Sacred Calendars

Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. The most important Christian holiday, observed with religious services and family gatherings.

Biannual gathering of church leaders and members to hear sermons and guidance from the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Celebrates the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Observed with the Seder meal, unleavened bread, and retelling of the exodus story.

Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Observed with temple visits, recitation of Ramayan, and special prayers.

Sikh New Year celebrating the founding of the Khalsa. One of the most important Sikh festivals, marked by processions, gatherings at gurudwaras, and community meals.

Commemorates Mary's bodily ascension into heaven after her death. A major Christian feast day, especially in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

The beginning of a three-month retreat period (Vassa) where monks return to monasteries to study and meditate intensively.

Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Observed with special prayers, fasting, and the re-enactment of Krishna's birth.

Celebrates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama under the Bodhi Tree. Observed with meditation, temple services, and the lighting of candles.

Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. Observed worldwide with religious services, family gatherings, and gift-giving.

The Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Observed with the lighting of the menorah, gift-giving, and festive meals.

40-day period of preparation for Easter. Traditionally marked by fasting, prayer, and repentance as Christians prepare for Christ's resurrection.

The most important festival in the Chinese calendar. Celebrates the start of a new year and is observed with family reunions, special foods, and temple visits across Asia.

The great night of Shiva, celebrating the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Devotees fast, meditate, and perform rituals throughout the night.

Celebrates the revelation of Jesus to the Magi and his baptism. Also marks the beginning of Jesus's public ministry and the visit of the three wise men.

New Year celebration for Mahayana Buddhist traditions. Observed in East Asia with temple visits and renewal of spiritual practice.

Solar festival celebrating the sun's transition into Capricorn. Marks the end of winter and is celebrated with kites, bonfires, and traditional foods like til and gur.

Celebrates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and honors spiritual teachers. Observed with meditation and spiritual renewal.

The Islamic New Year, beginning the Islamic lunar calendar. Also marks Ashura, a period of remembrance and mourning for Shia Muslims.

Mourns the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Observed with fasting and the reading of the Book of Lamentations.

The Festival of Sacrifice commemorating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. Observed with animal sacrifice, festive meals, and family gatherings.

Commemorates the execution of the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. Observed with prayer, community service, and reading from the Guru Granth Sahib.

Celebrates the longest day of the year and the peak of yang energy. Observed with rituals honoring the sun and nature's balance.

Festival of colors celebrating spring, love, and the victory of good over evil. Traditionally observed with colored powders, bonfires, and special foods.

Commemorates the Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad to heaven. Observed with prayers and reflection on spiritual ascension.

The Persian New Year and Zoroastrian spring festival. Marks the vernal equinox and symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Marks the ascension of Jesus into heaven 40 days after Easter. Celebrated in Christian churches worldwide as a significant theological event.

Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles 50 days after Easter. Known as the birthday of the church in Christian tradition.

Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Also a harvest festival, observed with the reading of the Ten Commandments and traditional foods.

Honors all Christian saints, known and unknown. Observed with special church services and the remembrance of deceased loved ones.

The Festival of Lights celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Observed with the lighting of lamps, fireworks, and family gatherings.

Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Observed with continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and community meals.

Celebrates the victory of good over evil, particularly the victory of Rama over Ravana. Observed with prayers, processions, and the burning of effigies.

Commemorates Martin Luther's posting of the Ninety-Five Theses, beginning the Protestant Reformation. Observed primarily by Protestant churches.

The Feast of Tabernacles celebrating the Israelites' wilderness journey. Observed with the construction of temporary dwellings and festive meals.

Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Observed with the creation of Ganesha idols, prayers, and festive celebrations.

Celebrates the autumn equinox and the balance between light and darkness. Observed with harvest celebrations and thanksgiving rituals.

The Jewish New Year, celebrating the creation of the world. Observed with special prayers, the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn), and festive meals.