Calendar of Religious Observances – 2026
The Division of Enrollment Management is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds feel safe, supported, and heard. Religion and spirituality are core aspects of many people’s lives, and it is essential that we’re thoughtful to try to ensure our work does not impede on one’s ability to practice their faith. If you ever have any questions on accommodations, including for religious observances, please contact Ann Bradshaw (ann.bradshaw@wisc.edu).
This resource is intended to be used as a reference point to help avoid potential conflicts with religious observances when scheduling large meetings, high profile events, interviews, and more. While avoiding all religious observances may not always be possible, it is expected that all DEM team members give thoughtful consideration and are proactive in offering alternative accommodations when appropriate.
The resource below is intended to supplement UW–Madison’s academic calendar to provide additional details, background, and considerations for many religious observances. It is important to acknowledge that this is a non-exhaustive list and intended to be used as a reference point. Ultimately, each persons individual observances may vary and it is always important to make accommodations for employees and guests on an individual basis as needed.
If you feel that any information has been misrepresented or you would like an additional holiday or information added, please reach out to justin.mumford@wisc.edu.
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2026 Calendar of Religious Observances
January 6 – Feast of the Epiphany (Christian)
This is a feast day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. Christian families may leave a box of hay or grass out, and children may leave their shoes out for gifts. In Spain and Latin America, a traditional dessert is often made called Rosca de Reyes.
January 7 – Eastern Orthodox Christmas (Orthodox Christian)
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Because Eastern Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar (compared to the Gregorian calendar for other Christians), there is a 13 day difference between Christmas. Eastern Orthodox Christmas is not often celebrated with presents, and observers will attend church services to celebrate peace, joy, and unity. Expect Christian Orthodox observers to request the day off.
January 15 – Makar Sankranti/Pongal (Hindu)
Makar Sankranti celebrates the transfer of the sun into the Makara Rashi (Capricorn) zodiac in the Hindu calendar. It is a harvest festival offering thanks for success and prosperity. This holiday is often celebrated with social gatherings, gift giving, and feasts and festivals.
February 17 – Lunar New Year (Interfaith/National)
Lunar New Year is typically celebrated across Asia and is sometimes called the Spring Festival. It is celebrate across many different faiths, cultures, and regions, but time spent with family and loved ones is common.
February 17-March 18 – Ramadan (Islam)**
Holiday period with potential work restrictions.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims as a month of prayer, fasting, and community. The month is celebrated as when the Prophet Muhammed [peace be upon him], received the first revelations that make up the Quran. The observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The celebration commemorates Allah [peace be unto him], the Arabic name for God. Ramadan observers will be fasting throughout the day and may request the first days of the celebration off to celebrate. Those in Muslim countries will likely have a national holiday.
February 18 – Ash Wednesday/Lent Begins (Christian)
This is the first day of Lent, a period of 40 days before Easter where many Christians sacrifice aspects of their life to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. Employees may request off to attend church services.
February 23 – Eastern Orthodox Lent begins (Orthodox Christian)
In the Christian (Eastern) Orthodox Church, Great Lent marks the forty days leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (the 40 days before Holy Week, which is the week when Christian Orthodox followers remember Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection). The first day is called “Clean Monday” and the time is marked by prayer, fasting, and good-will.
February 24 – Birthday of ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib (Islam)**
Holiday with potential work restriction.
‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib [may God be pleased with him] was the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] and is an important figure in Islamic history. His birthday is celebrated by all Muslims, but especially those in the Shiite community who regard him as the first Imam. Shiite observers may request the day off to celebrate with family and friends.
March 2-3 – Purim (Jewish)*
Purim celebrates the a series of events in ancient Persia, where a community of Jews were saved from a official named Haman. The holiday is often full of feasting and gladness, with the exchanging of gifts, sharing of meals, and donations given to the poor.
March 20 – Eid al-Fitr (Islam)**
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Eid al-Fitr, also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. In preparation to celebrate, people may clean their homes and fill them with colorful decorations. Families get together for a fest on the first day of the celebration after prayer. Observers may request the first day of the Holiday off.
March 20-21 – Nowruz (Interfaith)
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Nowruz (translating to “new day”) is a celebration of the spring equinox and the beginning of the new year. Celebrated by Baha’i and Zoroastrian followers, it is also celebrated by Persian communities. Nowruz is also celebrated as a secular holiday by many different groups. Bahá’ís and Zoroastrians suspend work, so employees may request time off or a modified schedule.
April 1-9 – Passover (Jewish)*
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Passover commemorates the Jews’ exodus from ancient Egypt and their freedom from slavery. These holy days last seven days. Matzo, an unleavened bread with the consistency of a cracker, is the center of a ritual meal called a Seder. Seders are choreographed feasts with ritual foods, often held on the first and second evenings of Passover. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate during the first two and last two days of these Holy Days. Observers may request off for these days as well.
April 3 – Good Friday (Christian)
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on this day, the Friday before Easter. Many celebrate by reading scripture, attending services, and singing special songs. Christians may request the afternoon off to attend special church services.
April 5 – Easter (Christian)
On this day, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after three days in the grave. Many Christians celebrate with special church services and music. Easter is a national holiday in the United States, and always falls on a Sunday.
April 10 – Orthodox Good Friday (Orthodox Christian)
Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on this day, the Friday before Easter. Many celebrate by reading scripture, attending services, and singing special songs. Christians may request the afternoon off to attend special church services.
April 12 – Orthodox Easter (Orthodox Christian)
On this day, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after three days in the grave. Many Christians celebrate with special church services and music. Orthodox Easter also always falls on a Sunday.
April 14 – Vaisakhi (Sikh)
This holiday celebrates the Sikh New Year, and also celebrates the birth of the Khalsa, a Saint-Soldier and important figure. Celebrations always include singing and music, as well as reading aloud scriptures and chanting. It is an optional holiday, and those celebrating may choose to take the day off.
May 1 – Vesak (Buddhism)
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Vesak, also known as Wesak Day, Buddha Purnima, Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Day, or Buddha’s Birthday, amongst other names, is one of the most important and sacred holidays to Buddhists. It celebrates the birth, death, and enlightenment of the Buddha. Followers may go to temples for special talks or offerings.
May 14 – Ascension Day (Christian)
The Christian holiday of Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, celebrates when Jesus ascended to heaven. The day is celebrated by Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Orthodox and Lutheran churches.
May 21 – Ascension Day (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
The Christian holiday of Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, celebrates when Jesus ascended to heaven. The day is celebrated by Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Orthodox and Lutheran churches.
May 23-25 – Declaration of the Báb (Bahá’í)*
Holiday with potential work restriction.
The Bahá’í Era began with the Declaration of the Bab, May 23, 1844, when the Bab announced that he was a messenger of God and foretold the coming of another messenger of God in the near future. Those observing will suspend work and school on this day.
May 26 – Day of Arafah (Islam)**
Holiday with potential work restriction.
The Day of Arafah, the 9th day of the 12th Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijja, is the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Hajj pilgrims gather around Mount Arafah, located to the Southeast of Mecca. Even those not on pilgrimage celebrate this day with prayer and reflection. Observers may request to take the first day of the celebration off.
May 27 – Eid al-Adha (Islam)**
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Sometimes called Tabaski, it honors the willingness of Abraham [peace be upon him] to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God’s command. Muslims may visit family and friends, and the day is filled with prayer and reflection. Observers may request to take the first day of the celebration off.
May 28-29 – Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (Bahá’í)*
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Bahá’ís commemorate the anniversary of the death of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’ís will suspend work and school on this holiday.
June 4 – Eid al-Ghadeer (Islam) **
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Typically, presents are given and people take ritual baths and eat celebratory meals. Many Shi’a Muslims fast on this day and they may wear their best clothes. Some recite a special prayer praising Allah and thanking him for the faithful and infallible imams. Muslim colleagues may request to take the first day of the celebration off. Colleagues in Muslim countries will likely have a national holiday.
June 15 – 1st of Muharram – Islamic New Year (Islam)**
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Some Muslims mourn heavily during Muharram, but others may do so to lesser extent. Storytelling, weeping and chest beating, wearing black, partial fasting, and street processions are possible traditions. Muslim colleagues may request to take the first day of the celebration off. Colleagues in Muslim countries will likely have a national holiday.
June 26 – 10th of Muharram/Ashura (Islam)**
Holiday with potential work restriction.
The significance of this day varies among sects of Islam. Sunni Muslims may fast during this holiday. For Shia and Sufi Muslims, they may mourn and grieve while attending mosques for readings that commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn. Muslim colleagues may request to take the first day of the celebration off. Colleagues in Muslim countries will likely have a national holiday.
July 9 – Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá’í)***
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Bahá’í’s typically commemorate the Martyrdom of the Báb with prayer and scripture reading. Bahá’í scripture called Tablets of Visitation is used primarily on this date. This scripture signifies the passing of an important figure. Bahá’í’ observers may request off to suspend work and school.
August 5 – Arba’ein (Islam)**
This is a Shiite observance marking the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammed’s [peace be upon him] grandson, Al-Husayn ibn Ali. The word Arba’ein means “forty” in Arabic, the observance happening 40 days after the Day of Ashura. Shiite observers may take a pilgrimage to Iraq and time may be taken off to complete this pilgrimage.
August 25 – Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Sunni Islam)**
Holiday with potential work restriction.
In the Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] is the final prophet of the Abrahamic faith traditions. This day is often commemorated with religious lectures, readings, and poetry describing Prophet Muhammad’s [peace be upon him] life and legacy. Muslims may take the day off to celebrate.
August 31 – Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Shia Islam)**
Holiday with potential work restriction.
In the Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] is the final prophet of the Abrahamic faith traditions. This day is often commemorated with religious lectures, readings, and poetry describing Prophet Muhammad’s [peace be upon him] life and legacy. Muslims may take the day off to celebrate.
September 8-16 – Paryushan (Jain)**
This is an 8-10 day celebration where Jains fast and pray while coming together over their faith and ethical duties. Jains will often study religious texts and meditate during this period. On the last day of the festival, known as Samvatsari, people greet each other with “Micchami Dukkadam,” giving forgiveness for offenses committed.
September 11-13 – Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)*
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, with these two days marking the beginning of the High Holy Days or Days of Awe. These days end with Yom Kippur. Observers seek forgiveness between themselves and others, and often celebrate with feasts, attending services, and more. During these days, expect that observers will be restricted from work
September 20-21 – Yom Kippur (Jewish)*
Holiday with potential work restriction.
This is the most holy and solemn day of the Jewish Calendar. On Yom Kippur, observers seek forgiveness from God. Observers may fast for 25 hours and attend services at synagogue. During this time, expect that observers will be restricted from work.
September 25-October 2 – Sukkot*
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Lasting one week, Sukkot starts five days after Yom Kippur and is named after the shelters called sukkahs. Sukkot also celebrates the seasonal harvest. Observers spend time with family and friends, and may build a sukkah to spend time in for the holiday. During the first two and last two days of Sukkot, expect that observers will be restricted from work.
October 3-4 – Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah (Jewish)*
Holiday with potential work restriction.
These two holidays can be celebrated in one day or two consecutive dates at the end of Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret means “Eighth Day of Assembly” and Simchat Torah means “rejoicing in Torah”. On Shemini Atzeret, special holiday services are held and some eat in the sukkah. On Simchat Tora, observers may celebrate with dancing, singing, and rejoicing with the Torah scrolls. During these three days, expect that observers will be restricted from work.
November 10 – Birth of the Báb (Bahá’í)***
Holiday with potential work restriction.
An observance of the anniversary of the birth of Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad who went on to take the title of “the Báb” – a prominent figure of the Baha’i Faith. Bahá’ís may gather to pray and read writings, as well as celebrate by dancing and singing. Work may be restricted for Bahá’ís celebrating this holiday.
November 11 – Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Bahá’í)***
Holiday with potential work restriction.
An observance of the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah the founder of the Baha’i faith, this date is usually honored with community gatherings and prayers and music. Work may be restricted on this date for Bahá’ís.
November 8-13 – Diwali (Interfaith/Hindu)**
Holiday with potential work restriction.
The five-day Festival of Lights, a New Year Festival, is one of the most popular holidays in South Asia and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. Diwali is celebrating in a wide variety of ways, with lamp lighting, fireworks, feasts, and fairs all common celebrations. Hindu employees may request the day off.
December 4 – 12 – Hanukkah/Chanukah (Jewish)*
Hanukkah (traditionally spelled Chanukkah, sometimes spelt Chanukah or Hanuka) celebrates the successful revolt of Jews against an oppressive regime that limited the rights of the Jewish people. Observers often share meals with family and friends, and may play a game with a spinning top called a dreidel.
December 25 – Christmas (Christian)
Holiday with potential work restriction.
Followers of Jesus Christ celebrate his birth on December 25. Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, and decorating their homes. December 25th is a national holiday in the United States, and many business and local organizations will be closed for the day.
December 26 – January 1 – Kwanzaa (Interfaith)
Kwanzaa is an annual seven-day African-American and pan-African holiday celebration that takes place from December 26 to January 1. The festival is a non-religious holiday inspired by West African harvest celebrations. Kwanza is often celebrated with the sharing of meals, music, and storytelling. Green, red, and black candles are often used as important symbols of the holiday.