University of Utah » Interfaith & Cultural Holidays

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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. Friday, August 28, 2026.

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. Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

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. Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year, which celebrates the world's creation. It is the beginning of a ten-day period of introspection and reflection. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are also referred to as the High Holidays. Recognized by: Jewish Requested Accommodations: Work Restriction Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, September 9, 2026 – Friday, September 11, 2026.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Festival celebrating Lord Ganesha the remover of obstacles. Recognized by: Hindu Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Monday, September 14, 2026.

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement, focused on repentance and reconciliation with God. Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year for Jews, and the day is dedicated to atonement and abstinence. During Yom Kippur, many Jews fast from before sundown until after sunset, and light a memorial candle at sundown on the night of Yom Kippur. Jews may attend religious services the evening before (Kol Nidre) and the following day. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are also referred to as the High Holidays. Recognized by: Jewish Requested Accommodations: Work Restriction; fast day Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, September 20, 2026 – Monday, September 21, 2026.

Autumnal Equinox/Mabon

Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, and Meán Fómhair. Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. At Mabon, day and night are in equal balance. It is a time to offer gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and also to begin to prepare for turning inward. Making dishes with apples, squash and pumpkins as part of ritual celebration is customary. Recognized by: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Sukkot

This fall festival includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel. Jews light a memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzeret (the 8th night of Sukkot). Recognized by: Jewish Requested Accommodations: Work Restriction (first 2 days); meals take place in a sukkah (booth) Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Friday, September 25, 2026 – Friday, October 2, 2026.

Shemini Atzeret

This fall festival includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel. Jews light a memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzeret (the 8th night of Sukkot). Recognized by: Jewish Requested Accommodations: Work Restriction, meals take place in a sukkah (booth) Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Friday, October 2, 2026 – Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Simchat Torah

“Rejoicing in Torah:” celebrates the restart to the annual cycle of the weekly reading of the Torah. Practitioners dance in synagogues as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits. The Torah (Hebrew for “the teachings”) is the name given to the Five Books of Moses which come at the very beginning of the Bible. These books form the basis of all Jewish law and practice. Recognized by: Jewish Requested Accommodations: Work Restriction; meals take place in a sukkah (booth) Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Navratri

A Hindu festival celebrating Devi, the divine Female principle in many forms as Goddess of Learning, Victory and wealth. Celebrrated for nine days with family visits special feasts dance song and sometimes some fasting. Display of dolls is common in South India. Recognized by: Hindu Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, October 11, 2026 – Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Indigenous Peoples' Day

A national holiday that celebrates the culture and history of Indigeous Peoples of the Americas. Recognized by: Indigenous Spirituality Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Monday, October 12, 2026.

Installation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

This holiday celebrates Guru Gobind Singhi Ji (the 10th Guru) passing the Guruship to the Holy Scriptures. Recognized by: Sikh Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Samhain

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 Recognized by: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Saturday, October 31, 2026 – Sunday, November 1, 2026.

All Saints Day

Honoring all Saints, canonized Saints and even those only known to God. Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Sunday, November 1, 2026.

All Souls Day

Celebrating all the faithful departed, all who have died. Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant Learn more here. Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes. Monday, November 2, 2026.