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June3 FRIDAY20 MONDAYOccasion to pay homage toChrist’s all-encompassinglove for humanityCelebration of the sacredmarriage, in which theenergy of the gods ispoured into the service oflife (Summer Solstice)Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Christian6 MONDAYRamadan Muslim (until7/5)Month devoted to thecommemoration ofMuhammad’s receptionof the divine revelationrecorded in the Qur’an11 SATURDAYShavuot Jewish (until6/13)Celelbration of Mosesdescent from Mt. Sinai withthe Ten Commandments12 SUNDAYRace Unity Day Baha’iDay to prmote racialharmony and understanding16 THURSDAYGuru Arjan Dev’sMartydom SikhTime of rememberingthose who have sufferedfor this faith19 SUNDAYLitha Wiccan/PaganMore aboutramadanRamadan is the Islamicholy month of fastingduring which Muslims maynot eat or drink duringdaylight hours.Ramadan is celebratedas the month in whichthe prophet Mohammedreceived the first of therevelations that make upthe Quran.Muslims are encouragedto eat a meal beforedawn, and then breakthe fast immediatelyafter sunset.New Church Day SwedenborgianChristianAnnual commemoration ofthe vision document “TheTrue Christian Religion,” in17709

July1 FRIDAYLaylatul Qadr MuslimThe Night of destiny,the first revelation ofthe Qur’an to PrphetMuhammad5 TUESDAYEid ul-Fitr MuslimBreaking of the Monthlong Ramadan fast and afestival of thanksgiving9 SATURDAYMartydom of the Bab Baha’iObservance of the day AliMuhammad was executedin 1850 by Persian politicaland religious powers19 TUESDAYAsalha Puja Day/DharmaDay BuddhistSacred day that marks theBuddha’s first teachingfollowing enlightenment23 SATURDAYBirth of the EmperorHaile Selassie I RastafarianBirthday of the reveredMessianic figure amongRastafarians24 SUNDAYPioneer Day MormonObservation of the arrivalof the first settlers atGreat Salt Lake, USA10More aboutunitarianismReligious freedom for eachindividual is at the heart ofUnitarianism. Everyone isfree to search for meaningin life in a responsible wayand to reach their ownconclusions.In line with their approachto religious truth,Unitarians see diversityand pluralism as valuablerather than threatening.They want religion to bebroad, inclusive, andtolerant. They thereforeinclude people ofvarious faiths.

august1 MONDAYLammas Wiccan/PaganCelebration of the earlyharvest6 SATURDAYTransfiguration ofthe Lord OrthodoxChristianCommemoration of theexperience on Mt. Taborwhen Jesus’ physicalappearance becamebrilliant as his connectionwith traditional Jewish holyfigures became evident tothe disciples13 SATURDAYObon/Ullambana Shinto/BuddistCelebration of the ritual ofsaving the deceased fromtorments after deaththe Ten Commandments14 SUNDAYTish’a B’av JewishDay of fasting in therememberance of thedestruction of theTemple in 586 BCE and70 CE15 MONDAYAssumption of theBlessed Virgin Mary Catholic ChristianObservancecommemorating theassumption of Mary,mother of Jesus, intoheavenDormition of theTheotokos OrthodoxChrisitianObservance of the death,burial, resurrection, andtransfer to heaven of theVirgin Mary18 THURSDAYRaksha Bandhan HinduFestival honoring the lovingties between brothers andsisters in a family25 THURSDAYKrishna Janmashtami HinduCommemoration of thebirth of Krishna29 MONDAYBeheading of John theBaptist ChristianRememberance of thedeath of John11

September5 MONDAY14 WEDNESDAY27 TUESDAYFestival honoring the godof prosperity, prudence,and successCelelbration of when St.Helen found the Holy CrossCommemoration of thediscovery of the True Crossby St. HelenGanesh Chaturthi HinduElevation of the Cross Christian6 TUESDAY22 THURSDAYFestival signifying humanemergence into a newworld of spiritual andmoral refinement, and acelebration of the naturalqualitities of the soulObservance of theAutumnal EquinoxParyushana Parva JainMeskel EthiopianOrthodox ChristianMabon Wiccan/PaganMagha Puja Day BuddhistCelebration of thepresentation of teachingsby Lord Buddha to anassembly of Holy men8 THURSDAYNativity of the BlessedVirgin Mary ChristianCelelbration of the birth ofVirgin Mary10 SATURDAYWaqf al Arafa/Hajj Day MuslimObservance during Hajj,the Islamic pilgrimage toMecca, when pilgrims prayfor forgiveness and Mercy11 SUNDAYAuditors’ Day ScientologistScientology Auditors areacknowledged for theirdedication in helping theirfellow menEid al-Adha MuslimFeast of Sacrifice,concluding the Hajj12More aboutIslamIslam is the second largestreligion in the world withover 1 billion followers.Muslims believe that Islamwas revealed over 1400years ago in Mecca, Arabia.Jesus, Moses and Abrahamare respected as prophetsof God.Muslims believe thatthere is only One God.and the Arabic wordfor God is Allah.

october1 SATURDAY11 TUESDAYFestival of the divinemother honoring Durga,wife of Shiva, and seekingher blessing.Festival celebrating thevictory of the goddessDurga over demons.3 MONDAYOptional one day fastmarking the martydom ofHusayn ibn Ali (Shi’a Islam)and marking the day thatMoses fasted in gratitudefor liberation of theIsraelites (Sunni Islam)Navratri Hindu (until10/9)Rosh Hashanah Jewish(until 10/4)New Year, marked by acall to repentance with theshofar4 TUESDAYDussehra/Durga Puja Hindu (until 10/4)Ashura MuslimSt. Francis Day CatholicChristian12 WEDNESDAYRecognition of service topeople and appreciationof the natural world, aspracticed by St. Francisand the Francisan monasticorder that he founded.Day of Atonment7 FRIDAYFounding of theinternational Associationof Scientologists ScientologyScientologists rededicatethemselves to theAims of Scientology: aworld without criminals,suffering, and war.9 SUNDAYBirthday of Guru RamDas SikhCommemoration ofthe birth of one of theforemost 10 Gurus ofSikhismYom Kippur Jewish17 MONDAYSukkot Jewish (until10/23)Feast of Tabernacles,which celebrates theharvest and the protectionof the people of Israelas they wandered in thewilderness dwelling intents20 THURSDAYBirth of the Bab Baha’iHonoring of the founderof the Babi religion,forerunner to Baha’u’llahand the Baha’i faithGuru Granth SahibInstallation SikhRemembrance of theeternal installation of theholy books, Granth Sahib.23 SUNDAYHoshanah Rabbah JewishCommemoration of the lastof the Days of Judgement24 MONDAYShemini Atzeret JewishCompletion of the annualcycle of the reading of theTorah25 TUESDAYSimchat Torah JewishDay to celebrate the readingof the Law28 FRIDAYMilvian Bridge Day ChristianDay of solemn reflectionon the relationship of thespritiual community andthe powers of the civilgovernment30 SUNDAYDiwali Hindu, JainCelelbration marking theend of the HIndu year31 MONDAYAll Hallow’s Eve ChristianCelebration combiningprayers and merrimentinvolving children andfamiliesReformation Day Protestant ChristianAnniversary of the traditionand its emphasis on thepalce of the Bible andreligious freedomJain New Year Jain13

november1 TUESDAY24 THURSDAYDay for honoring SaintsCelebration of the createdearth and communityAll Saints’ Day ChristianSamhain Wiccan/Pagan28 MONDAYThanksgiving InterfaithCelebration of endings andbeginnings26 SATURDAY2 WEDNESDAYAll Souls’ Day CatholicChristianCelebration of the covenantgiven in the last will andtestament of Baha’u’llahCommemoration of thefaithful departed27 SUNDAYCoronation of EmperorHaile Selassie RastafarianDay of the Covenant Baha’iAscension of the Abdu’lBaha Baha’iCelebration of the risingof the spirit of Abdu’lBaha to the heavenlydwelling.Advent Sunday ChristianTime of preparation forobserving the birth ofCelebration of theJesus Christ and forcoronation of the Messianic anticipating His returnfigure of Rastafarianto Earth12 SATURDAYBirth of Baha’u’llah Baha’iCelebration of the birth ofthe founder14 MONDAYGuru Nanak Dev Sahib’sBirthday SikhHonoring of the birth of thefounder16 WEDNESDAYInternational Day forTolerance InterfaithUnited Nations observanceday to generate publicawareness of the dangersof intolerance14More aboutSikhismSikhism was founded inthe 16th century in thePunjab district of what isnow India and Pakistan.It was founded by GuruNanak and is based on histeachings, and those of the9 Sikh gurus who followedhim.The most important thingin Sikhism is the internalreligious state of theindividual.

december6 TUESDAYSt. Nicholas Day ChristianCelebration of the birth ofSaint Nicholas, patron saintof children and role modelfor gift givingHanukkah Jewish (until12/14)Festival of Lightscommemorating therecpature and rededicationof the Jerusalem Temple8 THURSDAYBodhi Day BuddhistCelebration of theEnlightenment of BuddhaImmaculate Conceptionof Mary CatholicChristianDay of celebrating thebelief that Mary, mother ofJesus, was preserved fromoriginal sin all her life12 MONDAYFeast of Our Lady ofGuadalupe CatholicChristianHonoring of a legendaryapppearance of the VirginMary near Mexico City in1531 CE25 SUNDAYChristmas ChristianCelebration of the birth ofJesus Christ26 MONDAYZarathosht Diso ZoroastrianAnniversary of the death ofProphet ZarathurstraKwanzaa Pan-African(until 1/1/17)Holiday celebrating family,community, and culture.28 WEDNESDAYHoly Innocents ChristianDay of solemn memory ofmale children killed by KingHerod in the attempt todestroy Jesus30 FRIDAYFreedom Day ScientologistDay celebrating the officialrecognition of the Churchof Scientology in the UnitedStates in 197431 SATURDAYWatch Night ChristianOccasion to thank Godfor bringing people safelythrough another year21 WEDNESDAYYule Wiccan/PaganCelebration of the WinterSolstice15

JANUARY 20171 SUNDAYMary, Mother of God Catholic ChristianCelebration of themother of Jesus Christ7 SATURDAY15 SUNDAYA time to celebrate thebirth of Jesus ChristDay dedicated to the unityand oneness of all worldreligionsOrthodox Christmas Orthodox ChristianFeast of St. Basil Orthodox Christian8 SUNDAYCommemoration of St. Basilthe Great, who wrote agreat Eucharist Liturgy thatbears his name.Fast commemorating thesiege of Jerusalem byNebuchadnezzar IIShogatsu/Gantan-sai ShintoBaptism of the LordJesus ChristianNew Year’s DayCelebration5 THURSDAYFast of Tevet 10 Jewish9 MONDAYCommemoration of thebeginning of the publicministry of JesusTwelfth Night ChristianSeijin no Hi ShintoObservance of the close ofChristmastideHoliday honoring thosewho have reached, or willreach the age of twentywithin the current yearGuru Gobindh Sing’sBirthday SikhHonoring of the birth of thefounder of Khalsa12 THURSDAY6 FRIDAYBuddhist New Year, ascelebrated in MahayanacountriesEpiphany ChristianCommemoration of themanifestations of thedivine nature of JesusChristFeast of the Theophany Orthodox ChristianFeast to recall therevelation of the HolyTrinity in the baptism of thelord.16Mahayana New Year BuddhistWorld Religion Day Baha’iWeek of Prayer forChristian Unity Christian (until 1/22)Ecumenical observancefocused on prayer forchurch unity.17 TUESDAYBlessing of the Animals ChristianObservance of showingrespect for domesticanimals that are significantto people.19 THURSDAYTimkat EthiopianOrthodox ChristianCelebration of the Baptismof Jesus in the Jordan River25 WEDNESDAYConversion of St. Paul ChristianEvent in the life of Paulthe Apostle, after whichMaghi Sikhhe became a follower ofCommemoration of a battle Jesus.in which forty sikhs diedfor Guru Gobindh Singh Ji28 WEDNESDAY13 FRIDAY14 SATURDAYMakar Sankranti HinduCelebration marking theturning of the sun towardthe north; observed byflying kites, feeding thepoor and offering libationsto the dead.Chinese New Year Confucian, Taoist,BuddhistBegins a fifteen-dayfestival for Chinese peopleof all religions, who givethanks for family andremember ancestors

February 20171 WEDNESDAYVasant Panchami HinduFestival of spring honoringthe goddess of learning.2 THURSDAYImbolc Wiccan/PaganHalfway between thewinter solstice and theSpring Equinox; celebratesthe passage from winter tospring.3 FRIDAY14 TUESDAY26 SUNDAYDay recognizing theimportance of interracialrelations and learningInsertion of days intothe calendar in order tomaintain the solar calendar,thought of as days outsideof time, and celebrated byacts of love, fellowship, andcharityRace Relations Day ChristianSt. Valentine’s Day ChristianCelebration of the love ofGod present in Jesus andin the lives of Christianbelievers.Intercalary Day Baha’i(until 3/1)Orthodox Sunday Orthodox ChristianFirst Sunday of Lent, atwhich time restorationof icons to the church iscelebratedSetsubun-sai Shinto15 WEDNESDAYCelebration of the changeof seasons with the comingof spring with shouts of,“Devils out, Good FortuneIn”Observance of the physicaldeath and spiritualenlightenment of theBuddha5 SUNDAY18 SATURDAYTime period leading up toLent.Founding of the first Church Celebration of theof Scientology in the U.S.,presentation of Jesus inthe Church of Scientologythe Templeof Los Angeles, in 1954Triodion Begins Orthodox Christian11 SATURDAYTu B’Shvat JewishCelebration of the comingof SpringNirvana Day BuddhistNational Founding U.S.A Scientologist19 SUNDAYMeatfare Sunday Orthodox ChristianObservance preparing thefaithful for the celebrationof the resurrection ofChrist25 SATURDAYMaha Shivarastri Hindu27 MONDAYClean Monday Orthodox ChristianFirst day of LentCandlemas ChristianPresentation of Christin the Temple AnglicanChristianRemembrance of the infantJesus being brought to thetemple in Jerusalem28 TUESDAYShrove Tuesday ChristianCarnival day on the eve ofFestival honoring Lord Shiva Ash Wednesdayand his marraige to thegoddess, Parvati17

march 20171 WEDNESDAY13 SUNDAYObservance to begin the4-day season of Lent;ashes are marked onworshippers as a sign ofpenitence.Observance day markingthe birth of L. Ron Hubbard, Celebration of Gabriel’sthe founderannoncement to the VirginMary of the coming birthHoli Hinduof Jesus2 THURSDAYSpring festival dedicatedto the god of pleasureAsh Wednesday ChristianNineteen Day Fast Baha’i (until 3/20)Fast to be observed byadult Baha’is in good healthfrom sunrise to sunset.9 THURSDAYTa’anit Esther JewishFast on Purim eve,commemorating the fastof the Jewish people in thestory of Purim12 SUNDAYMagha Puja Day BuddhistCelebration of thepresentation of teachingsby Lord Buddha to anL. Ron Hubbard’sBirthday ScientologistHola Mohalla SikhWeeklong event includingmock fights, kirtan, musicpoetry, and communitymeals17 FRIDAYSt. Patrick’s Day ChrstianCelebration of St. Patrick,who brought Christianity toIreland in the early days ofthe faith20 MONDAYOstara Wiccan/Paganassembly of Holy menWelcoming of spring andcelebration of the goddesas-maiden (Vernal Equinox)Purim JewishNaw-Ruz Baha’iCelebration of thedeliverance of the jewishminority in Persia fromgenocideObservance of the VernalEquinox21 TUESDAYNowruz ZoroastrianNew year1825 SATURDAYAnnunciation of theBlessed Virgin Mary Christian28 TUESDAYKhordad Sal ZoroastrianRememebrance of the birthof Prophet ZarathurstraWeek of the Ramayana Hindu (until 4/5)Festival celebrating LordRama, in which the RamLila is staged and theRamayana is recited

april 20175 MONDAYRama Navami HinduCelebration of the birth ofLord Rama6 THURSDAYFounding of the Church MormonCommemoration of theappearance of the angel,Moroni, in 1830 to JosephSmith; subsequently, thefounding of the Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-DaySaints8 SATURDAYLazarus Saturday Orthodox Christian11 TUESDAY14 FRIDAYAnnual memorialcommemorating Christ’sdeath as a ransomCommemoration of thedeath of Jesus on the crossLord’s evening meal Jehovah’s WitnessesHanuman Jayanti HinduPesach/Passover Jewish (until 4/18)9 SUNDAY13 THURSDAYCelebration of the entry ofJesus to Jerusalem, whichbegins Holy WeekMahavir Jayanti JainFestival honoring LordMahavira on the founder’sbirthdayGood Friday ChristianRememebrance of theCelebration of Hanuman, an crucifixtion of Jesusembodiment of Lord Rama.Devotion and selfless16 SUNDAYworks are encouraged.Easter ChristianHoly day thatTheravadin New Yearcommemorates the Buddhist (until 4/14)resurrection of JesusBuddhist New Year, asChrist from His death bycelebrated in TheravadincrucifixtioncountriesCelebration of theresurrection of Lazarus byJesus; revealing that Jesusis “the resurrection andlife” of all mankindPalm Sunday ChristianHoly Friday OrthodoxChristian8-day celebration of thedeliverance of the Jewsfrom slavery in EgyptMaudy Thursday ChristianObservance of the firstLord’s supper during HolyweekBaisaki/Vaisaki Sikh/HinduFestival commemoratingthe establishment of theKhalsa, or the nation ofSikhs. Hindu beginning ofthe New YearPascha OrthodoxChristianHoly day thatcommemorates theresurrection of JesusChrist from His death bycrucifixtion21 FRIDAYFirst Day of Ridvan Baha’iCommemoration of thetwelve-day period in 1863when Baha’u’llah declaredthat he was God’smessenger for this age.23 SUNDAYYom HaShoah JewishHolocaust Day establishedto remember the six millionJews killed by the Nazis.29 SATURDAYNinth Day of Ridvan Baha’i19

may 20171 MONDAY14 SUNDAY29 MONDAYCelebration of theconjoining of the goddesswith the energy of the godin sacred marriage, thebasis of all creationObservation of thecounting of the day - thelink - between Pesach andShavoutRecollection of the death ofBaha’u’llah, the founder2 TUESDAYWorld Day for CulturalDiversity for Dialogue &Development InterfaithBeltane Wiccan/PaganTwelfth day of Ridvan Baha’i4 THURSDAYNational Day of Prayer InterfaithUnited States day ofobservance encouragingprayer among all faiths9 TUESDAYObservance of thePublication of Dianetics ScientologistObservance of thepublication of Dianetics: theModern Science of MentalHealth, on May 9, 1950,which was the forerunnerof the Scientology religion10 WEDNESDAYVesak BuddhistDay marking the birth,enlightenment, anddeath of the Buddha13 SATURDAYWorld Falun Dafa Day/Falun Gong BuddhistCelebration of the spiritualdiscipline introduced inChina in 199220Lag B’Omer Jewish21 SUNDAYUnited Nations day todeepen understandingof the values of culturaldiversity and to learn tolive more peacefully23 SUNDAYDeclaration of the Bab Baha’iRecognition of thedeclaration by A

2016 18-month Interfaith Calendar. 2 Did you know that the St. Louis community celebrates hundreds of different religious holidays? Diversity Awareness Partnership’s Interfaith Calendar is distributed annually and features observances celebrated across 20 religious traditions. T