Oct. 14-20, 2019 Oct. 3-9, 2020 Sep. 21-27, 2021 Oct. 9-16, 2022 | Sukkot – Begins at Sundown (Jewish)Holiday with significant work restriction
An eight day or week-long celebration which begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals; Sukkot is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land. General Practices: Families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork. Date details: Begins the evening listed and involves resting the following two days, which may include a respite from classes. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics). |
Oct. 20-21, 2019 Oct. 9-10, 2020 Sep. 27-28, 2021 Oct. 16-18, 2022 | Shemini Atzeret – Begins at Sundown (Jewish)Holiday with significant work restriction Also known as Atzereth, this is a fall festival, which includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel. General Practices: Jews light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzereth (the 8th night of Sukkot). Date details: Begins at sundown the first evening listed. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics). |
Oct. 21-22, 2019 Oct. 10-11, 2019 Sep. 28-29, 2021 Oct. 17-18, 2022 | Simchat Torah – Begins at Sundown (Jewish)Holiday with significant work restriction Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and the beginning of the new cycle. General Practices: Practitioners dance in synagogues as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits. Date details: Begins at sundown the first evening listed and through the following day. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this evening or the following day. |
Sept. 29 - Oct. 8, 2019 Oct. 17-26, 2020 Oct. 6-14, 2021 Sep. 26 - Oct.4, 2022 | Navaratri (Hindu)Navarati is one of the greatest Hindu festivals, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. General Practices: Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are are often feasts and dances. |
Oct. 21 - Nov. 1, 2019 Oct. 21 - Nov. 1, 2020 Oct. 21 - Nov. 1, 2021 Oct. 31 - Nov. 1, 2022 | Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)One of the four “greater Sabbats” and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting
on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life. General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died. |
Oct. 27, 2019 Nov. 14, 2020 Nov. 4, 2021 Oct. 24, 2022 | Diwali (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain)Holiday with significant work restriction Diwali—the Hindu “festival of lights”—is an extremely popular holiday for multiple religions throughout Southern Asia. Diwali extends over five days, and celebrates the victory of good over evil. The
Times of India described Diwali as “a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple.” Fireworks, oil lamps, and sweets are common,
making this a favorite holiday for children. The lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes. General Practices: Lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks, and prayer. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date. |
Nov. 12, 2019 Nov. 12, 2020 Nov. 12, 2021 | Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Baha’i)Holiday with significant work restriction This holiday celebrates the birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, one of the Baha’I faith’s most important figures. For Bahá’ís, the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
is a Holy Day celebrating the rebirth of the world through the love of God, just as Christmas is for Christians. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. (Baha’i employees will likely request to have this day off.) |