Purpose: This calendar is designed to support inclusive scheduling, accommodation planning, and awareness across the SCTCC community.
About this Calendar: This calendar includes observances associated with organized religions, faith communities, spiritual traditions, and belief systems. It is intended as a planning and educational resource and is not an exhaustive list of all observances practiced by members of the SCTCC community.
Religion or Creed: Includes all aspects of religious observance and practice as well as belief. This includes traditional, organized religions as well as sincerely held religious, ethical, and moral beliefs, including those that are new religious movements and/or not part of a formal church or sect.
Religious accommodation
A reasonable change or adjustment in the work or academic environment that enables a student or employee to practice or otherwise observe a sincerely held religious practice or belief without undue hardship or fundamentally altering the educational, workplace or mission of St. Cloud Technical & Community College
Campus Support Reminders
- Avoid major exams, interviews, auditions, and mandatory events on significant holy days whenever possible. If unable to avoid, consider alternative upon student request.
- Provide flexibility for students and employees observing religious traditions.
- Consider fasting practices when scheduling meetings, meals, and events.
- Offer inclusive food options, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, seafood, and take-away options when feasible.
- Encourage use of reflection, meditation, and quiet rooms. Quiet rooms are located in Northway 1-426 and Heartland 102.
August 2026
Aug. 13: Tisha B'Av (Jewish)
Description: A solemn day of mourning commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
Potential Considerations: Some observers fast for the day and attend prayer services. Avoid scheduling major evening events when possible.
Aug. 15-16: Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)
Description: Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, a central figure in Hinduism.
Potential Considerations: Participants may fast, attend worship services, or participate in evening celebrations.
September 2026
Sept. 11-13: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
Description: The Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holy Days.
Potential Considerations: Avoid major exams, interviews, and mandatory events. Students and employees may attend worship services and family gatherings.
Sept. 14: Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
Description: Honors Lord Ganesha, associated with wisdom and new beginnings.
Potential Considerations: Some participants may attend religious services or community celebrations.
Sept. 17-26: Navaratri (Hindu)
Description: Nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine.
Potential Considerations: Some participants fast, attend evening worship, or participate in cultural events.
Sept. 20-21: Yom Kippur (Jewish)
Description: The holiest day in Judaism, devoted to repentance and prayer.
Potential Considerations: Many observers fast for approximately 25 hours and attend extensive religious services. Avoid major deadlines, exams, and events.
Sept. 22: Mabon / Autumn Equinox (Pagan/Wiccan)
Description: Celebrates the harvest season and balance between day and night.
Potential Considerations: Individuals may participate in personal spiritual observances.
Sept. 25-Oct. 2: Sukkot (Jewish)
Description: Harvest festival commemorating the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.
Potential Considerations: Religious services and family observances may affect availability, particularly in the evenings.
October 2026
Oct. 2-4: Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah (Jewish)
Description: Concludes Sukkot and celebrates the annual cycle of Torah readings.
Potential Considerations: Some individuals may attend worship services and celebrations.
Oct. 20: Dussehra / Vijayadashami (Hindu)
Description: Celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Potential Considerations: Community and religious celebrations may affect attendance.
Oct. 31: Samhain (Pagan/Wiccan)
Description: Marks the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter.
Potential Considerations: Some individuals may participate in spiritual rituals or observances.
November 2026
Nov. 8: Diwali / Deepavali (Hindu, Jain, Sikh)
Description: Festival of Lights celebrating hope, goodness, and renewal.
Potential Considerations: Evening celebrations, family gatherings, prayer services, and travel may affect availability.
Nov. 10: Birth of the Báb (Baháʼí)
Description: Commemorates the birth of the Báb, a central figure in the Baháʼí Faith.
Potential Considerations: Participants may attend prayer gatherings or holy day observances.
Nov. 11: Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Baháʼí)
Description: Celebrates the birth of the founder of the Baháʼí Faith.
Potential Considerations: Holy day observances and community gatherings may occur.
Nov. 24: Guru Nanak Gurpurab (Sikh)
Description: Honors the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism.
Potential Considerations: Worship services, volunteer service, and community meals (langar) may affect availability.
December 2026
Dec. 4-12: Hanukkah (Jewish)
Description: Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple.
Potential Considerations: Evening observances occur after sundown. Consider scheduling flexibility for evening events.
Dec. 8: Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
Description: Commemorates the enlightenment of the Buddha.
Potential Considerations: Meditation, reflection, and temple observances may occur.
Dec. 21: Yule / Winter Solstice (Pagan/Wiccan)
Description: Celebrates the longest night of the year and the return of light.
Potential Considerations: Spiritual observances and personal celebrations may occur.
Dec. 25: Christmas Day (Christian)
Description: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Potential Considerations: Religious services, travel, and family gatherings may affect attendance before and after the holiday.
Dec. 26-Jan. 1: Kwanzaa
Description: Celebrates African heritage, culture, and community.
Potential Considerations: Cultural programs and family gatherings may occur.
Dec. 26: Zartosht No-Diso (Zoroastrian)
Description: Remembrance day honoring the death of the prophet Zoroaster.
Potential Considerations: Prayer and reflection activities may be observed.
January 2027
Jan. 6: Epiphany (Christian)
Description: Celebrates the revelation of Christ to the world.
Potential Considerations: Church services may affect availability.
Jan. 7: Orthodox Christmas (Christian)
Description: Christmas observance for many Orthodox Christian traditions.
Potential Considerations: Religious services and family celebrations may affect attendance.
Jan. 13: Lohri (Sikh)
Description: Harvest festival celebrated with family and community gatherings.
Potential Considerations: Evening celebrations may occur.
Jan. 14: Makar Sankranti / Pongal (Hindu)
Description: Harvest festival and celebration of seasonal change.
Potential Considerations: Family gatherings and cultural observances may occur.
Jan. 22: Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)
Description: New Year observance in many Mahayana Buddhist traditions.
Potential Considerations: Prayer, meditation, and temple attendance may occur.
February 2027
Feb. 2: Imbolc (Pagan/Wiccan)
Description: Celebration marking the approach of spring.
Potential Considerations: Personal and spiritual observances may occur.
Feb. 6: Lunar New Year
Description: Marks the beginning of a new lunar year in many East and Southeast Asian traditions.
Potential Considerations: Family gatherings, travel, cultural celebrations, and community events may affect attendance.
Feb. 7: Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
Description: Major festival honoring Lord Shiva.
Potential Considerations: Fasting, prayer, and overnight worship services may occur.
Feb. 7-Mar. 8: Ramadan (Islam)
Description: Month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Potential Considerations: Observers fast from dawn to sunset. Consider scheduling flexibility, food-to-go options, and awareness of prayer times and evening obligations.
Feb. 10: Ash Wednesday (Christian)
Description: Marks the beginning of Lent.
Potential Considerations: Some individuals may fast or attend worship services.
Feb. 15: Parinirvana Day (Buddhist)
Description: Commemorates the Buddha's passing into final nirvana.
Potential Considerations: Reflection, prayer, and temple observances may occur.
Feb. 22: Magha Puja (Buddhist)
Description: Honors a significant gathering of the Buddha and his disciples.
Potential Considerations: Temple attendance and religious observances may occur.
March 2027
Mar. 6: Laylat al-Qadr (Islam)
Description: The Night of Power, commemorating the revelation of the Quran.
Potential Considerations: Late-night worship and prayer may affect participation in early morning activities.
Mar. 9-10: Eid al-Fitr (Islam)
Description: Celebrates the end of Ramadan.
Potential Considerations: Excused absences may be requested for worship services and family celebrations. Avoid major exams and mandatory events when possible.
Mar. 20: Ostara / Spring Equinox (Pagan/Wiccan)
Description: Celebration of spring, balance, and renewal.
Potential Considerations: Personal spiritual observances may occur.
Mar. 20: Nowruz (Persian/Zoroastrian)
Description: Persian New Year welcoming spring and renewal.
Potential Considerations: Family gatherings and cultural celebrations may occur.
Mar. 21: Naw-Rúz (Baháʼí)
Description: Baháʼí New Year and conclusion of the annual fast.
Potential Considerations: Religious services and celebrations may affect availability.
Mar. 22-23: Purim (Jewish)
Description: Celebrates the story of Esther and the preservation of the Jewish people.
Potential Considerations: Festive meals, worship services, and community gatherings may occur.
Mar. 22: Holi (Hindu)
Description: Festival of Colors celebrating spring and renewal.
Potential Considerations: Students and employees may participate in community celebrations.
Mar. 28: Palm Sunday (Christian)
Description: Marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Potential Considerations: Worship services may occur.
Mar. 28: Easter (Western Christian)
Description: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Potential Considerations: Religious services, family gatherings, and travel may affect availability.
April 2027
Apr. 2: Good Friday (Christian)
Description: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Potential Considerations: Worship services, fasting, and reflection may affect availability.
Apr. 14: Vaisakhi (Sikh)
Description: Celebrates the founding of the Khalsa.
Potential Considerations: Worship services, community meals, and cultural celebrations may affect attendance.
Apr. 15: Rama Navami (Hindu)
Description: Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
Potential Considerations: Prayer services and worship activities may occur.
Apr. 21-May 2: Ridván (Baháʼí)
Description: Twelve-day festival commemorating Bahá’u’lláh's declaration.
Potential Considerations: Holy day observances and community gatherings may occur.
Apr. 21-29: Passover / Pesach (Jewish)
Description: Commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Potential Considerations: Religious services, dietary restrictions, and family meals may affect participation. Ensure event meals can accommodate Passover practices.
Apr. 25: Orthodox Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian)
Description: Marks Jesus' entry into Jerusalem according to Orthodox traditions.
Potential Considerations: Worship services may occur.
Apr. 30: Orthodox Good Friday (Orthodox Christian)
Description: Orthodox commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Potential Considerations: Worship services and fasting may occur.
May 2027
May 2: Orthodox Easter / Pascha (Orthodox Christian)
Description: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ according to Orthodox traditions.
Potential Considerations: Religious services and family gatherings may affect availability.
May 16-17: Eid al-Adha (Islam)
Description: Commemorates Abraham's devotion and willingness to sacrifice for God.
Potential Considerations: Worship services, family gatherings, and excused absences may occur.
May 23-24: Declaration of the Báb (Baháʼí)
Description: Observes the Báb's declaration of his mission.
Potential Considerations: Prayer services and community gatherings may occur.
May 28-29: Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (Baháʼí)
Description: Commemorates the passing of Bahá’u’lláh.
Potential Considerations: Religious observances may affect participation.
June 2027
June 10-12: Shavuot (Jewish)
Description: Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Potential Considerations: Religious services and holiday observances may affect attendance.
June 14-15: Ashura (Islam)
Description: Significant day of remembrance observed differently across Islamic traditions.
Potential Considerations: Prayer, fasting, and reflection may occur.
June 16: Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sikh)
Description: Honors the fifth Sikh Guru and his commitment to justice and faith.
Potential Considerations: Worship services and remembrance activities may occur.
When in doubt, ask individuals what support or accommodation would be most helpful.