Upcoming events
and holidays.
Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib
The Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated as Guru Nanak Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Jayanti, marking his life and teachings that emphasized equality, service, and devotion to God. Sikhs honor this day with kirtan (devotional singing), langar (community meals), and processions, reflecting on Guru Nanak's spiritual legacy and message of unity.
Feast of Christ the King
Solemnity of Christ as the King of the Universe, both Heaven and Earth. It is the last Sunday of Ordinary Time in the Catholic Church calendar, before the beginning of a new liturgical year.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib
The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib commemorates the sacrifice of the ninth Sikh Guru, who was executed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for defending religious freedom, especially for Hindus, against forced conversions. This day honors Guru Tegh Bahadur’s bravery and dedication to the principle of religious tolerance, inspiring Sikhs and others to stand for justice and faith.
Day of the Covenant
The Day of the Covenant, observed on November 26, is a Bahá'í holy day that honors the agreement made between Bahá'u'lláh and his followers regarding the establishment of his son, `Abdu'l-Bahá, as the authorized interpreter and leader of the Bahá'í Faith after his passing. This day celebrates unity and the continuity of guidance within the Bahá'í community, though it is not observed as a work-free holy day.
Ascension
The Ascension of Abdu’l-Bahá marks the passing of Abdu’l-Bahá, the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh and the appointed leader of the Bahá'í Faith, in 1921. Bahá'ís around the world honor this event with prayers and gatherings, reflecting on his life of service, compassion, and dedication to unity and peace.
St. Andrew's Feast Day
St. Andrew was the brother of St. Peter and brought Peter to Jesus. He died a martyr’s death.
Feast of St. Francis Xavier
The Feast of St. Francis Xavier honors the life and missionary work of St. Francis Xavier, one of the founding members of the Jesuit order and a prominent Catholic missionary in Asia. Known for spreading Christianity in India, Japan, and other parts of Asia, St. Francis is celebrated with Mass, prayers, and processions in many Catholic communities, especially in Goa, India.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception honors the Catholic belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. This holy day, significant in many countries, is marked by special Masses and devotions, reflecting on Mary's purity and her role in the salvation story.
Bodhi Day
Bodhi Day commemorates the day Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha. Practitioners observe this day with meditation, studying the Buddha’s teachings, and reflecting on compassion and wisdom as pathways to inner peace.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego in 1531 near present-day Mexico City. This day holds special significance in Mexican and Latin American cultures, marked by pilgrimages, Mass, traditional music, and celebrations honoring Mary as a symbol of compassion, hope, and unity.
Christmas
Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25th each year. It is marked by gatherings, gift-giving, and festive traditions that bring together family and friends in a spirit of joy and generosity.
Hanukkah
Fesitval of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Ancient Temple restored by the Maccabees following the defeat of the Syrian-Greek army. Starting with one candle, adding additional ones each night, Hanukkah is celebrated in Jewish homes with traditional fried foods, games, stories, and songs.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural holiday honoring African heritage and values through the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, which include unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility. Families and communities observe Kwanzaa by lighting candles on the kinara, engaging in reflective discussions, and celebrating with music, dance, and a communal feast.
Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
The Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, celebrated by Bahá'ís globally, honors the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, who declared a mission of promoting unity and peace for all humankind. Observed with prayers, gatherings, and reflection, this holiday is paired with the Birth of the Báb and collectively referred to as the "Twin Holy Birthdays."
Birth of the Báb
The Birth of the Báb, celebrated by Bahá'ís worldwide, marks the birth of Siyyid ‘Alí-Muḥammad, known as the Báb, who founded the Bábí faith and prepared the way for Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. This holiday is one of the "Twin Holy Birthdays" and is observed with gatherings, prayers, and commemorations reflecting on the Báb's teachings and mission to bring spiritual renewal and unity.
All Souls Day
Commemoration for all of the dead, but especially those who are experiencing Purgatory (purification) while awaiting entrance into Heaven.
Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu celebration that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Observed with vibrant festivities, families light oil lamps, set off fireworks, exchange sweets, and decorate their homes to honor the goddess Lakshmi and welcome prosperity and new beginnings.
All Saints' Day
Celebration of all of the Saints in Heaven, both those who have been named by the Church and those whose names are known to God alone.
Simchat Torah
The cycle of Torah is celebrated, as Jewish communities gather to hear the final verses of Deuteronomy, immediately followed by the first verses in Genesis. The holiday is celebrated with festive dancing with the Torah.
Shemini Atzeret
End of the Festival of Booths, a pause before celebrating the next holy day, Simchat Torah.
Sukkot
Feast of Booths, commemorating the harvest in Israel as well as the temporary huts in which Israelites lived in ancient times as they traveresed the desert for 40 years of wandering prior to entering the Holy Land.
Yom Kippur
Sacred day of Fasting, on which Jewish people atone for sins against humanity and God with solemn communal prayer in synagogue.
Navaratri
Navaratri is an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga, an aspect of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra, and again in the month of Ashvin.
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the New Year in Judaism. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah. It is the first of the High Holy Days, as specified by Leviticus 23:23–25, that occur in the late summer/early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere.
Mawlid al-Nali
Mawlid is an annual festival commemorating the birthday of Muhammad on the traditional date of 12 Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. A day central to the Sufi tradition of Sunni Islam, the Mawlid is also celebrated by Shia Muslims.