouts
of 鈥淒evils out, Good Fortune in.鈥� Bean throwing protects against demons.
February 12
Magha Puja Day is a holy day of homage to The Buddha.
February 13-14
Muslim holiday to celebrate the sunset on the 14th day. A night when the fortunes
of individuals for the upcoming year are determined and Allah could forgive sinners.
February 14
Christian celebration of the love of God presented in Jesus and in the lives of Christian
believers. St. Valentine was a 3rd-century martyr. Widely observed in the USA as a
secular celebration of love. Note: The easter Orthodox church observes this holiday
on July 6th. They also observe it on July 30th.
February 15
A regional observance of the Buddha achievement of Nirvana. Note: Some celebrate this
holiday on the 8th of February.
February 25-26
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.
February 26-28
Baha鈥檌 insertion of days into the calendar in order to maintain their solar calendar.
February 28-March 19
Baha鈥檌 Fast to be observed by adult Baha鈥檌s in good health from sunrise to sundown
(along with mandatory prayer).
February 28-March 29
Holiest period of the Islamic Year. Commemoration of Muhammad鈥檚 reception of the divine
revelation recorded in the Qur鈥檃n. Authorities in Saudi Arabia sight the new moon
of the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.
March 4
Christian Carnival Day on the eve of Ash Wednesday which begins Lent, a time of fasting
and devotions. Pancakes are often served. It is also known as Fat Tuesday in some
places.
March 14
A colorful and joyous festival that welcomes Spring. Referred to as the Festival of
Colors, it is celebrated with people throwing colorful powder and colored water. Generally
celebrated over two days.
March 15-16
A three-day festival following Holi; the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, started
it as a time for military preparedness exercises. Today, mock battles are followed
by music competitions and festivities.
March 17
A day to celebrate the life of Saint Patrick (cultural and religious Holy Day).
March 20
Celebrates the renewal of the world and the creation of fire. Zarathustra received
his revelation on this day.
March 20
Celebration of new life; a time of renewal and rebirth.
March 19-29
Islamic Night of Destiny. First revelation of the Qur鈥檃n to Prophet Mohammed. Observed
during the last ten days of Ramadan. Prayers to Allah for a good destiny.
March 29-30
Islamic event marking the close of Ramadan. It is a festival of thanksgiving to Allah
for enjoying the month of Ramadan. It involves wearing the finest clothing, saying
prayers, and fostering understanding with other religions.
March 30-April 7
Hindu festival of the divine mother honoring Durga, wife of Shiva, and seeking her
blessings. Also observed as a celebration recalling the days of Lord Krishna.
April 6
Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, the hero of the religious epic poem,
The Ramayana. It involves telling stories and going to the temple.
April 10
Festival honoring Lord Mahavira on the founder鈥檚 birthday. Shrines are visited and
teachings are reviewed and reflected upon
April 11-12
This event celebrates Hanuman, one of the most popular Hindu idols, the ape that helped
Lord Rama fight evil. Hanuman represents the inherent and rarely used power that lies
within all.
April 12
This was first observed by Jesus Christ on Jewish Passover in 33 C.E. It is observed
only once per year. Celebrants partake of bread and wine which are symbols of Christ鈥檚
body and blood.
April 12-20
Pesach, which means to pass through, commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the Holy
One passing over the Jewish homes when the first-born Egyptians were slain.
April 13
Celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Note: The Eastern Church observes this
holiday on April 17th.
April 13
Buddhists of the Theravada tradition celebrate the New Year with symbolic elements
often found at the beach: sand and water.
April 14
The anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa and is important for Sikhs because on this
day in 1699, the clerical system was removed from Sikhism.
April 17
The Thursday before Easter commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles
as described in the gospels. Mass or services may include the symbolic washing of
the feet. Note: The Eastern Church observe this holiday on April 21st.
April 20-21
Baha鈥檌 commemoration of the twelve-day period in 1863 when Baha鈥檜鈥檒lah declared that
he was God鈥檚 messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12
of the festival.
April 20
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year and includes a joyous
celebration of Mass or a Service of Christ鈥檚 Resurrection. Note: The Eastern Church
observes this holiday on May 2nd.
April 20
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated with a feast in the Orthodox Christian
church. Recognizes Christ鈥檚 power over death and the gift of restoration, transformation,
and life everlasting.
April 28
Baha鈥檌 commemoration of the twelve-day period in 1863 when Baha鈥檜鈥檒lah declared that
he was God鈥檚 messenger for this age. Note: Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and
12 of the festival.
April 30
Baha鈥檌 commemoration of the twelve-day period in 1863 when Baha鈥檜鈥檒lah declared that
he was God鈥檚 messenger for this age. Note: Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and
12 of the festival.
May 1
Beltane celebrates the fertility and abundance of the earth.
May 1
Day of observance established by the United States Congress to encourage Americans
to pray on this day.
May 5
A holy day of prayer and fasting in many Western denominations. Marks the first day
of the Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter.
May 12
This festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. The day includes
the preparation of sweets for the monks, sermons, and a candle-lighting ceremony.
May 15-16
The Jewish observance of the counting of the days 鈥� the link 鈥� between Pesach and
Shavout.
May 22-23
This day recognizes the declaration in 1844 by Ali Muhammed that he was the anticipated
鈥淐oming One鈥� of all religions. Work is suspended on this day.
May 23-24
Also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, this day offers remembrance for persons who
died in the Shoah, actions against the Jewish people during World War II.
May 27-28
Ascension of Baha鈥檜鈥檒lah 鈥� Baha鈥檌
Marks the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Baha鈥檌 faith.
May 29
Ascension of Jesus 鈥� Christian (Western Church)
Christian recognition of the departure of Jesus from the earth after the resurrection.
It鈥檚 perhaps the earliest observed celebration in Christianity. Observed with worship
including prayers and music. Note: The Eastern Church observes this holiday on June
10th.
June 1 - 3
The Jewish celebration of Moses鈥� descent from Mt. Sinai with the ten commandments.
Begins the evening of June 4th. Plants and flowers are used in decorations.
June 5
Islamic observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy. Hajj
is Islamic pilgrimage rites at Mecca on 7-12th days of the month of Dhu al-Hajj.
June 6 - 7
Islamic festival of sacrifice. The day after Arafat, the most important day in Hajj
ritual. A three-day festival recalling Abraham鈥檚 willingness to sacrifice his son
in obedience to Allah.
June 8
Celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus鈥� disciples, the birth of the
church, following His resurrection. Occurs seven weeks after Easter Sunday and is
celebrated with baptism liturgies and joyous services. Note: The Eastern Church observes
this holiday on June 12th.
June 15
Christians honor the belief in one God with a threefold nature.
June 16
Sikh time of remembering those who have suffered for the faith. Observed by reading
the Guru Granth Sahib.
June 19
Catholic celebration in recognition of the Eucharist 鈥� The Blessed Sacrament of the
Body and Blood of Christ. The real presence of the body and blood of Jesus is honored.
June 20
One of four solar holidays where the sun shines the longest time and reaches the highest
height.
June 27
This is the first day of the month of Muharram which marks the time in 622 C.E. when
Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina
July 4
Commemorates the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
July 8-9
Ali Mohammed was executed in 1850 by Persian political and religious powers. Observed
by abstaining from commerce and work.
July 10
Observance of the day when Gautama Buddha made his first public proclamation to five
ascetics at Deer Park, Banares. He taught the noble eight-fold path and the four noble
truths.
July 17
Ramayana week begins nine days before Ramanavami, the birthday of Lord Rama. The reading
of this epic is done in such a way that the reading ends on the last day of the Karkidakam
Month. Fasting during this period is considered highly auspicious.
August 1
Christian first fruits celebration observed by placing bread baked from the first
harvest on the altar. From the Celtic Christian tradition. Note: The Southern Hemisphere
observes this holiday on February 1st.
August 1
Wicca observance of the first harvest of the year involving agricultural festivals
and prosperity magic. The Christian name of Lammas is sometimes used.
August 2-3
A day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in
ancient times.
August 5-6
The Day of Ashura commemorates, for Shi鈥檃 Muslims, a day of mourning for the martyrdom
of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the prophet Muhammad.
August 6
Celebrated by various Christian communities in honor of the transfiguration of Jesus.
August 9
Hindu festival honoring the loving ties between brothers and sisters in a family.
August 13-16
Japanese Buddhist festival to honor deceased ancestors. Involves lighting of bonfires,
traditional meals, paper lanterns, and folk dances.
August 15
Begins the Orthodox Christian 14 day fasting period in preparation for the celebration
of the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
August 16
Hindu commemoration of the birth of Krishna 鈥� the 8th incarnation of the god Vishnu
who took the form of Krishna to destroy the evil king Kansa.
August 21-28
8-day festival for forgiveness and compassion.
September 1
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashana is the first
of the High Holydays or Days of Awe; it is a time of prayer, reflection, and services.
September 4-5
Islamic commemoration of the birthday of the prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, in
about 570 c.e. The prophet鈥檚 teachings are read and religious meetings are held.
September 8
This holiday, celebrated in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, celebrates the
birth date of Mary, mother of Jesus.
September 14
A Christian day of recognition for the cross on which Jesus was crucified as a central
symbol of the Christian religion.
September 22
Mabon, falling in September in the Northern Hemisphere, is a celebration of the second
harvest during the autumn equinox. A time of gratitude and celebrating with others.
September 26-27
A Hindu festival honoring the god of prosperity, prudence, and success (Lord Ganesha).
September 27
Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian commemoration of the discovery of the True
Cross by Queen Eleni (St. Helenea) in the 4th-century a.d.
October 1 - 2
Jewish day of atonement. This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with strict
fasting and ceremonial repentance.
October 2
Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Lord Rama is remembered as winning a victory
over evil.
October 6 - 13
Jewish Feast of Tabernacles celebrates the harvest and the protection of the people
of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness dwelling in tents. One of the three Pilgrimage
Festivals for which Israelites were commanded to take a pilgrimage to the Temple at
Jerusalem.
October 11
A national day to celebrate coming out and promote LGBTQ individuals to live openly
and honestly.
October 13 -15
Jewish completion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah.
October 14 -15
Jewish day to celebrate the reading of the Law. Celebrates the conclusion of the annual
cycle of Torah readings.
October 20
The Festival of Lights commemorates the triumph of the Good over the Evil and Light
over Darkness. *Note: Different branches of this religion celebrate on different days.
October 22
Baha鈥檌 honoring the founder of the Babi religion, the forerunner to Baha鈥檜鈥檒lah and
the Baha鈥檌 faith.
October 22-24
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashana is the first
of the High Holydays or Days of Awe; it is a time of prayer, reflection, and services.
October 23
Baha鈥檌 celebration of the birth of their founder and teacher. Baha鈥檜鈥檒lah is the Messenger
of God. His teachings create the foundation of the Baha鈥檌 practice, which is the unity
of people of all races and backgrounds.
October 31
Christian celebration of mystery combining prayers and merriment involving children
and families. It is a prelude to All Saint鈥檚 Day.
October 31
Anniversary of tradition and its emphasis on the place of the Bible and religious
freedom. Public observation is the Sunday before October 31.
October 31 - November 1
Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter half of
the year.
November 1
The Catholic and Protestant churches celebrate all believers, known and unknown, alive
and dead. Note: The Eastern Church observes this holiday on a different date.
November 2
Christian day of prayers, remembrance, and intercession for the dead. Prayers of the
faithful are seen as helping to cleanse the souls for the beatific vision of God in
heaven.
November 5
Day honoring the birth of the first Sikh teacher who lived from 1469-1539 c.e. There
are sacred readings, prayers, hymns, and meals taken together.
November 11
Federal Holiday celebrating military veterans.
November 24 - 25
Baha鈥檌 celebration of the covenant given in the last will and testament of Baha鈥檜鈥檒lah.
November 25
Time of remembering the execution of Teg Bahadur by the Moghul Emperor in India.
November 27
Interfaith Celebration of the created earth. Celebrated in the USA.
November 30
Christian observance of the coming of Christianity to the area now known as Scotland.
The martyrdom of St. Andrew is remembered as the season of advent is about to begin.
November 30 - December 24
Time of preparation for observing the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent is observed with
the lighting of candles, display of wreaths, and special ceremonies. Advent anticipates
the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ.
December 14-22
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of
the Maccabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation
and 鈥渞ededication鈥� of the Temple in Jerusalem.
December 26 - January 1
A celebration of family, community, and culture.
December 6
Celebration of the birth of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children, and role model
for gift giving. Many churches named for this saint, who is also the Dutch version
of Santa Claus.
December 8
The Immaculate Conception of Mary is the conception of the Virgin Mary without, according
to the Roman Catholic Church, any stain of original sin.
December 8
Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha is said to have attained
enlightenment.
December 12
Catholic Christian honoring of the legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico
City in 1531 c.e.
December 16
The Hispanic Christian feast of The Lodgings commemorating the journey of Mary and
Joseph to Bethlehem in preparation for the birth of Jesus.
December 21
Yule is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. This time
is celebrated as the 鈥渞eturn of the Sun God鈥� when He is reborn of the Goddess.
December 24
Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth
of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle lighting, manger scenes, and festive
meals.
December 25
Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial
phenomenon. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of
Jesus Christ. Note: Churches from different parts of the world celebrate it during
January.
December 26
Anniversary of the death of the Prophet Zarathushtra.
December 28
Christian day of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the attempt
to destroy Jesus.