Calendar of Observances

October Full month NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
A campaign to unite communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention.

October Full Month NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
Recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities.

October Full Month LGBT HISTORY MONTH
Marks and celebrates the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the United States.

October 2 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE
Marked on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence, a U.N commemoration promoting the principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding.

October 5 WORLD TEACHER’S DAY
Held annually to commemorate teacher organizations worldwide.

October 7 MAWLID AL-NABI (Also known as MILAD AL-NABI) • Islamic (Shi’a)
The observance of the birthday of Islam founder Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated in Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. Sunni Muslims celebrate it five days earlier than Shi’a Muslims.

October 7 SHEMINI ATZERET • Jewish
“The Eighth [Day] of Assembly” observed on the day immediately following Sukkot.

October 8 SIMCHAT TORAH • Jewish
“Rejoicing in the Torah” celebrates the conclusion of the public reading of the Pentateuch (first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and its beginning anew.

October 9 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY (Native American Day)
Celebrates and honors Native American history and culture.
[The second Monday of October is also marked as a U.S. federal holiday, Columbus Day. Many people are opposed to the celebration of a man who led and committed atrocities against Indigenous people. Some states and cities in the U.S. have officially changed the day to Indigenous People’s Day. Similarly, it is celebrated as Día de la Raza, “Day of the Race,” in Spanish-speaking countries and communities.]

October 11 COMING OUT DAY
Encourages honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Commemorates October 11, 1987, when 500,000 people marched on Washington, DC, for gay and lesbian equality.

October 15-24 NAVARATRI • Hindu
Nine-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It worships God in the form of the universal mother commonly referred to as Durga, Devi or Shakti, and marks the start of fall.

October 16 BIRTH OF THE BÁB • Bahá’í
Bahá’í observance of the anniversary of the birth in 1819 of Siyyid, “the Báb,” the prophet- herald of the Bahá’í Faith, in Shíráz, Persia.

October 17 BIRTH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH • Bahá’í
Observance of the anniversary of the birth in 1817 of Bahá’u’lláh, prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith, in Núr, Persia.

October 17 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY
Call to action for the eradication of poverty and destitution worldwide.

October 20 GUR-GADDI GURU GRANTH SAHIB • Sikh
Since 1708, Sikhs have accepted Sri Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal Guru, which holds the spirit of all Ten Gurus of the Sikhs. They consider Guru Granth Sahib to be a spiritual guide not only for Sikhs but for all of mankind; it plays a central role in guiding the Sikhs’ way of life.

October 24 DUSSEHRA/DASSERA • Hindu
Anniversary of the day when Rama killed the evil demon Ravana. Also known as Durga Puja, which celebrates the goddess Durga.

October 24 UNITED NATIONS DAY
Commemorates the founding of the world organization in 1945.

October 31 HALLOWEEN
The eve of All Saints’ Day.

October 31 REFORMATION DAY • Christian
Commemorates the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.

November Full Month NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH
Adoptees, birth families, adoptive families and adoption professionals reflect on, educate and celebrate adoption practices.

November Full Month NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH
Celebrates and honors the history and culture of Native Americans and indigenous people in the United States.

November 1 ALL SAINTS’ DAY • Western Christian
Commemorates all known and unknown Christian saints. Eastern Orthodox Christianity observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

November 2 ALL SOULS’ DAY • Christian
Commemoration of all faithful Christians who are now dead. In Mexican tradition, it is celebrated as Dia de los Muertos between October 31 and November 2 and is an occasion to remember dead ancestors and celebrate the continuity of life.

November 7 ELECTION DAY
A day set by U.S. law for the election of public officials.

November 9-10 KRISTALLNACHT
Also known as the Night of the Broken Glass, commemorates the 1938 pogrom against Jews throughout Germany and Vienna.

November 11 VETERANS’ DAY
Honors military veterans and the U.S. Armed Services.

November 12 BANDI-CHHOR DIWAS • Sikh
A commemorative occasion having no fixed date which occurs in October or November and celebrates the release of the Sixth Guru Har Gobind Sahib from imprisonment and coincides with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

November 12 DIWALI • Hindu
Also called Deepavali, “Festival of Lights”, it celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

November 13-17 AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
Celebrates public education and honors individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child in the U. S. receives a quality education.

November 16 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE
Emphasizes the dangers of intolerance and is a call to action for the advancement of human welfare, freedom and progress everywhere, as well as a day to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures and peoples.

November 20 TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Memorializes those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.

November 23 THANKSGIVING DAY
Following a 19th-century tradition, it commemorates the Pilgrims’ harvest feast in the autumn of 1621. It is considered by some to be a “national day of mourning,” in recognition of the conquest of Native Americans by colonists.

November 26 DAY OF THE COVENANT • Bahá’í
Day of the Covenant is a festival observed to commemorate Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment of His son, Abdu’l-Baha, as His successor.

November 27 GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTHDAY • Sikh
A very important holiday in the Sikh faith as Guru Nanak Dev was the First Guru of the Sikhs and the Founder of Sikhism. He was born in mid-November; the holiday is celebrated according to the lunar date.

December 1 WORLD AIDS DAY
International day of action on HIV and AIDS.

December 3 ADVENT • Western Christian
Advent is a season of spiritual preparation in observance of the birth of Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, it starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the season is longer and begins in the middle of November.

December 3 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Raises awareness about persons with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.

December 8 BODHI DAY • Buddhist
Also known as Rohatsu, commemorates the day that the Buddha, Siddharta Gautama, experienced enlightenment or spiritual awakening (bodhi). Celebrated on the eighth day either of December or the 12th month of the lunar calendar.

December 8-15 CHANUKAH • Jewish
Eight-day “Festival of Lights”, also known as Hanukkah, celebrating the rededication of the Temple to the service of God in 164 BCE. Commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek King, Antiochus, who sought to suppress freedom of worship.

December 10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
On this day in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

December 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE • Christian
Celebrates the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary (by her title, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of Mexico and the Americas) before Juan Diego, an indigenous convert to Roman Catholicism, on the Mexican hill of Tepeyac in 1531.

December 15 BILL OF RIGHTS DAY
Commemorates the signing into law of the ten original amendments of the United States Constitution in 1791.

December 21 WINTER SOLSTICE
Marks the first day of the season of winter. The length of time between sunrise and sunset is the shortest of the year, with the sun shining closest to the Southern Hemisphere and the farthest from the Northern Hemisphere.

December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE • Christian
Celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.

December 25 CHRISTMAS • Western Christian
Commemorates the birth of Jesus.

December 26 2023-January 1, 2024 KWANZAA
A seven-day celebration honoring African American heritage and its continued vitality. “Kwanzaa” means “first fruits (of the harvest)” in Swahili.

December 29 WOUNDED KNEE DAY
On December 29, 1890, more than 200 Lakota Sioux were massacred by U.S. troops at Wounded Knee in South Dakota.

December 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE
In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve, the last day of the year, is on December 31. In many countries, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, and drink, etc.

Jan. 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY * The first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, commonly used for civil dating purposes.

Jan. 5 GURU GOBIND SINGH JI’S BIRTHDAY * Sikh * Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th Sikh guru of Nanak and founder of the Khalsa.

Jan. 6 CHRISTMAS * Armenian Orthodox Christian * The day Armenian Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Before the Roman Empire adopted Christianity, this was the original day all Christians observed the birth of Jesus.

Jan. 6 EPIPHANY/THEOPHANY * Christian * Celebrates the manifestation of Jesus as Christ. The Western Church associates Epiphany with the journey of the Magi to the infant Jesus Christ, and the Eastern Orthodox Church associates Theophany with the baptism of Jesus Christ by John.

Jan. 7 CHRISTMAS * Eastern Christian * Commemorating the birth of Jesus, most Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas 13 days later than other Christian churches based on their use of the Julian rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar.

Jan. 15 MAKAR SANKRANTI * Hindu * Seasonal celebration marking the turning of the sun toward the north.

Jan. 15 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY * The birthday of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is on Jan. 15, but it is observed on the third Monday in January.

Jan. 15-19 NO NAME-CALLING WEEK * Annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling and bullying of all kinds.

Jan. 25 MAHAYAN NEW YEAR * Buddhist * In Mahayana countries, the New Year starts on the first full moon day in January. (This date varies from region to region.)

Jan. 25 TU B’SHVAT * Jewish * New Year’s Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Now a day for environmental awareness and action, such as tree planting.

Jan. 27 INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY * Annual day of commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945.

Feb. 1-29 BLACK HISTORY MONTH * Celebrates Black History and African American culture in the U.S.

Feb. 1 NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY * Commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in 1865.

Feb. 10 LUNAR NEW YEAR * Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist * Also known as the Spring Festival, an important festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

Feb. 13 SHROVE TUESDAY * Western Christian * A day of penitence and the last chance to feast before Lent begins. Also known as Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday and Carnival Day, this day is observed in many ways worldwide.

Feb. 14 VALENTINE’S DAY * Celebrates the idea of romantic love.

Feb. 14 ASH WEDNESDAY * Western Christian * The first day of Lent for Western Christian churches, a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, not counting Sundays.

Feb. 15 NIRVANA DAY * Buddhist * Celebrates the day when the historical Buddha achieved Parinirvana, or complete nirvana, upon the death of his physical body. Sometimes celebrated on Feb. 8.

Feb. 15 SUSAN B. ANTHONY DAY * A commemorative holiday to celebrate the birth of Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) and women’s suffrage in the U.S.

Feb. 19 PRESIDENTS DAY * Honors all past presidents of the United States of America.

Feb. 20 WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE * United Nations day to recognize efforts to achieve fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.

Feb. 24 MAGHA PUJA * Buddhist * Also known as Sangha Day, it commemorates the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 disciples, completely enlightened monks, in the historical Buddha’s presence.

Feb. 26-29 AYYÁM-I-HA OR INTERCALARY DAYS * Bahá’í * A period of celebration devoted to charity, gift-giving, and festivities before the annual period of fasting.

Mar. 1-19 NINETEEN-DAY FAST * Bahá’í * Bahá’ís between 15 and 70 years of age do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset and set aside time for prayer and meditation.

Mar. 1-30 NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH * Honors women as significant agents of historical change.

Mar. 8 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY * Celebration of women’s economic, political, and social achievements worldwide.

Mar. 8 MAHA SHIVARATRI * Hindu *Also called Shiva Ratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is a festival in reverence of the god Shiva. The festival is celebrated on the 13th night or 14th day of the waning moon in the Hindu calendar (the month of February or March of the English calendar).

Mar. 11-Apr. 9 RAMADAN * Islamic * Observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. (March 11)

Mar. 17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY * Christian * Feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. In the U.S., a secular version is celebrated by people of all faiths through appreciation of all things Irish.

Mar. 18 CLEAN MONDAY * Eastern Orthodox Christian * The beginning of Great Lent for Eastern Orthodox Christian churches, which starts 40 days before Pascha, counting Sundays.

Mar. 19 VERNAL EQUINOX * Marks the first day of spring. The sun shines nearly equally on both hemispheres when it’s spring in the Northern Hemisphere and simultaneously fall in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mar. 20 NOWRÚZ (also known as NAW- RÚZ) * Zoroastrian (Bahá’í) * Celebrates the first day of spring and the Iranian New Year, which occurs on the vernal equinox, on or near March 21. Also celebrated as New Year’s Day in Baha’i tradition. (This date may vary based on region or sect.)

Mar. 21 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION * Call to action to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination worldwide.

Mar. 24 PALM SUNDAY * Western Christian * Observed the Sunday before Easter to commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Mar. 24 PURIM * Jewish * The “Feast of Lots” marks the saving of the Jewish people of ancient Persia from extermination.

Mar. 25 HOLI * Hindu * A spring festival in India and Nepal dedicated to the god of pleasure, also known as the festival of colors or the festival of sharing love.

Mar. 26 HOLA MOHALLA * Sikh * An annual event which is a martial arts parade historically coinciding with Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. Celebrations related to Holla Mohalla may be held in various locations over several weekends preceding the holiday’s actual date.

Mar. 26 KHORDAD SAL * Zoroastrian * The Zoroastrian celebration of the birth of Zoroaster, the founder of the Zoroastrianism religion. The holiday is specifically celebrated in India and Iran, immediately following the Persian New Year, Nowrúz.

Mar. 29 GOOD FRIDAY * Western Christian * Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the Friday before Easter. Known as Holy Friday in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Mar. 31 EASTER * Western Christian * Known as Pascha in Eastern Christianity, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.

Mar. 31 CESAR CHAVEZ DAY * Honors Mexican American farm worker, labor leader and activist Cesar Chavez (1927-1993), who was a nationally respected voice for social justice.

Apr. 1-30 ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH * Celebrates the Arab American heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans.

Apr. 1-30 GENOCIDE AWARENESS MONTH * A month that marks important anniversaries for past and contemporary genocides. Throughout the month, individuals, communities, and organizations join together to remember and honor victims and survivors of mass atrocities.

Apr. 1-30 NATIONAL POETRY MONTH * Introduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the U.S.

Apr. 6 LAILAT AL-QADR * Islamic * Commemorates the night the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is known as the “Night of Power.” Often set on the 27th day of Ramadan, Sunnis may observe it on the 21st, 23rd, 25th or 29th, and Shīʿite observe it on the 19th, 21st or 23rd day of Ramadan.

Apr. 10 EID AL-FITR * Islamic * The “Feast of the Breaking of the Fast” marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting from dawn until dusk.

Apr. 13 VAISAKHI (also spelled Baisakhi) * Sikh * The festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community as the Khalsa (community of the initiated). On this day, Sikhs gather and celebrate Vaisakhi at their local Gurdwaras (Sikh houses of worship) by remembering this day as the birth of the Khalsa.

Apr.17 RAMA NAVAMI * Hindu * Celebrates the birthday of Rama, king of ancient India, hero of the epic Ramayana, and seventh incarnation of Vishnu.

Apr. 20-May 1 FESTIVAL OF RIDVÁN * Bahá’í * Annual festival commemorating the 12 days when Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í faith, resided in a garden called Ridván (Paradise) and publicly proclaimed his mission as God’s messenger for this age. The first (April 20), ninth (April 29), and 12th (May 1) days are celebrated as holy days when Baha’is suspend work.

Apr. 23-30 PASSOVER/PESACH * Jewish * The eight-day “Feast of Unleavened Bread” celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage. (April 23-24, April 29-30)

Apr. 24 THERAVADA NEW YEAR * Buddhist * In Theravada countries, the New Year is celebrated on April’s first full moon day.

Apr. 24 ARMENIAN MARTYRS’ DAY * Memorializes the genocide of approximately 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923 in Turkey.

Apr. 28 PALM SUNDAY * Eastern Orthodox Christian * Observed the Sunday before Pascha to commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

May 1-31 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH (also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month) * Recognizes the contributions and celebrates the culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.

May 1-31 JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH * Recognizes the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievements of American Jews.

May 1 INTERNATIONAL WORKER’S DAY * Also known as May Day, it celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers worldwide. The day commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, where police and protesters clashed following a workers’ strike for an eight-hour workday.

May 2 HOLY THURSDAY * Eastern Orthodox Christian * Also known as Maundy Thursday, it is celebrated on the Thursday before Pascha commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus Christ and the Apostles were together for the last time before the crucifixion.

May 3 HOLY FRIDAY * Eastern Orthodox Christian * Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the Friday before Pascha. Known as Good Friday in Western Christianity.

May 3 WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY * Serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news.

May 5 PASCHA * Eastern Orthodox Christian * Known as Easter in Western Christianity, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

May 5 CINCO DE MAYO * Commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French occupational forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

May 6 YOM HASHOAH * Jewish * “Holocaust Remembrance Day” memorializes the heroic martyrdom of 6 million Jews who perished in the Nazi Holocaust.

May 9 ASCENSION DAY * Western Christian * Also known as Holy Thursday, celebrated 40 days after Easter, commemorating Jesus’s ascension into heaven.

May 12 MOTHER’S DAY * Children of all ages show appreciation for their mothers and mother figures.

May 19 PENTECOST * Western Christian * Also known as Whitsunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and women followers of Jesus Christ. Marks the birth of the Christian Church.

May 21 WORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY * Recognizes cultural diversity as a source of innovation, exchange, and creativity, as well as the obligation to create a more peaceful and equitable society based on mutual respect.

May 23 VISAKHA PUJA * Buddhist * Also known as Vesak or Buddha Day, it marks the birth, spiritual awakening, and death (nirvana) of the historical Buddha. (This date may vary based on region or sect.)

May 23 DECLARATION OF THE BÁB * Bahá’í * Commemoration of May 23, 1844, when the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í faith, announced in Shíráz, Persia, that he was the herald of a new messenger of God.

May 26 LAG B’OMER * Jewish * Celebrates the end of a divine-sent plague and/or Roman occupation during Rabbi Akiva’s lifetime (died c. 135 CE).

May 27 MEMORIAL DAY * A federal holiday in the U.S. for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s Armed Forces.

May 28 ASCENSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH * Bahá’í * Observance of the anniversary of the death in exile of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í faith.

Jun. 1-30 LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH * Commemorates the anniversary of the June 28, 1969, Stonewall riot in New York City, the incident that initiated the modern gay rights movement in the U.S.

Jun. 5 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY * The United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for protecting our environment.

Jun. 12 ANNE FRANK DAY * Birthday of a young Jewish girl whose diary describes her family’s experiences hiding from the Nazis through the assistance of gentile friends.

Jun. 12 LOVING DAY * Observes the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia, which struck down the miscegenation laws remaining in 16 states barring interracial marriage.

Jun. 12-13 SHAVUOT * Jewish * The “Feast of Weeks” celebrates the covenant established at Sinai between God and Israel and the revelation of the Ten Commandments.

Jun. 13 ASCENSION DAY * Eastern Orthodox Christian * Also known as Holy Ascension, celebrated 40 days after Pascha, commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven.

Jun. 14 FLAG DAY * Anniversary of Congress’s adoption of the Unites States flag in 1777.

Jun. 16 EID AL-ADHA * Islamic * Commemoration of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Marks the end of the annual Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

Jun. 16 FATHER’S DAY * Children of all ages show appreciation for their fathers and father figures.

Jun. 19 JUNETEENTH * Originally commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865, it is now celebrated throughout the U.S. to honor African American freedom and achievement.

Jun. 20 SUMMER SOLSTICE * Marks the first day of summer. The length of time between sunrise and sunset is the longest of the year, with the sun shining the farthest from the Southern Hemisphere and the closest to the Northern Hemisphere.

Jun. 20 WORLD REFUGEE DAY * Raises awareness about the plight of refugees and displaced persons.

Jun. 23 PENTECOST * Eastern Orthodox Christian * The seventh Sunday after Pascha commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and women followers of Jesus Christ.

Jun. 26 ANNIVERSARY OF LEGALIZATION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN THE U.S. * On June 26, 2015, in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples.

Jun. 30 ALL SAINTS’ DAY * Eastern Orthodox Christian * In Orthodox churches, observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost, it commemorates all known and unknown Christian saints.

Jul. 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY * Anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Jul. 9 MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB * Bahá’í * Observance of the anniversary of the execution by a firing squad in Tabríz, Persia, of the 30-year-old Siyyid ‘Alí- Muhammad, the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í faith.

Jul. 13 ULLAMBANA (also known as Obon) * Buddhist * Ullambana, a Sanskrit term that means “hanging upside down and suffering,” honors the spirits of past ancestors and strives to relieve aching souls from suffering. It lasts about half of the month of August. Obon, the Japanese transliteration of Ullambana, is only three days long and varies from region to region—July in the eastern region and August in the western region.

Jul. 17 ASHURA * Islamic * A day of fasting observed on the 10th day of the month of Muharram to celebrate Moses’ exodus from Egypt. For Shi’a Muslims, it also marks the climax of the 10-day Remembrance of Muharram, which mourns the martyrdom of Hussein at the Battle of Kerbala.

Jul. 17 MUHARRAM * Islamic * The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic liturgical year. This first day, al-Hijra, remembers the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. It also marks the beginning of the 10-day Shīʿite Remembrance of Muharram, a period of intense grief and martyrdom of Hussein, the son of Ali and grandson of Muhammad.

Jul. 21 DHARMA DAY * Buddhist * Also known as Asalha Puja, it commemorates the historical Buddha’s first discourse following his spiritual awakening.

Jul. 26 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) DAY * Commemorates the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

Aug. 9 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES * Celebrates the richness of Indigenous cultures and recognizes the challenges Indigenous peoples face today, ranging from poverty and disease to dispossession, discrimination, and denial of basic human rights.

Aug. 12 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY * Celebrates young people and their integral role in helping create a world fit for children.

Aug. 13 TISH’A B’AV * Jewish * Mourning of the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE.

Aug. 13 ULLAMBANA (also known as Obon) * Buddhist * Ullambana, a Sanskrit term that means “hanging upside down and suffering,” honors the spirits of past ancestors and strives to relieve aching souls from suffering. It lasts about half of the month of August. Obon, the Japanese transliteration of Ullambana, is only three days long and varies from region to region—July in the eastern region and August in the western region.

Aug. 19 RAKSHA BANDHAN * Hindu * Also called Rakhi, this festival celebrates the protective relationship between brothers and their sisters.

Aug. 21 SENIOR CITIZEN DAY * Recognizes the many contributions older adults make in communities across the U.S.

Aug. 23 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE SLAVE TRADE AND ITS ABOLITION * Memorializes the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade, coinciding with the anniversary of the uprising in Santo Domingo (today Haiti and the Dominican Republic) that initiated its abolition.

Aug. 26 KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI (also known as JAYANTI) * Hindu * Celebrates Krishna’s birthday, Vishnu’s eighth incarnation on earth.

Aug. 26 WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY * Commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote.

Sep. 1 GUR-GADDI GURU GRANTH SAHIB * Sikh * Since 1708, Sikhs have accepted Sri Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal guru, who holds the spirit of all Ten Gurus of the Sikhs. They consider Guru Granth Sahib to be a spiritual guide not only for Sikhs but for all of mankind; it plays a central role in guiding the Sikhs’ way of life.

Sep. 2 LABOR DAY * Celebrated the first Monday in September in recognition of U.S. workers.

Sep. 5 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY * Recognizes the role of charity in alleviating human suffering, as well as of the efforts of charitable organizations and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa.

Sep. 7 GANESH CHATURTHI * Hindu * Celebrates the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant deity.

Sep. 8 INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY * Call to action for universal literacy.

Sep. 15-Oct. 15 NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH * Celebrates Hispanic and Latino Americans’ contributions, heritage, and culture.

Sep. 16 MAWLID AL-NABI (also known as MILAD AL-NABI) * Islamic (Sunni) * The observance of the birthday of Islam founder Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated in Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. Shi’a Muslims celebrate it five days later than Sunni Muslims.

Sep. 17 CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY * Commemorates the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787. It also honors all who have become U.S. citizens.

Sep. 21 MAWLID AL-NABI (also known as MILAD AL-NABI) * Islamic (Shi’a) * The observance of the birthday of Islam founder Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated in Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. Sunni Muslims celebrate it five days earlier than Shi’a Muslims.

Sep. 22 AUTUMNAL EQUINOX * Marks the first day of fall. The sun shines nearly equally on both hemispheres when it’s fall in the Northern Hemisphere and simultaneously spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sep. 23 BI VISIBILITY DAY * Seeks to draw attention to public policy concerns and foster respect for bi+ individuals and communities.

Oct. 1-31 LGBT HISTORY MONTH * Marks and celebrates the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the U.S.

Oct. 1-31 NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH * A campaign to unite communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention.

Oct. 1-31 NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH * Recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities.

Oct. 2 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE * Marked on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence, a United Nations commemoration promoting the principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding.

Oct. 3-12 NAVARATRI * Hindu * Nine-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It worships God in the form of the universal mother, commonly referred to as Durga, Devi, or Shakti, and marks the start of fall.

Oct. 3-4 ROSH HASHANAH * Jewish * Beginning of the Jewish New Year and first of the High Holy Days, which marks the beginning of 10 days of penitence and spiritual renewal.

Oct. 5 WORLD TEACHER’S DAY * Held annually to commemorate teacher organizations worldwide.

Oct. 11 COMING OUT DAY * Encourages honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Commemorates Oct. 11, 1987, when 500,000 people marched on Washington, D.C., for gay and lesbian equality.

Oct. 11 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY (Native American Day) * Celebrates and honors Native American history and culture. [The second Monday of October is also marked as a U.S. federal holiday, Columbus Day. Many people are opposed to celebrating a man who led and committed atrocities against Indigenous people. Some states and cities in the U.S. have officially changed the day to Indigenous People’s Day. Similarly, it is celebrated as Día de la Raza, “Day of the Race,” in Spanish-speaking countries and communities.]

Oct. 12 DUSSEHRA/DASSERA * Hindu * Anniversary of the day Rama killed the evil demon, Ravana. It is also known as Durga Puja, which celebrates the goddess, Durga.

Oct. 12 YOM KIPPUR * Jewish * The “Day of Atonement” marks the end of the Ten Days of Penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah.

Oct. 17 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY * Call to action to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide.

Oct. 17-23 SUKKOT * Jewish * The week-long “Feast of Booths” commemorates the 40-year wandering of the Israelites in the desert on the way to the Promised Land. (Oct. 17)

Oct. 24 SHEMINI ATZERET * Jewish * “The Eighth [Day] of Assembly” observed on the day immediately following Sukkot.

Oct. 24 UNITED NATIONS DAY * Commemorates the founding of the world organization in 1945.

Oct. 25 SIMCHAT TORAH * Jewish * “Rejoicing in the Torah” celebrates the conclusion of the public reading of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and its beginning anew.

Oct. 31 REFORMATION DAY * Christian * Commemorates the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.

Oct. 31 BANDI-CHHOR DIWAS * Sikh * A commemorative occasion having no fixed date which occurs in October or November and celebrates the release of the Sixth Guru Har Gobind Sahib from imprisonment and coincides with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

Oct. 31 HALLOWEEN * The eve of All Saints’ Day.

Nov. 1-30 NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH * Adoptees, birth families, adoptive families and adoption professionals reflect on, educate, and celebrate adoption practices.

Nov. 1-30 NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH * Celebrates and honors the history and culture of Native Americans and Indigenous people in the U.S.

Nov. 1 DIWALI * Hindu * Also called Deepavali, the “Festival of Lights,” celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

Nov. 1 ALL SAINTS’ DAY * Western Christian * Commemorates all known and unknown Christian saints. Eastern Orthodox Christianity observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

Nov. 2 BIRTH OF THE BÁB * Bahá’í * Bahá’í observance of the anniversary of the birth in 1819 of Siyyid, “the Báb,” the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í faith, in Shíráz, Persia.

Nov. 2 ALL SOULS’ DAY * Christian * Commemoration of all faithful Christians who are now dead. In Mexican tradition, it is celebrated as Dia de los Muertos between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 and is an occasion to remember dead ancestors and celebrate the continuity of life.

Nov. 3 BIRTH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH * Bahá’í * Observance of the anniversary of the birth in 1817 of Bahá’u’lláh, prophet-founder of the Bahá’í faith, in Núr, Persia.

Nov. 5 ELECTION DAY * A day set by U.S. law to elect public officials.

Nov. 9-10 KRISTALLNACHT * Also known as the Night of the Broken Glass, commemorates the 1938 pogrom against Jews throughout Germany and Vienna.

Nov. 11 VETERANS DAY * Honors military veterans and the U.S. Armed Services.

Nov. 15 GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTHDAY (Guru Nanak Jayanti) * Sikh * A very important holiday in the Sikh faith as Guru Nanak Dev’s was the first guru of the Sikhs and the founder of Sikhism. He was born in mid-November; the holiday is celebrated according to the lunar date.

Nov. 16 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE * Emphasizes the dangers of intolerance and is a call to action for advancing human welfare, freedom, and progress everywhere, as well as a day to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures and peoples.

Nov. 18-22 AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK * Celebrates public education and honors individuals making a difference in ensuring every child in the U.S. receives a quality education.

Nov. 20 TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE * Memorializes those killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.

Nov. 26 DAY OF THE COVENANT * Bahá’í * Day of the Covenant is a festival observed to commemorate Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment of His son, Abdu’l-Bahá, as His successor.

Nov. 28 THANKSGIVING DAY * Following a 19th-century tradition, it commemorates the Pilgrims’ harvest feast in the autumn of 1621. It is considered by some to be a “National Day of Mourning,” in recognition of the conquest of Native Americans by colonists.

Dec. 1-24 ADVENT * Western Christian * Advent is a season of spiritual preparation in observance of the birth of Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, it starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the season is longer and begins in the middle of November.

Dec. 1 WORLD AIDS DAY * International day of action on HIV and AIDS.

Dec. 3 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES * Raises awareness about persons with disabilities to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.

Dec. 8 BODHI DAY * Buddhist * Also known as Rohatsu, commemorates the day the Buddha, Siddharta Gautama, experienced enlightenment or spiritual awakening (bodhi). Celebrated on the eighth day, either of December or the 12th month of the lunar calendar.

Dec. 10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY * On this day in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Dec. 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE * Christian * Celebrates the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary (by her title, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of Mexico and the Americas) before Juan Diego, an Indigenous convert to Roman Catholicism, on the Mexican hill of Tepeyac in 1531.

Dec. 15 BILL OF RIGHTS DAY * Commemorates the signing into law of the 10 original amendments of the United States Constitution in 1791.

Dec. 21 WINTER SOLSTICE * Marks the first day of winter. The length of time between sunrise and sunset is the shortest of the year, with the sun shining closest to the Southern Hemisphere and the farthest from the Northern Hemisphere.

Dec. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE * Christian * Celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.

Dec. 25 CHRISTMAS * Western Christian * Commemorates the birth of Jesus.

Dec. 25-Jan. 2 HANUKKAH * Jewish * Eight-day “Festival of Lights,” also known as Chanukah, celebrating the rededication of the Temple to the service of God in 164 BCE. Commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek King, Antiochus, who sought to suppress freedom of worship.

Dec. 26-Jan. 1 KWANZAA * A seven-day celebration honoring African American heritage and its continued vitality. “Kwanzaa” means “first fruits (of the harvest)” in Swahili.

Dec. 29 WOUNDED KNEE DAY * On Dec. 29, 1890, more than 200 Lakota Sioux were massacred by U.S. troops at Wounded Knee in South Dakota.

Dec. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE * In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve, the last day of the year, is Dec. 31. In many countries, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, drink, etc.