Interfaith Calendar
The Office of Ecumenical And Interfaith Programs at the University of Indianapolis is committed to providing a hospitable, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students to practice their faith in meaningful ways. Part of that commitment is building religious literacy through the use of tools like this interfaith calendar. In its beta phase of development, we hope the calendar will provide insight and pertinent information for a wide range of holidays and religious observances. It is intended to be a communal reference tool utilized by students, faculty, and staff alike.
The calendar was developed primarily by our Interfaith Scholars, a religiously diverse group of student leaders who collaborate on hosting interfaith events on campus, promote religious and interfaith literacy. Currently the interfaith calendar includes a comprehensive list of dates from the following traditions: Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Indigenous tradition, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Neo-Paganism, Orthodox Christianity, Protestant Christianity, Quaker, Roman Catholic, Shintoism, Sikhism, Taoism, Wicca, and Zoroastrianism.
As a communal resource, we emphasize that the community has helped to create it and is invited to help maintain it. It is a living document. Therefore, if there are dates that you believe should be added, please submit a request to add to the calendar for review.
Semester 1
- August 1
- Religious Observance: Lughnasadh/Lammas
- Faith Tradition: Wicca/Neo-Paganism
- Description: Midpoint between Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox
- Learn More: Wheel of the Year
- August 11-15
- Religious Observance: Muktad
- Faith Tradition: Zoroastrianism
- Description: Last 10 days of the religious year; involves welcoming the fravashis/spirits of the righteous departed back to earth with rituals and offerings.
- Learn More: Explanation of Muktad Rituals and Prayers
- August 13-15
- Religious Observance: Bon Festival/Obon
- Faith Tradition: Japanese Buddhism
- Description: 3 days of honoring the spirits of the ancestors
- Learn More: Traditional Kyoto Obon Festival
- August 15
- Religious Observance: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: Mary, free of original sin, assumed body and soul into heavy
- August 30
- Religious Observance: Ghost Festival/Zhongyuan Jie/ Gui Jie/Yulan Festival
- Faith Tradition: Taoism/Buddhism
- Description: Spirits of the dead/ancestors visit the living, who make offerings and prayers to them (along with temples)
- Learn More: New World Encyclopedia Ghost Festival
- September 11
- Religious Observance: Paryushan
- Faith Tradition: Jainism
- Description: 8-day festival encouraging folks to reflect and affirm their commitment to Jain principles, ends with focus on forgiveness
- Learn More: Paryushan & Das Lakshan
- September 15 (sundown) - September 17 (sundown)
- Religious Observance: Rosh Hashanah (Head of Year)
- Faith Tradition: Judaism
- Description: Jewish New Year; Going to Shul, blowing the Shofar/ram horn, big dinner, eating sweet fruits and honey, saying "L'shana Tova"
- September 19-28
- Religious Observance: Das Lakshan
- Faith Tradition: Jainism (Sect – Digambar)
- Description: 10-day festival celebrating the 10 virtues of Jainism, folks reflect and affirm their commitment to Jain principles, ends with focus on forgiveness
- September 21-29
- Religious Observance: Mabon
- Faith Tradition: Wicca/Neo-Paganism
- Description: Autumn Equinox
- Learn More: Wheel of the Year
- September 24 (sundown) - September 25 (sundown)
- Religious Observance: Yom Kippur
- Faith Tradition: Judaism
- Description: Judaism – Day of Atonement; fasting for 25 hours (if able), abstaining from commodities (leather, perfume, etc.), 2 special prayers (Kol Nidrei, Kaparot)
- September 26 (sundown) – September 27 (sundown)
- Religious Observance: Milad un Nabi
- Faith Tradition: Islam
- Description: marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
- Learn More: BBC - Religion: Islam
- September 28
- Religious Observance: Confucius’ Birthday
- Faith Tradition: Confucianism
- Description: Paying respect to “China’s First Teacher,” mostly celebrated in Qufu (his birthplace) and Taipei Taiwan (at the Confucius Temple); incoludes, music, dancing, chanting, incense
- September 29 (sundown) – Oct 6 (sundown)
- Religious Observance: Sukkot
- Faith Tradition: Judaism
- Description: Major pilgrimage festival; building temporary Sukkah, daily shake of a lulav and estrog
- September 29
- Religious Observance: Mid-Autumn Festival
- Faith Tradition: Taoism
- Description: Celebration of the Moon Goddess, celebrated when moon is at its largest/fullest
- October 2
- Religious Observance: Mehregan/Jashan-e Mehr
- Faith Tradition: Zoroastrianism
- Description: Celebration of Yazata Mithra (the divinity of promises and relationships)
- Learn More: Mehregan – The Zoroastrian Celebration of Autumn
- October 7 (sundown) - October 8 (sundown)
- Religious Observance: Simchat Torah
- Faith Tradition: Judaism
- Description: Celebration of conclusion of Torah cycle/beginning of next; going to temple, hearing/reading memorial service, dancing with Torah
- October 15
- Religious Observance: Dussehra
- Faith Tradition: Hinduism
- Description: The festival marks Rama’s triumph over the evil Ravana. There are dances and plays with events in the life of the god Rama depicted.
- Learn More: Hindu Festivals 2022 - Hindu Festival Calendar In 2022
- October 23 (ninth day of the ninth lunar month)
- Religious Observance: Double Ninth Day
- Faith Tradition: Taoism
- Description: People try to protect selves from dangerous energy of the number 9 (because it's the best number for "yang" and there's a double dose of it on this day - more chaos in the world here) by climbing mountains, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and carrying dogwood around
- October 31 (sundown) –November 1 (sundown)
- Religious Observance: Samhain
- Faith Tradition: Wicca/Neo-Paganism
- Description: midpoint between Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice
- Learn More: Wheel of the Year
- November 1
- Religious Observance: All Saints Day
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: Celebrates and honors all saints of the church, known or unknown
- November 12
- Religious Observance: Bandhi Chhor Divas
- Faith Tradition: Sikhism
- Description: Celebration of the return of the sixth Nank from detention in the Gwalior Fort. In the evening, illuminations are done with earthen oil lamps, candles, or fireworks.
- November 12
- Religious Observance: Diwali
- November 27
- Religious Observance: Kartak Purnima
- Faith Tradition: Jainism
- Description: Follows Diwali in Oct/Nov. Considered an auspicious time for pilgrimage to sacred sites
- December 8
- Religious Observance: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: The day when Mary was conceived, immaculately, free of original sin.
- Learn More: Immaculate Conception
- December 7-15
- Religious Observance: Channukkah
- Faith Tradition: Judaism
- Description: Celebration of defeat of colonizer; lighting a Chanukiah, eating oil-fried foods, family meals, playing dreidel, singing, going to Shul
- December 21
- Religious Observance: Yule (Winter Soltice)
- Faith Tradition: Wicca/Neo-Paganism
- Description: Winter Solstice
- Learn More: Wheel of the Year
- December 23
- Religious Observance: Mauna Agyaras (Maun Ekadashi)
- Faith Tradition: Jainism
- Description: "Mauna" means silence, Jains often take vows of silence on this day.
- December 25
- Religious Observance: Christmas
- Faith Tradition: Christian
- Description: Commemorates the birth of Jesus
- Learn More: USCCB
- December 26
- Religious Observance: Zartosht No-Diso
- Faith Tradition: Zoroastrianism
- Description: A day of solemn reflection to commemorate the death of prophet Zarathushtra/Zoroaster
- Accommodation: Exception from classes to attend these divans
- Learn More: Zartosht no-Diso
Semester 2 & Summer
- January 1
- Religious Observance: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: Feast day of the Blessed Virgin
- January 13
- Religious Observance: Bodhi Day
- Faith Tradition: Buddhism
- Description: Siddhartha Gautama vowed to meditate under the Bodhi tree until attaining enlightenment
- Learn More: Making Bodhi Day Meaningful – Alan Peto
- January 18
- Religious Observance: Maghi
- Faith Tradition: Sikhism
- Description: Commemoration of the Chali Mukte, the Forty Liberated Ones, who died warding off an attack by an army after Guru Gobind Singh
- Accommodations: Exception from classes to attend these divans
- Learn More: Gateway to Sikhism
- February 1
- Religious Observance: Imbolc
- Faith Tradition: Wicca/Neo-Paganism
- Description: Midpoint between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox
- Learn More: Wheel of the Year
- February 2-4
- Religious Observance: Setsubun
- Faith Tradition: Shintoism
- Description: Day before the start of spring on the old Japanese lunar calendar; bringing in good fortune and driving away bad spirits
- Learn More: What is Setsubun?
- February 6 (sundown) - February 7 (sundown)
- Religious Observance: al-Isra Wal Miraj
- Faith Tradition: Islam
- Description: Commemorates the night when the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have made a miraculous journey from Mecca to the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, where he then traveled to the heaven, where God commanded him to initiate prayers five times a day
- Learn More: BBC - Religion: Islam
- Feburary 14
- Religious Observance: Ash Wednesday/Beginning of Lenten Season
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism & Protestantism
- Description: Marks the first day of lent, Many people fast this day, receive ashes on the forehead
- Learn More: Catholic Church
- February 14- March 28
- Religious Observance: February 14- March 28
- Faith Tradition: Lent
- Description: Catholic & Protestantism
- February 15
- Religious Observance: Nirvana Day
- Faith Tradition: Buddhism
- Description: Commemorates the death of Buddha. “A blowing out as of a flame”. It is a social occasion, most people bring food and gifts
- Learn More: Nirvana Day
- February 24
- Religious Observance: Lantern Festival
- Faith Tradition: Taoism
- Description: Celebrates first full moon of year + birthday of Tinguan (Taoist deity of good fortune)
- February 26-29
- Religious Observance: Ayyam I Ha
- Faith Tradition: Baha'i Faith
- Description: Intercalary Days in which the Baha’is celebrate gift giving, devote themselves to God, and prepare for the nineteen day-fast that lasts up until the new year (March 21) called Nowruz.
- March 18
- Religious Observance: Clean Monday
- Faith Tradition: Orthodox
- Description: Beginning of the lenten cycle
- Learn More: Lenten and Paschal Cycle
- March 18-May 7
- Religious Observance: Lent
- Faith Tradition: Orthodox
- Learn More: Lenten and Paschal Cycle
- March 18
- Religious Observance: Lailat ul Bara’h
- Faith Tradition: Islam
- Description: Night of Forgiveness, seek forgiveness for sins and believe that on this night one’s destiny is fixed for the year ahead
- Accommodations: Exception from classes to attend these divans
- Learn More: BBC - Religion: Islam
- March 18
- Religious Observance: Holi
- Faith Tradition: Hinduism
- Description: Festival marking the coming of spring. There are processions and people light bonfires and cover each other with colored water and powders.
- Learn More: Hindu Festivals 2022 - Hindu Festival Calendar In 2022
- March 19
- Religious Observance: Hola Mohalla
- Faith Tradition: Sikhism
- Description: Gathering for military exercises/mock battles; valor and defense preparedness
- Learn More: The Sikh Festivals: Gurupurab
- March 20-23
- Religious Observance: Ostara
- Faith Tradition: Wicca/Neo-Paganism
- Description: Spring Equinox
- Learn More: Wheel of the Year
- March 26/July 22/August 21 (depending on calendar used)
- Religious Observance: Khordad Sal
- Faith Tradition: Zoroastrianism
- Description: Celebration of the birth of prophet Zarathushtra/Zoroaster
- Learn More: Khordad Sal
- March 16-17, 2022/March 6-7, 2023
- Religious Observance: Purim
- Faith Tradition: Judaism
- Description: Story of Esther/Mordechai/Haman; "Jewish Halloween," people go to shul and watch play about story, eating triangular cookies, enjoying self
- Learn More: What is Purim? An introduction to the Jewish holiday
- March 31 – Follows Falsi Calendar
- Religious Observance: Nowruz / Persian New Year
- Faith Tradition: Zoroastrianism
- Description: Celebration of God, creation, the elements. Involves cleaning and decorating homes as well as worshipping at the Fire Temple and visiting friends, special foods, and rituals. May also be observed by Baha’is, Sufis, Muslims.
- April 2
- Religious Observance: Ramadan begins
- Faith Tradition: Islam
- Description: Adults abstain from food, drink, smoking, from sunrise to sunset to express gratitude of God’s guidance and to atone for past sins. avoid scheduling important deadlines on the first day, be aware that students will be fasting for 30 days.
- Learn More: BBC - Religion: Islam
- (15th day after Spring Equinox (usually April 4~6)
- Religious Observance: Qingming/Ching Ming Festival
- Faith Tradition: Confucianism/Taoism
- Description: Visiting tombs to clean gravesites, pray to ancestors, and make offerings (traditional food dishes, burning of joss sticks/paper, drinks). Willow branches carried/hung outside doors to ward off evil spirits
- April 10
- Religious Observance: Palm Sunday
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: Commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, opens holy week. Everyone gets a palm leaf to take home, most people put them with their personal crosses/crucifixes
- Learn More: USCCB - Catechism of the Catholic Church
- April 14
- Religious Observance: Holy Thursday
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: Commemorates the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper. Day of the Chrism Mass: all oils for the year are blessed.
- April 14
- Religious Observance: Mahavira Jayanti
- Faith Tradition: Jainism
- Description: Celebration of Mahavira’s birth; Jains gather in temples to hear readings of Mahavira’s teachings, images of Mahavira paraded through streets with pomp/ceremony
- April 15
- Religious Observance: Good Friday
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus
- April 15-22, 2022/April 5-13, 2023
- Religious Observance: Passover
- Faith Tradition: Judaism
- Description: Story of Moses/Flight of Israelites from Egypt; Celebrated with group meal, reading of the Haggadah
- April 16
- Religious Observance: Easter Sunday
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: Commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Egg hunts, chocolate, etc.
- April 17
- Religious Observance: Palm Sunday
- Faith Tradition: Orthodox
- Description: The Entry into Jerusalem
- Learn More: Lenten and Paschal Cycle
- April 24
- Religious Observance: Pascha
- Faith Tradition: Orthodox
- Description: Christ' Resurrection – Beginning of the Pentecostarion
- Learn More: Lenten and Paschal Cycle
- April 29
- Religious Observance: Lailat ul-Qadr
- Faith Tradition: Islam
- Description: Commemorates the “Night of Power” when the Prophet Muhammad first received God’s revelation
- Learn More: BBC - Religion: Islam
- April 30
- Religious Observance: Baisakhi
- Faith Tradition: Sikhism
- Description: New Year’s Day in Punjab. Marks the ripening of the Rabi harvest and coincides with the solar equinox. On this day in 1699 the tenth Sikh Guru founded the Sikh brotherhood (Khalsa) so this is seen as a collective birthday for Sikhs
- Learn More: The Sikh Festivals: Gurupurab
- April 30/May 1
- Religious Observance: Beltane
- Faith Tradition: Wicca/Neo-Paganism
- Description: Midpoint between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice
- Learn More: Wheel of the Year
- May 2
- Religious Observance: Eid al-Fitr
- Faith Tradition: Islam
- Description: Breaking of the fast, celebrates the end of Ramadan, family members gather to feast and exchange presents
- Learn More: BBC - Religion: Islam
- May – First Sunday
- Religious Observance: Chongmyo Taeje
- Faith Tradition: Confucianism
- Description: Honoring the kings and queens of the Yi/Joseon Dynasty; held at Chongmyo Shrine in Seoul, Kora
- Date varies based on Lunisolar Calendar
- Religious Observance: Buddha’s Birthday/Buddha Jayanti
- Faith Tradition: Buddhism
- Description: Celebration of the birth of Buddha
- Learn More: Buddha's Birthday
- May 26
- Religious Observance: Ascension of the Lord
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: The ascent of Jesus into heaven 40 days after the resurrection
- June 2
- Religious Observance: Ascension
- Faith Tradition: Orthodox
- Description: The Ascension of Christ
- Learn More: Lenten and Paschal Cycle
- June 3
- Religious Observance: Dragon Boat Festival
- Faith Tradition: Taoism
- Description: Remembering Qu Yuan’s self-sacrifice for his kingdom, whose last poem involved yoking two dragons to a chariot
- June 5
- Religious Observance: Pentecost Sunday
- Faith Tradition: Catholicism
- Description: Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. Essentially the Catholic Church's birthday.
- June 5
- Religious Observance: Pentecost
- Faith Tradition: Orthodox
- Description: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
- Learn More: Lenten and Paschal Cycle
- 2-3 days between May 14 and June 15
- Religious Observance: Shavuot
- Faith Tradition: Judaism
- Description: Celebration of the giving of the Torah; reading book of Ruth, eating dairy meals, floral decorations
- June 20
- Religious Observance: Litha
- Faith Tradition: Wicca/Neo-Paganism
- Description: Midpoint between Summer Solstice
- Learn More: Wheel of the Year
- July 7-9
- Religious Observance: Eid al-AdhaIslam
- Faith Tradition: Islam
- Description: Commemorates Abraham’s obedience to God when he told him to sacrifice Ishmael, and Ishmael’s submission to the sacrifice
- Learn More: BBC - Religion: Islam
- July 29
- Religious Observance: al-Hijra
- Faith Tradition: Islam
- Description: Islamic new year, marks the end of Mohammads’s journey from Mecca to Medina
- Learn More: BBC - Religion: Islam