University of Utah » Interfaith & Cultural Holidays

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Maghi

A gathering to remember the martyrdom of a group of 40 Sikhs killed fighting the Mughal Empire. If possible, Sikhs will take a journey to the site of the war and swim in the sacred water tanks of Muktsar. Recognized by: Sikh Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Makar Sankranti

A harvest festival marks the Sun moving northwards. the passing of the winter solstice. Recognized by: Hindu Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Birth Date of Guru Gobind Singh

The 10th Sikh Guru, who assumed leadership of the Sikhs at age 9 after the execution of his father. He is revered as a philosopher, poet, warrior, and spiritual master. Recognized by: Sikh Requested Accommodations: Some work restrictions Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Sikh New Year's Day

This holiday marks the first day of the year in the Nanakshahi Era. Recognized by: Sikh Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Vasant Panchami

A celebration associated with Saraswati and Lakshmi (the Goddess of Learning and the Goddess of Wealth) welcoming spring. Recognized by: Hindu/Sikh/Jain Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Friday, January 23, 2026.

Imbolc/Candlemas

Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights, and Oimele. Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four “greater Sabbats.” Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories. Recognized by: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Monday, February 2, 2026.

Tu Bishvat

Tu Bishvat celebrates the beginning of the "new year" for the trees. It marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in Israel begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. General practices include planting trees and eating fruits, especially fruits native to Israel. Recognized by: Jewish Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Monday, February 2, 2026.

Setsubum-sai

Setsubum-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival. The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season. Recognized by: Shinto Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Maha Shivratri

Celbrating Lord Shiva. General practices include fasting, meditation, self study and vigils at Shiva temples. Prayers include pouring milk on the shrine and fire ceremonies. Recognized by: Hindu Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Parinirvana Day/Nirvana Day

A day celebrating the death and attainment of Nirvana by Buddha. General practices include visits to a Buddhist temple, reading passages from the recitations of Nibbana Sutta or Nirvana Sutra, and contempation of one's own life. Recognized by: Buddhist Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Chinese/Lunar New Year

This is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. Families gather together to spend the evening preparing boiled dumplings and festive meals and giving of money to children in red envelopes. Recognized by: Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist Requested Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Ramadan

Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer, and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship. Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshippers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so many try to give up bad habits during Ramadan. Recognized by: Muslim Requested Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major… Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Ash Wednesday

This day marks the beginning of Lent, a six week period of prayer and fasting in anticipation of Easter. A reminder of mortality, and the importance of repentance. On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day. Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Lent

A period of preperation and fasting to prepare for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested. Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Clean Monday

A feast marking the beginning of Great Lent. Those celebrating leave behind sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods. Recognized by: Christian Eastern Orthodox Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Monday, February 23, 2026.

Great Lent

A fasting season meant to help adherents prepare for Easter, offically beginning on Clean Monday. Recognized by: Christian Eastern Orthodox Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested. Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Monday, February 23, 2026 – Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Purim

Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved from genocide by the courage of a young Jewish woman named Esther. Many Jews hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, dressing in costumes, and reading the Book of Esther. Triangular fruit-filled pastries called hamantaschen are traditionally eaten in opposition to the story's villain Haman, who wore a three-cornered hat. Recognized by: Jewish Requested Accommodations: Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jews should not go about their ordinary business at Purim out of respect for the festival. Avoid scheduling important events or deadlines on this day that could conflict with holiday celebrations. Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Monday, March 2, 2026 – Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Hola Mohalla

A three day festival focused on displays of bravery and fighting prowess. General practices also include listening to music, kirtan, and poetry. Recognized by: Sikh Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, March 4, 2026 – Friday, March 6, 2026.

Holi

“Festival of Colors,” A welome to spring when people throw colored powders over each other. More Popular in northern parts of India celebration triouumph of Good over Evil. Recognized by: Hindu Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Magha Puja Day

A commemoration of a gathering of Buddhist adherents intending to see the Buddha, it has become a celebration of an ideal community. It can be celebrated by attending a temple, meditation, gift exchanges, and lighting oil lamps. Recognized by: Buddhist Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Eid al-Fitr

Marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and the holiest month in Islamic tradition. Eid al-Fitr means “break the fast”. General practices include praying, exchanging gifts, giving money to children, feasting, and celebrating with friends and family. Recognized by: Muslim Requested Accommodations: Work restriction. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day on this day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Thursday, March 19, 2026 – Friday, March 20, 2026.

Ostara/Alban Eilir/Spring Equinox

Also known as Eostre. Regarded as a time of fertility and conception. In some Wiccan traditions, it is marked as the time when the Goddess conceives the God’s child, which will be born at the winter solstice. One of eight major annual sabbats or festivals.It is common to light fires to commemorate the return of light in the spring and to honor the God and Goddess. Coloring eggs as a way of honoring fertility is also practiced. Recognized by: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Friday, March 20, 2026.

Baha'I Naw-ruz

This is the Baha’i New Year, a traditional celebration in Iran adopted as a holy day associated with Baha’i. It is a celebration of spring and new life. Often accompanied with festive music dancing, prayers, meetings, and meals.of the year in the Nanakshahi Era. Recognized by: Baha'i Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Nowruz

New Year's Day in the Fasli seasonal calendar. The holiday celebrates the world's renewal, the creation of fire and the receiving of revelation by Zarathustra. The day is also celebrated by some of the Muslim faith as the beginning of spring and the new year, a time of optimism and hope. Recognized by: Zoroastrian/Muslim Requested Accommodations: Work Restrictions Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Saturday, March 21, 2026 – Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Palm Sunday

A celebration held on the Sunday preceeding Easter to celebrate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, where he was historically welcomed while riding on a donkey, a symbol of peace, by the laying of palm fronds and other leaves and articles of clothing on the path he would walk. Recognized by: Christian Eastern Orthodox Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Palm Sunday

A celebration held on the Sunday preceeding Easter to celebrate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, where he was historically welcomed while riding on a donkey, a symbol of peace, by the laying of palm fronds and other leaves and articles of clothing on the path he would walk. Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak

An important Jain holiday that celebrates Mahavir's birth, who is the 24th, and the last Tirthankara, a spiritual teacher and savior. Recognized by: Jainism Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Holy Wednesday (Tenebrae: Latin, darkness)

Commemorates major events in Jesus life Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Passover

Passover is a week-long observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. General practices include family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, and lighting of memorial candle at sundown on the last night of Passover. Unleavened bread, called ""matzah,"" is eaten during this time frame in recognition of the Israelites fleeing from Egypt without enough time for their food staple, bread, to rise before leaving. Recognized by: Jewish Requested Accommodations: Work Restriction (first 2 days and last 2 days); Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first evening, the following two days, or the last two days of the holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply and the use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread). Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Maundy Thursday

Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. Common practices include prayer, communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations. Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Thursday, April 2, 2026.

General Conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

General Conference is a biannual conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wherein members can listen to messages given by the Prophet and Apostles and other leaders. Members may gather with family and friends to listen to the conference messages. These messages are then studied and used in lessons throughout the following six months, until the next General Conference is held. Recognized by: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Friday, April 3, 2026 – Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Good Friday

The day Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, was crucified on Calvary. Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant Requested Accommodations: Provide accommodations as requested, avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities. Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Friday, April 3, 2026.

General Conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Easter

The celebration of Jesus being raised from the dead. The week of Easter is often characterized by special church services and spending time with extended family. Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant Requested Accommodations: Work restriction. Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, April 5, 2026.