University of Utah » Interfaith & Cultural Holidays

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Eid al-Adha

Festival of Sacrifice. Commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael. God provided a sheep to sacrifice in Ishmael's place. General practices include the distribution of meat, animal sacrifices, prayer, and gathering with family and friends. Recognized by: Muslim Requested Accommodations: Work restriction. Provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Friday, June 6, 2025 – Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Pentecost

50th day after Easter. Holy Spirit descends on Jesus, Apostles and followers. Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Litha/Midsomer/Alban Hefin/Summer Solstice

A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of the the Goddess manifesting as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest’s fruits. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General practices include lighting bonfires and watching the sun rise Recognized by: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Al-Hijri

Also called the Arabic New Year, or Hijri New Year, this is the first day of the Islamic year, which initially was set around the year Mohammad and his followers emigrating from Mecca to Medina. Recognized by: Muslim Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Thursday, June 26, 2025 – Friday, June 27, 2025.

Ashura

Shi'a Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, Muhammad's grandson. According to Sunni Muslims, Muhammad fasted and asked others to do so on this day as well. For Sunni Muslims the day also celebrates the parting of the Red Sea for Moses by Allah. Recognized by: Muslim Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Saturday, July 5, 2025 – Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Martyrdom of the Bab

The commemoration of the miraculous events surrounding the execution of the Bab, the harbinger of the Baha'i faith, where he is considered a Manifestation of God. Recognized by: Baha'i Requested Accommodations: Work Restriction Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

The day commemorating the torture and martyrdom of Guru Arjan, who was killed on the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, after he refused to stop preaching. He was the first Sikh martyr, and the fifth Guru. Recognized by: Sikh Requested Accommodation: Work Restriction Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Lammas/Lughnasadh

A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General practices include making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest. Recognized by: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Friday, August 1, 2025.

Tisha B'Av

Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. General practices include fasting and mourning. Recognized by: Jewish Requested Accommodations: Limited work restrictions; fast day. Provide accommodations as requested Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Saturday, August 2, 2025 – Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Raksha Bandhan Rakhi Purnima

The Rakhi festivity falls in the holy month of Shravan; A day to acknowledge siblings relationships. Girls will often tie colorful wrist bands for men and are rewarded with gifts. Recognized by: Hindu Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Saturday, August 9, 2025.

Paryushana (Festival of Forgiveness)

The most important annual holy event for Jains, usuallly characterized by fasting and meditation. Forgiveness is requested for wrongs committed over the past year. The final day is termed "Samvastsari" or the "Day of Forgiveness". General practices on that day include fasting, confession, and introspection. Recognized by: Jainism Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Thursday, August 21, 2025 – Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Festival celebrating Lord Ganesha the remover of obstacles. Recognized by: Hindu Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

First Parkash of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib

The opening ceremony of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is the main book of scripture for the Sikh religion. Recognized by: Sikh Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Monday, September 1, 2025.