2026 Calendar of Religious Holy Days & Cultural Observances

This calendar is not an exhaustive list either of religious or cultural traditions or of the holidays observed in those traditions. If we have not included a religious tradition or major religious holiday of significance to you, please notify the Myatt Center for Inclusion and Diversity at CDI@newhaven.edu so that it might be included in future editions of this calendar.

The university has made extensive efforts to verify the accuracy of the information included here, some inaccuracies may remain. Please email CDI@newhaven.edu if you notice that the information provided is inaccurate.

There are recognized religious days and other celebrations observed by persons or groups within our community that are based on faith-based beliefs, laws/doctrines, tenets, canons or theology that may require restriction or limitations to physical or mental activity. This definition may include academic endeavors (e.g. examinations, classroom activities and research, or out-of-classroom learning experiences).

Please be aware that the dates of some holidays, particularly those that are calculated according to a lunar calendar and rely on sightings of the New Moon (e.g., Islamic holidays), vary according to region; other observances and dates (e.g., Buddhist holidays) vary greatly across cultures and strands of a tradition.

When planning tests, field trips, or other major events for your courses, use the calendar to prepare for impacts to your class on a day that students may take off due to an observance.

The University Student Handbook has a policy on absences related to these various observances. Faculty members have the discretion on how to assist students best. Any flexibility offered will depend on what you deem appropriate based on your course expectations. If the student’s current course progress includes excessive absences, faculty members are encouraged to document student excessive absences through Navigate.

When recognizing any observance, academic requirement may interfere with the date of the observance. It is important that students communicate with their instructors well in advance to know what the expectations will be in they will not be in attendance.

Please see the Religious Observance Policy that can be found in the Student Handbook.

The 2026 Calendar of Religious Holy Days & Cultural Observances is being updated. Please check back soon.

• Hindu, Jain, and Sikh holy days are calculated on a lunar calendar and are observed at different times in different regions.
• All Jewish and Bahá'í holy days begin at sunset the previous day.
• Observances/practices vary from culture to culture within and across denominations.
• Individuals of some faith will be fasting each day from sunrise until sunset. Some faiths are required to fast for a month.
• As we strive to foster a sense of belonging for all Chargers in our community, acknowledging those who are practicing and their courage to practice their fasting schedule can go a long way.
• Be sensitive to eating situations during fasting.
• Review the Multifaith Observances Policy in the Student Handbook.
• If you see something that may affect those celebrating, please report it to the Dean of Students Office or Human Resources.

• Dining services are open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Students can swipe twice during dinner meal periods for their "break of fast" meal to keep in their rooms.
• Dining locations will be observing Passover on campus. Certain meals will be available in the dining halls during this time. The University of New Haven is not Kosher Certified.

As members of the University community continue to practice diverse traditions and rituals, please know you are not alone. The University has resources to support you in your celebration.

Dean of Students: Deanofstudents@newhaven.edu
Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion: CDI@newhaven.edu

Faculty and Staff
Health & Wellness Resources (myCharger)
officeofhumanresources@newhaven.edu

Meditation and Spirituality Center
15 Ruden Street (lower level), Opens 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily
Spiritual Life & Campus Ministry

University of New Haven Campus Pantry
Career Closet and Campus Pantry
ClosetPantry@newhaven.edu

If you are seeking a faith community to fit your particular needs and background outside of the campus community, please visit the Spiritual Life & Campus Ministry page and download the Spiritual Resource Guide. Please note that the list of resources listed is not endorsed by the University of New Haven.