Religious Observances
August 24, 2023
Southern communities will be celebrating their respective upcoming religious holidays and observances this fall academic semester. We can show we care by being aware, respectful, and supportive to all.
Please note, practices and observances vary between and among faith communities. Some may request time away to observe, while others may seek accommodations for a day of fasting, attending a religious service, or a time of prayer while at work or school. No one should be penalized because of a religious observance or practice, and accommodations should be made. Please be mindful to avoid scheduling major events or business meetings during these religious observance days.
Suggestion for Religious and Holiday Accommodations
Suggestions for religious and holiday accommodations for students in teaching are available through the Office of Faculty Development website.
Religious Observances
Highlighted below is a partial list of upcoming religious observances. For more information, please visit the DiversityResources Interfaith Calendar.
| Arbaeen | Muslim | September 6 |
| Janmashtami | Hindu | September 6 |
| Coptic New Year | Coptic Orthodox Christianity | September 11 |
| Rosh Hashanah (New Year) | Jewish | September 15 - 17 |
| Mabon: Autumn Equinox | Pagan & Wiccan | September 21 - 29 |
| Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) | Jewish | September 24 - 25 |
| Mawlid al-Nabi (birthday of Mohammad) | Islamic | September 27 |
| Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) | Jewish | September 29 - October 6 |
| Pitru Paksha | Hindu | September 29 - October 14 |
| Shemini Atzeret | Jewish | October 7 |
| Simchat Torah | Jewish | October 8 |
| Navaratri/Dussehra | Hindu | October 15 - 24 |
| Birth of the Bab | Baha'i faith | October 16 |
| Birth of Baha'u'llah | Baha'i faith | October 17 |
| Samhain | Pagan & Wiccan | November 1 |
| All Saints Day | Catholic | November 1 |
| Anniversary of the Crowning of Haile Selassi | Rastafarian | November 2 |
| Diwali | Hindu | November 12 |
| Guru Nanak Ji's Birthday | Sikhism | November 27 |
| Jain New Year | Jain | November 27 |
| St. Andrew's Feast Day | Catholic | November 30 |
| Hanukkah (Chanukah) | Jewish | December 8 - 15 |
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception | Catholic | December 8 |
| Yule (Winter Solstice) | Pagan & Wiccan | December 21 - January 1 |
| Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday | Sikh | December 22 |
| Christmas Day | Christian | December 25 |
| St. Stephen's Feast Day | Christian | December 26 |
If you have any questions, please contact:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Cindy Cardozo, cardozoc2@southernct.edu
Interfaith Office: Rabbi Barbara Paris, Hillel Advisor, EN 227; 203-581-1363; parisb4@southernct.edu
Center for Intercultural Engagement: Dian Brown-Albert, Director of Multicultural Affairs, brownd2@southernct.edu
Religious Studies Program: David Pettigrew, pettigrewd1@southernct.edu