Observing Religious Holidays

Ferris State University seeks to be an inclusive community respecting, supporting, and celebrating diversity. Ferris’ Academic Affairs’ Religious Holidays Policy (see below) details expectations of reasonable accommodations for students observing religious holy days.

Following the policy letter is a listing of many religious and faith observances with general practices, date details, and recommended accommodations. This is not a definitive list. Contact the Office of the Provost to include other practices. These holidays are also listed on the Campus Calendar. 

Academic Affairs’ Policy Letter - Religious Holidays 

Ferris State University will make reasonable accommodations for students who are absent from the University in observance of religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the faculty in writing during the first week of the semester of their intention to be absent from class on their day(s) of religious observance. Upon formal notification, the faculty will excuse the student from the class, labs, and clinics for the holiday(s) and allow the student to make up missed exams; however, the student is responsible for completion of all missed work within a reasonable time as determined by the faculty. 

Requests for absence to participate in religious activities, other than recognized religious holidays, are not recognized by the University as excused absences. The student may present such a request to the faculty during the first week of the semester and the faculty may approve such an absence at his or her discretion. If the instructor approves the absence, the student is responsible for completion of all missed work within a reasonable time as determined by the faculty. 

If a student disagrees with the faculty member's determination, the student may make a written appeal to the dean of the student's college. The decision of the dean is final.

Listing of Religious Observances

• August 1, 2025  Lammas / Lughnasadh (Pagan, Celtic) – A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest.

• August 2-3, 2025  Tisha B’Av (Jewish) – Begins at sundown- Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. General practices: Fasting and mourning. Date details: Begins at sundown on first day, fast deferred because of the Sabbath. Recommended accommodations: Plan limited activities after a fast.

• August 9, 2025  Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) – The Rakhi festivity falls in the holy month of Shravan; The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times. General Practices: A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships.      

• August 15–16, 2025 Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu) – A two-day festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, a widely-worshiped Hindu god revered as a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher. General Practices: Fasting, devotional singing (bhajans), staying awake until midnight, and dramatic reenactments of Krishna’s life. The first day is known as Krishan Ashtami or Gokul Ashtami, and the second as Kaal Ashtami or Janam Ashtami.

• September 21–29, 2025 Mabon (Pagan, Wiccan) – Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, and Meán Fómhair. Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Making dishes with apples, squash, and pumpkins as part of ritual celebration.

• September 22-October 2, 2025 Navratri (Hindu) – One of the greatest Hindu festivals, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati during this time. General Practices: Visiting family, prayer, fasting, feasts, and traditional dances.

• October 2–4, 2025 Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) – Start of the Jewish New Year, a day of judgment and remembrance. Celebrated in the seventh month (Tishrei) of the Jewish calendar, ten days before Yom Kippur. General Practices: Prayer in synagogue and festive meals. Begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities. Provide kosher food accommodations if requested.

• October 11–12, 2025 Yom Kippur (Jewish) – The holiest day of the year in Judaism, dedicated to atonement and abstinence. General Practices: Fasting from sundown to sunset, prayer, and lighting a Yahrzeit memorial candle. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines or events on this date and the day after fasting.

• October 16–23, 2025 Sukkot (Jewish) – A week-long celebration commemorating the Israelites’ journey through the desert. General Practices: Building and decorating a sukkah (temporary hut), eating and sometimes sleeping in it. Begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines or events on the first two days. Provide kosher food accommodations if requested.

• October 23–25, 2025 Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) – A fall festival marking the end of Sukkot, including prayers for rain and memorial services. General Practices: Lighting a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines or events. Provide kosher food accommodations if requested.

• October 24–25, 2025 Simchat Torah (Jewish) – Celebrates the completion and restart of the annual Torah reading cycle. General Practices: Dancing in synagogues with Torah scrolls in seven circuits. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines or events. Kosher food restrictions apply.

• October 31–November 1, 2025 Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) – One of the four greater Sabbats and considered by many to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to honor the dead and reflect on life transitions. General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, and loved ones who have passed.

• November 1, 2025 Diwali (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain) – The “festival of lights,” celebrating the victory of good over evil. General Practices: Lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks, prayer, and sharing sweets. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines or events. Hindu employees may request a vacation day.

• November 3, 2025 Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Baha’i) – Celebrates the birthday of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith. For Bahá'ís, this day symbolizes the rebirth of the world through the love of God, similar in significance to Christmas for Christians. General Practices: Devotional gatherings and reflection. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines or events. Bahá’í employees may request the day off.

• December 21, 2025 – January 1, 2026 Yule / Winter Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) – Celebrates the rebirth of the sun and the return of longer days. Considered the beginning of the new year by some Pagans. General Practices: Burning the Yule log, storytelling, and rituals of renewal.

• December 24–25, 2025 Christmas (Christian /Roman Catholic and Protestant) – Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, central to Christian belief. General Practices: Gift-giving, church services, decorating trees, and family gatherings. Begins at sundown on December 24. Recommended Accommodations: National holiday in the U.S.; special accommodations typically not required.

• December 25, 2025 – January 2, 2026 Hanukkah / Chanukah (Jewish) – The Jewish festival of lights, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple and a miracle in which oil lasted eight days. General Practices: Lighting candles on the menorah, festive meals, singing, and gift-giving. Begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: Academics and work are permitted. Provide kosher food accommodations if requested.

• January 1, 2026 Gantan-sai (Shinto) – The Shinto New Year festival, marking a time of renewal and prayer for prosperity and health. General Practices: Visiting shrines, family gatherings, and traditional meals. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines or events.

• January 6, 2026 Epiphany / Twelfth Night / Three Kings Day (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) – Commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus and the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles. General Practices: Prayer, festive meals, and gift-giving.

• January 7, 2026 Christmas (Eastern Orthodox Christian) – Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, observed according to the Julian calendar. General Practices: Church services, celebratory meals, and family gatherings. Recommended Accommodations: May fall during winter break, but Eastern Orthodox employees may request the day off.

• January 29, 2026 Chinese New Year (Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist) – The most important traditional Chinese holiday, marking the start of the lunar new year. General Practices: Family reunions, preparing dumplings, and giving red envelopes with money. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines or events. Many employees may request the day off.

• February 1–2, 2026 Imbolc (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) – Celebrates the coming of spring and the recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God. One of the four greater Sabbats. General Practices: Candle-making, poetry, storytelling, and rituals of renewal.

• February 2, 2026 Candlemas (Christian) – Celebrates the presentation of Jesus Christ ath the temple . Customs include blessing of the candles.  General Practices: Candle-making, poetry, storytelling, and rituals of renewal.

• February 3, 2026 Setsubun (Shinto) – Marks the beginning of spring and is known as the “bean-throwing festival.” General Practices: Roasted beans are scattered to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck for the new season.

• February 12, 2026 Magha Puja (Buddhist) – Commemorates a significant gathering of the Buddha’s disciples and his teachings. General Practices: Temple visits, meditation, and acts of merit.

• February 28 – March 30, 2026 Ramadan (Islamic) – A month of fasting, prayer, and reflection commemorating the first revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad. General Practices: Fasting from dawn to sunset, nightly prayers, reading the Qur’an, and breaking the fast with iftar meals. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major deadlines. Be mindful of fasting participants’ energy levels. Provide halal food if hosting evening events.

• March 5, 2026 Ash Wednesday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) – The first day of Lent, a 40-day period of reflection and sacrifice leading up to Easter. General Practices: Church services, wearing a cross of ashes on the forehead, and abstaining from meat. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested—prohibitions include animal products.

• March 13–14, 2026 Purim (Jewish) – Celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people in Persia through the courage of Queen Esther. General Practices: Reading the Book of Esther, wearing costumes, festive meals, and eating triangular pastries (hamantaschen). Recommended Accommodations: Not a work-restricted holiday but avoid scheduling evening events without kosher food accommodations.

• March 14, 2026 Holi (Hindu) – Known as the “Festival of Colors,” celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. General Practices: Throwing colored powders and water, bonfires, music, and dancing.

• March 20, 2026 Ostara / Spring Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) – A celebration of fertility, balance, and renewal as day and night are equal. General Practices: Lighting fires, coloring eggs, and honoring the God and Goddess.

• March 19–20, 2026 Naw Ruz (Baha'i) – The Baha’i New Year, coinciding with the spring equinox. General Practices: Festive meals, music, dancing, and prayers.

• March 29–30, 2026 Eid al-Fitr (Islamic) – Marks the end of Ramadan. General Practices: Prayers, feasting, gift-giving, and charity. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important events; provide halal food if needed.

• April 10, 2026 Holy Friday / Good Friday (Eastern Orthodox Christian) – Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. General Practices: Prayer, fasting, confession, and egg-dyeing. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines or events.

• April 12, 2026 Pascha / Easter (Eastern Orthodox Christian) – Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. General Practices: Church services, festive meals, and sharing traditional foods.

• April 12–20, 2026 Pesach / Passover (Jewish) – A week-long festival commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. General Practices: Seder meals, reading the Haggadah, and avoiding leavened bread. Begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important deadlines on the first two and last two days. Provide kosher food accommodations.

• April 13, 2026 Palm Sunday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant / Eastern Orthodox) – Commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. General Practices: Church services and distribution of palm leaves.

• April 14, 2026 Vaisakhi (Sikh) – Marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. General Practices: Parades, singing, dancing, and reading scriptures.

• April 17, 2026 Maundy Thursday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) – Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. General Practices: Prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies.Date Details: Always falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday.

• April 18, 2026 Good Friday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) – Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. General Practices: Prayer, fasting, and afternoon services. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodations—meat is often avoided.

• April 20, 2026 Easter (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) – Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. General Practices: Church services, family meals, and egg-related traditions.

• April 23–24, 2026 Yom HaShoah (Jewish) – Holocaust Remembrance Day. General Practices: Memorial ceremonies, lighting candles, and reciting the Kaddish. Recommended Accommodations: Not a work holiday; provide kosher food if needed.

• May 1, 2026 Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) – A fire festival celebrating fertility and the arrival of summer. General Practices: Dancing the Maypole and jumping the balefire.

• May 25, 2026 Buddha Day / Visakha Puja (Buddhist) – Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. General Practices: Temple visits, home decorations, and vegetarian meals. Recommended Accommodations: Offer vegetarian options for meals.

• May 26–27, 2026 Eid al-Adha (Islamic) – Honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. General Practices: Prayers, feasting, and animal sacrifice with charity. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important events; provide halal food if needed.

• May 28, 2026 Ascension of the Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) – Commemorates the death of Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í faith. General Practices: Devotional readings and reflection.

• June 1–3, 2026 Shavuot (Jewish) – Commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. General Practices: Torah study, lighting memorial candles, and eating dairy. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important events; provide kosher food.

• June 21, 2026 Litha / Summer Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) – Celebrates the longest day of the year and the power of the sun. General Practices: Bonfires, sunrise rituals, and honoring the union of the God and Goddess.