A CALENDAR OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
2008 - 2009

Please note that each holiday is significant in its tradition, however, only major Jewish holidays and some Islamic holidays preclude secular activities and serve as valid reasons for being excused from or for rescheduling academic responsibilities. In addition, secular activity is precluded on Friday night and Saturday until dark for Jews who observe the Sabbath

SEPTEMBER 2008

2
Ramadan begins (Islam, 30 days)
30
Navaratri begins (Hindu)
30-Oct 1
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year - 2 days)*


OCTOBER

1
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year - 2 days)*

Eid al Fitr (Islam, end of Ramadan fast)
8
Navaratri ends (Hindu)
9
Yom Kippur (Jewish Day of Atonement)*
14-15
Sukkot (Jewish Festival of Booths)*
20
Birth of the Bab (Baha'i)*
21-22
Shemini Atzerot & Simchat Torah (Jewish)*
28
Diwali (Hindu)


NOVEMBER

12
Baha'u'llah's Birthday (Baha'i)*


DECEMBER

8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic)
9
Eid al Adha (Islam)
22-29
Chanukah (Jewish)* - secular activities are not precluded
25
Christmas (Christian)


JANUARY  2009

26
Chinese New Year (Buddhist)


FEBRUARY
Ash Wednesday (Christian)
25



MARCH

2
Lent begins (Orthodox Christian)
10
Purim (Jewish)* - secular activities are not precluded  


APRIL

9-10
First and second day of Passover (Jewish, lasts 8 days)*
10
Good Friday (Christian)
15-16
Last two days of Passover  (Jewish)*
17
Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian)
21
First day of Ridvan (Baha'i)*



* All Jewish and Baha’i holidays begin at sunset on the day before the date listed.


The following website at the University of Arizona is recommended for people who are planning ahead for several years   http://www.registrar.arizona.edu/religiousholidays/calendar.htm