Recognizing religious holidays and holy days, regardless of the religion is crucial for fostering an inclusive community life. Our Interfaith Calendar 2025 is designed to assist organizations in acknowledging a diverse array of religious holidays and festivals. This inclusive approach not only supports respectful scheduling but also promotes a culture of understanding and respect.
Please note that the list we have shared below doesn’t include every holiday but is a sampling of some religious holidays that you should be aware of when scheduling important meetings or events.
January 2025 Holy Days
January 6 – Christian: Epiphany
Celebrates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.
January 6 – Sikh: Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab
Celebrates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikhs’ 10th master and teacher.
January 7 – Coptic Orthodox Christian: Christmas
Marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar.
January 14 – Hindu: Pongal
A harvest festival thanking the Sun God for the agricultural abundance.
January 14 – Buddhist: Mahayana New Year
Celebrates the Buddhist New Year in Mahayana traditions.
February Religious Holidays Calendar
February 2 – Pagan and Wiccan: Imbolc*
Celebrates the beginning of spring and the goddess Brigid.
February 2 – Christian: Candlemas
Commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple.
February 15 – Buddhist: Parinirvana
Marks the death of Buddha and his attainment of final Nirvana.
February 26 – Hindu: Maha Shivaratri
A major Hindu festival celebrating Lord Shiva.
March Inclusive Religious Calendar
March 1 – Islamic: Ramadan begins*
A holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims.
March 5 – Christian: Ash Wednesday
Marks the beginning of Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.
March 14 – Hindu: Holi
The festival of colors, celebrating the arrival of spring. This is one of the most known Hinduism holy days.
March 14 – Sikh: Hola Mohalla
A Sikh festival featuring martial arts, poetry, and community gatherings.
March 20 – Baha’i: Naw-Ruz*
The Baha’i New Year, celebrated with joy and festivities.
March 31 – Islamic: Eid al-Fitr*
Marks the end of Ramadan, celebrated with a feast and prayers. On one of the most important Islamic holy days.
Zero Discrimination Day – March 1
Observed by the United Nations, Zero Discrimination Day promotes equality and addresses the discrimination faced by individuals worldwide, fostering a more inclusive global society.
Employee Appreciation Day – March 7
Employee Appreciation Day is a chance for organizations to recognize and celebrate their employees’ hard work and dedication, building morale and fostering a positive workplace culture.
International Women’s Day – March 8
International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women worldwide while advocating for gender equality and women’s rights, bringing attention to critical issues that women face globally.
International Day to Combat Islamophobia – March 15
This day addresses and raises awareness about Islamophobia, encouraging global communities to work together against prejudice, promote inclusivity, and support Muslim communities.
April Diversity Calendar 2025 Highlights
April 10 – Jain: Mahavir Jayanti
Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.
April 12 – Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Memorial of Jesus’ Death
Commemorates the death of Jesus Christ.
April 13-20 – Jewish: Passover*
Celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
April 14 – Sikh, Hindu: Vaisakhi
Marks the Sikh New Year and celebrates the spring harvest.
April 20 – Christian: Easter
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
International Autism Acceptance Day – April 2
This day promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals on the autism spectrum, focusing on recognizing their unique strengths and contributions.
Gold Star Spouses Day – April 5
This U.S. observance honors the surviving spouses of military members who lost their lives in service, recognizing their sacrifices and supporting their resilience.
International Day of Pink – April 9
This day stands against bullying, homophobia, transphobia, and all forms of discrimination, with communities worldwide encouraged to wear pink in solidarity. It’s a call for inclusivity and respect, fostering awareness and support for a safer, more accepting world.
Earth Day – April 22
Earth Day raises global awareness about environmental protection, inspiring action to combat climate change, reduce pollution, and promote sustainability. It’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the planet for future generations through conscious, everyday choices.
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day – April 24
This day commemorates the lives lost during the Armenian Genocide, honoring the heritage and resilience of Armenian communities worldwide. It serves as a call for reflection, understanding, and recognition of historical injustices to prevent future atrocities.
May 2025 Religious Holidays
May 1 – Pagan and Wiccan: Beltane*
Celebrates the peak of spring and the coming of summer.
May 5 – Buddhist: Buddha’s Birthday
Celebrates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.
May 12 – Buddhist: Vesak
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
May 16 – Jewish: Lag BaOmer*
A festive day marking the end of a plague during Rabbi Akiva’s lifetime.
May 28 – Baha’i: Ascension of Baha’u’llah*
Commemorates the passing of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith.
Day for Awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls – May 5
This day brings attention to the high rates of violence faced by Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. It advocates for justice, awareness, and action to address these ongoing issues within Indigenous communities.
Cinco de Mayo – May 5
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, symbolizing resilience and pride. It has become a celebration of Mexican heritage, marked with cultural festivities and events.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day – May 9
This day recognizes the sacrifices and resilience of military spouses, who support their families and communities through the unique challenges of military life. It’s a day to show appreciation for their strength and dedication.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia – May 17
This day promotes equality and fights against discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community globally. It’s an opportunity to stand up for inclusivity, raise awareness, and foster a culture of acceptance.
June 2025 Holy Days
June 2-3 – Jewish: Shavuot*
Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
June 5-9 – Islamic: The Hajj*
An annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, mandatory for all Muslims.
June 7-10 – Islamic: Eid-al-Adha*
Commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
June 8 – Christian: Pentecost (Whit Sunday)
Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
June 19 – Roman Catholic: Feast of Corpus Christi
Celebrates the Eucharist, the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Loving Day – June 12
Loving Day commemorates the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage. It’s a celebration of love, equality, and the right to marry regardless of race.
International Day of Countering Hate Speech – June 18
This day raises awareness about the harm caused by hate speech and promotes action to counter it through dialogue and education. It encourages unity and respect, aiming to create safer, more inclusive communities worldwide.
International Autistic Pride Day – June 18
Autistic Pride Day celebrates neurodiversity and the unique perspectives and talents of autistic individuals. It’s a day for acceptance and understanding, promoting respect for autism as a natural variation of human experience.
Juneteenth – June 19
Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is celebrated as a day of freedom, resilience, and remembrance. It honors Black history and culture, with festivities, education, and reflection.
World Refugee Day – June 20
World Refugee Day recognizes the courage and contributions of refugees worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes. It’s a reminder of the need for compassion and support for displaced individuals, advocating for their rights and protection.
July Interfaith Calendar
July 5 – Islamic: Ashura*
Marks the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali and is observed with mourning.
July 9 – Baha’i: Martyrdom of the Bab*
Commemorates the execution of the Baha’i co-founder.
July 23 – Rastafarian: Birthday of Haile Selassie*
Celebrates the birth of the Ethiopian Emperor, revered in Rastafarianism.
July 24 – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Pioneer Day
Commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in Utah.
August 2025 Religious Festivals Calendar
August 1 – Pagan and Wiccan: Lughnasadh*
Celebrates the beginning of the harvest season.
August 15 – Roman Catholic: Feast of the Assumption
Celebrates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
August 16-17 – Hindu: Krishna Janmashtami
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
August 21 – Jain: Paryushana begins
Marks an important Jain festival focused on fasting and forgiveness.
August 27 – Hindu: Ganesh Chaturthi
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesh.
Purple Heart Day – August 7
Today, remember Americans who have been wounded in battle, have done courageous acts while at war or who gave their life for our freedoms. Purple represents bravery and courage and it is the oldest military decoration presented to service members in the United States. It was first created by George Washington in 1782.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – August 9
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples hopes to raise awareness about the rights and contributions of indigenous populations worldwide. Today, start a dialogue about the indigenous communities and society by understanding the challenges they face such as marginalization.
Women’s Equality Day – August 26
This day remembers the passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which gave women the right to vote. Celebrate the achievements of women in history this month. Remember the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights every day.
International Day of People of African Descent – August 31
This day was established by the United Nations to celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of people of African descent worldwide, and to promote the full inclusion of people of African descent in all aspects of society. It also aims to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance that people of African descent face globally.
Major Religious Holidays for September
September 5 – Islamic: Mawlid al-Nabi*
Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
September 11 – Coptic Orthodox Christian: Nayrouz
Marks the start of the Coptic New Year.
September 22 – Pagan and Wiccan: Mabon*
Celebrates the autumn equinox and the second harvest.
September 23-24 – Jewish: Rosh Hashanah*
The Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and renewal.
September 28-October 2 – Hindu: Durga Puja
Celebrates the goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
October Interfaith Holy Days
October 2 – Jewish: Yom Kippur*
The holiest day in Judaism, dedicated to atonement and repentance. This is one of the most important Jewish high holy days.
October 7-13 – Jewish: Sukkot*
A week-long festival celebrating the fall harvest.
October 20 – Hindu: Diwali
The festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
October 22 – Baha’i: Birthday of the Bab*
Celebrates the birth of the Baha’i co-founder.
October 31 – Pagan and Wiccan: Samhain*
Celebrates the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.
November World Religion Calendar
November 1 – Christian: All Saints’ Day
Honors all saints, known and unknown.
November 2 – Christian: All Souls’ Day
Commemorates all the faithful departed.
November 21 – Eastern Orthodox Christian: The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Celebrates the presentation of Mary in the temple.
November 24 – Sikh: Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib
Honors the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru.
November 30 – Christian: Advent
Marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year leading up to Christmas.
Major Religious Holidays for December 2025
December 6 – Christian: Saint Nicholas Day
Celebrates Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children.
December 8 – Buddhist: Bodhi Day
Commemorates the enlightenment of Buddha.
December 15-22 – Jewish: Hanukkah*
The Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple.
December 21 – Pagan and Wiccan: Yule*
Celebrates the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun.
December 25 – Christian: Christmas
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
