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As part of it's commitment to creating a more diverse and equitable community, Dartmouth supports students, staff, and faculty in observing religious holidays of significance to them. In the complex process of creating the academic calendar, religious holy days are but one of many considerations. The College has always been helpful in facilitating communication and encouraging respect and understanding when there are academic calendar conflicts with religious holy days.
Students who wish to participate in religious observances during the academic term that conflicts with their participation in a course, should contact their professor before the end of the second week of the term—at the latest - to discuss appropriate accommodations.
To assist with calendar planning and awareness of our diverse religious and spiritual community, this page contains month-by-month listings of religious observances in 2023. The list represents holy days which may impact campus events in general, as well as student course attendance, exams, Commencement, and participation in activities in the coming year.
Tucker has also created a shorter list of holy days that require work or other restrictions for those who observe them. This file is provided to assist offices and departments across Dartmouth to respectfully plan meetings and events that avoid these dates whenever possible.
PLEASE NOTE:
* Some holy days (*) start at sundown of the evening of the listed start date and end at sundown or nightfall of the concluding listed date.
# Some of these dates are not fixed to a calendar but based on the actual sighting of the moon and therefore there may be some variance by a day.
For additional information, please contact The Tucker Center: 603-646-3870 or tucker.center@dartmouth.edu.
Wondering if Tucker Center has local event information for an upcoming holy holiday? Find out via email (tucker.center@dartmouth.edu) or Instagram (@tuckerdartmouth).
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
January 1, 2023 |
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
This holiday is a celebration of Mary's motherhood of Jesus. It is a reminder of the role she played in the salvation of humankind. |
Christian (Catholic) |
|
January 1, 2023 |
Gantan-sai |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Gantan-sai is the annual New Year festival of the Shinto religion. General Practices: Practitioners pray for inner renewal, prosperity, and health, as well as visiting shrines and visiting friends and family. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on this date (work holiday). |
Shinto |
|
January 3, 2023 |
Fast of the 10th of Tevet |
Rememberance that on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tevet, in the year 3336 from Creation (425 BCE), the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. |
Jewish |
|
January 6, 2023 |
Feast of the Epiphany |
On this feast day, Christians celebrate the first manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles. It always falls 12 days after Christmas to mark when the three kings arrived in Bethlehem. |
Christian |
|
January 7, 2023 |
Eastern Orthodox |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Using the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christians celebrate Jesus' birth. Recommended Accommodations: Because this holiday typically falls during winter break, academic accommodations may not be required. However many Eastern Orthodox students & employees may request this day off. |
Eastern Orthodox Christian |
|
January 13-January 15, 2023 |
Sankranti |
Hindu festival dedicated to the god of the sun, Surya |
Hindu |
|
January 22, 2023 |
Asian (Chinese) Lunar New Year |
Holiday with significant work restriction. This festival marks the start of the new year in the lunar calendar used in East Asia, Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Many Chinese students & employees may request this day off. |
Confucian/Taoist /Buddhist |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
February 2, 2023 |
Imbolc |
This Pagan and Wiccan festival serves as the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, celebrating fire, light, and the return of life. |
Wicca/Pagan |
|
February 5-February 6, 2023 |
Tu BiShvat |
This day marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. |
Jewish |
|
February 18, 2023 |
Laylat al Miraj*# |
This Muslim holy day celebrates Muhammad's pilgrimage from Mecca to Jerusalem. When Muhammad arrived, he ascended into Heaven. |
Islamic |
|
February 22, 2023 |
Ash Wednesday |
Ash Wednesday: a day of prayer and fasting that begins the Christian season of Lent Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—prohibitions for some include animal products. |
Christian |
|
February 22-April 6, 2023 |
Lenten Season |
Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—for some meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals. |
Christian (Protestant and Catholic) |
|
February 27, 2023-April 8, 2023 |
Eastern Orthodox |
Great Lent (or the Great Fast) is the Orthodox Lenten season. The church's longest, strictest and most important fasting time. It runs from Clean Monday, seven weeks before Pascha, through Lazarus Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday. Recommended Accommodations: Orthodox employees and students are expected to abstain from meat, meat by-products, poultry, eggs, and dairy products for the entire Lenten period. If planning an event, provide food accommodations as requested. |
Eastern Orthodox Christian |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
March 2-March 20, 2023 |
Nineteen Day Fast*# |
The month of fasting, during which Bahá'ís from the age of 15 abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. Recommended Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating will be fasting during the day (continuously for 19 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested. |
Bahá'í |
|
March 5-March 6, 2023 |
Purim* |
This festival commemorates the Divinely orchestrated salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from Haman's plot to destroy the Jewish people in a single day. Recommended 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. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher basics). |
Jewish |
|
March 8, 2023 |
Holi |
Hindu holiday that celebrates the winter harvest and onset of spring. |
Hindu |
|
March 21, 2023 |
Norooz (New Year) |
A traditional festival that marks the beginning of spring, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the rebirth of nature and wash away the past. |
Persian/Zoroastrian/Muslim Cultural |
|
March 21-March 22, 2023 |
Naw Rúz |
Holiday with significant work restriction. 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. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on this date (work holiday). |
Bahá'í |
|
March 21, 2023 |
Ostara |
This Wiccan holiday is one of their eight Sabbats. It celebrates the spring equinox. |
Wicca/Pagan |
|
March 22, 2023 |
Ugadi |
Celebrates the start of the Hindu New Year. |
Hindu |
|
March 22-April 21, 2023 |
Ramadan (29-30 days)*# |
Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur'an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Recommended Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
Islamic |
|
March 30, 2023 |
Rama Navami |
Celebration of the Appearance day of great Lord Ram |
Hindu |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
April 2, 2023 |
Palm Sunday |
Palm Sunday is the Sunday preceding Easter when Christians commemorate Jesus's triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem to crowds cheering and waving palms of victory before him. |
Christian |
|
April 4, 2023 |
Mahavir Jayanti |
Celebrates the birth of Tirthankara Mahavira |
Jain |
|
April 5-April 13, 2023 |
Passover [Pesach-8 days]* |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Recommended Accommodations: 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—the use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread.) |
Jewish |
|
April 6, 2023 |
Maundy Thursday |
Maundy (Holy) Thursday is the Thursday of Holy Week, the week before Easter. It is the day on which Jesus is said to have shared a final meal with his disciples before he was betrayed to the Roman authorities. It is also called Maundy Thursday, from the new commandment (mandatum) Jesus gave his disciples on that day: to love one another as he had loved them. |
Christian |
|
April 7, 2023 |
Good Friday |
Good Friday—the Friday before Easter—is the day observed by the Christian church as the day of Christ's crucifixion. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested: some Christians may be fasting on this day or refraining from meal. Some may also request the day or afternoon off. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date. |
Christian |
|
April 8, 2023 |
Vesak |
Buddha's birth (Japanese tradition) Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning menus for events on this date. |
Buddhist |
|
April 9, 2023 |
Easter |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Easter is the festive holy day of the Christian tradition on which the church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and victory of life over death. |
Christian |
|
April 14, 2023 |
Vaisakhi |
This ancient festival celebrates both the Solar New Year and springtime harvest. |
Hindu/Sikh/Buddhist |
|
April 14, 2023 |
Eastern Orthodox |
Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. Recommended Accommodations: Many Orthodox Christians commemorate the day by attending numerous church services and strict fasting. Orthodox Christians usually refrain from doing much work on this day in remembrance of Christ's great sacrifice. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date. |
Eastern Orthodox Christian |
|
April 16, 2023 |
Pascha/Easter |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Pascha, or Orthodox Easter, celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection and is the year's most important holy day. It usually falls one to five weeks after Western Christian Easter, which follows the Gregorian calendar. |
Eastern Orthodox Christian |
|
April 17-April 18, 2023 |
Yom HaShoah |
Holocaust Remembrance Day Recommended Accommodations: This is not a work holiday—academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics). |
Jewish |
|
April 21, 2023 |
Eid al Fitr*# |
Holiday with significant work restriction. This holiday commemorates the completion of Ramadan and lasts for three days during which Muslims celebrate with special prayers, sweets, presents for children, and community festivities. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Students & 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). |
Islamic |
|
April 21, 2023 |
Ridván |
Holiday with significant work restriction. First Day of Ridván (meaning "Paradise" in Arabic) — the most important of the Bahá'í Holy Days. It is the day on which Bahá'u'lláh declared His mission as a Messenger of God in the Garden of Ridván. |
Bahá'í |
|
April 29, 2023 |
Ninth Day of Ridván |
Holiday with significant work restriction. The day on which Bahá'u'lláh's family joined Him in the Garden of Ridván. |
Bahá'í |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
May 1, 2023 |
Beltane |
A festival honoring life in the Pagan and Wiccan religions. It represents the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer |
Wicca/Pagan |
|
May 2, 2023 |
Twelth Day of Ridván |
Holiday with significant work restriction. The day on which Bahá'u'lláh and His family left the garden to travel to Constantinople. |
Bahá'í |
|
May 8-May 9, 2023 |
Lag B'Omer |
Celebrating the anniversary of the passing of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar. |
Jewish |
|
May 23, 2023 |
Declaration of the Báb* |
The anniversary of the Báb's announcement of His mission in 1844. |
Bahá'í |
|
May 25-May 27, 2023 |
Shavuot |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Marks the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on these days. (Kosher basics—although it is customary to eat dairy). |
Jewish |
|
May 28-May 29, 2023 |
Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh |
Marks the passing of Bahá'u'lláh in 1892. |
Bahá'í |
|
May 28, 2023 |
Feast of Pentecost |
Pentecost was the "fiftieth" day after Easter and is celebrated in the Christian church as the day on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Christ gathered in Jerusalem, inspiring them to form a new community of preaching, praise, and practice. |
Christian |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
June 24, 2023 |
Litha-Yule (Solstice) |
A Pagan and Wiccan festival that starts on the summer solstice and celebrates midsummer. |
Wicca/Pagan |
|
June 29, 2023 |
Eid al Adha*# |
Holiday with significant work restriction The holiday commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, who was miraculously replaced by a lamb. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). Observers may request a vacation day. |
Islamic |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
July 6, 2023 |
Fast of 17th of Tammuz |
The fast of the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, known as Shivah Asar B'Tammuz, is the start of a three-week mourning period for the destruction of Jerusalem and the two Holy Temples. |
Jewish |
|
Monday, July 10, 2023 |
Martyrdom of the Báb |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Marks execution in 1850 |
Bahá'í |
|
July 26-July 27, 2023 |
Fast of 9th of Av |
Tisha B'Av, the 9th day of the month of Av, is the culmination of the Three Weeks, a period of time during which we mark the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Recommended accommodations: Plan limited activities after a fast. |
Jewish |
|
Starts appx. July 29, 2023 |
First 10 days of Muharram* |
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar began with the migration – or Hijra – of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. |
Islamic |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
August 1, 2023 |
Lughnasadh-Imbolc |
This Pagan and Wiccan festival designates the start of the harvest season. |
Wicca/Pagan |
|
Appx. August 7, 2023 |
Ashura (10th day of Muharram)*# |
This day marks the anniversary of the tragic martyrdom of Husayn, the Prophet's grandson, and many of his family members and companions. Ashura also marks the anniversary of the Exodus of Moses from Egypt. Recommended Accommodations: Muslim students & employees may request a vacation day on this date but it is not universally commemorated as one of the two eids. |
Islamic |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
September 5-September 6, 2023 |
Arbaeen |
The day marking the end of the 40-day mourning period after the Day of Ashura for Muslims. Recommended Accommodations: Muslim students & employees may request a vacation day on this date but it is not universally commemorated as one of the two eids. |
Islamic |
|
September 6-September 7, 2023 |
Krishna Janmashtami |
Celebration of the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth Divine Incarnation Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that students will be operating on very little sleep. |
Hindu |
|
September 11-September 20, 2023 |
Paryushana Parva |
A time of intensive study, reflection, and purification. It ends with a final day of confession and asking for forgiveness. |
Jain |
|
September 15-September 17, 2023 |
Rosh Hashanah* |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a day of judgment and coronation of G-d as king. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on these days. |
Jewish |
|
September 18, 2023 |
Ganesh Chaturthi |
Festival marking the birth of the elephant-headed deity Ganesha, the god of prosperity and wisdom. |
Hindu |
|
September 21-September 29, 2023 |
Mabon |
Pagan and Wiccan religions use to mark the autumnal equinox. |
Wicca/Pagan |
|
September 24- September 25, 2023 |
Yom Kippur* |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Holiest day of the year, the Day of Atonement Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting. |
Jewish |
|
September 27, 2023 |
Mawlid |
This holiday is the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Recommended Accommodations: Muslim students & employees may request a vacation day on this date but it is not universally commemorated as one of the two eids. |
Islamic |
|
September 29-October 6, 2023 |
Sukkot* |
Holiday with significant work restriction. The seven days of Sukkot is the holiday in which there is dwelling in covered huts, commemorating G‑d's sheltering of the ancestors as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics). |
Jewish |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
October 5, 2023 |
Daruma |
Celebration of Bodhidharma's arrival in China (Japan) |
Buddhist |
|
October 6-October 8, 2023 |
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah* |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Celebrates Shemini Atzeret, the first day, and the second day, Simchat Torah. Simchat Torah markes the compeltion and beginning of the annual Torah reading cycle. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics). |
Jewish |
|
October 15- October 16, 2023 |
Birth of the Bab* |
The Báb (meaning "Gate" in Arabic) is considered to have paved the way for the incarnation of Bahá'u'lláh. The Báb's mission was to awaken the people to the fact that a new period in human history had begun. He called for spiritual and moral reformation |
Bahá'í |
|
October 15-October 24, 2023 |
Navaratri |
A period of nine days celebrating the Divine Feminine. |
Hindu |
|
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 |
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh |
Holiday with significant work restriction. This holiday celebrates the birthday of Bahá'u'lláh, one of the Baha'I faith's most important figures. For Bahá'ís, the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh is a Holy Day celebrating the rebirth of the world through the love of God, just as Christmas is for Christians. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. (Baha'i students and employees will likely request to have this day off.) |
Bahá'í |
|
October 23-October 24, 2023 |
Dussehra |
The festival celebrates Hindu god Ram's vanquishing of the 10-headed demon king Ravan, and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. |
Hindu |
|
October 31-November 1, 2023 |
Samhain* |
A Pagan and Wiccan festival marking the end of the harvest season. |
Wicca/Pagan |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
November 1, 2023 |
All Saints Day |
The day on which the Christian church celebrates the saints, known and unknown. |
Christian |
|
November 1, 2023 |
Day of the Dead |
The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. |
Christian/Latinx |
|
November 12, 2023 |
Deepavali/Diwali |
Holiday with significant work restriction. A festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu students & employees will likely request a vacation day on this date. |
Jain/Sikh/Hindu |
|
November 27, 2023 |
Gurunanak Jayanti |
Celebrates the birth of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak |
Sikh |
|
Date |
Name |
Description |
Faith Tradition |
|
December 3, 2023 - December 24, 2023 |
Advent |
Advent is the Christian season of preparation for Christmas, the four weeks before Christmas in the Western churches; the first Sunday in Advent is the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. |
Christian |
|
December 7-December 15, 2023 |
Hanukkah [8-days]* |
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a group of Jewish warriors defeated the occupying mighty Greek armies. Recommended Accommodations: Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary). |
Jewish |
|
December 8, 2023 |
Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) |
Celebrating the Buddha's awakening |
Buddhist |
|
December 8, 2023 |
Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
The Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The "immaculate" is not a reference to how she was conceived by her parents, Sts. Joachim and Anne. It acknowledges that God intervened and allowed her to be conceived without the stain of original sin. |
Christian |
|
December 10, 2023 |
Our Lady of Guadalupe |
Celebration of when In December 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared as an Aztec princess to Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac, outside a small village near Mexico City. |
Christian |
|
December 21, 2023 |
Yule/Winter Solstice |
A Pagan and Wiccan holiday that celebrates the winter solstice. |
Wicca |
|
December 22, 2023 |
Fast of the 10th of Tevet |
Rememberance that on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tevet, in the year 3336 from Creation (425 BCE), the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. |
Jewish |
|
December 25, 2023 |
Christmas |
Holiday with significant work restriction. Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Recommended Accommodations: This is a national holiday in the United States, so special accommodations are likely not required. |
Christian |
|
December 26- January 1, 2024 |
Kwanzaa |
Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture. |
African-American |
|
December 31, 2023 |
Feast of the Holy Family |
Feast of the Holy Family, Roman Catholic religious festival falling on the first Sunday after Christmas. Although major feast days dedicated to each member of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—also exist, the Feast of the Holy Family commemorates their life together, and the celebration focuses on religious family life. |
Christian (Catholic) |