Please note the following dates, understanding that students and colleagues may request temporary absence, annual leave, or require adjustments to their schedules to accommodate religious observance.
20 March: Eid al-Fitr (Muslim)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims gather for prayers and celebratory meals with community, family and friends.
21 March: Naw- Rúz (Baha’i)*
Naw-Ruz is the Baha’i New Year, celebrated on the vernal equinox as a symbol of renewal and hope. Observers mark the day with festive gatherings, prayer, and reflection on the values of peace and unity.
26 March: Ram Navami (Hindu)
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ram. Hindus mark this date with prayers, rituals and community gatherings.
2-3 April: Passover (Jewish)* First two days
Passover, or Pesach, lasts eight days and commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, celebrating freedom and resilience. Jewish families gather for a Seder meal, retelling the Exodus story and reflecting on themes of justice and liberation. No work is permitted on the first two and final two days.
3 April: Good Friday (Christian)
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. Christians mark this solemn day with prayer and reflection.
5 April: Easter Sunday (Christian)
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolising hope and renewal in the Christian faith. It is one of the most significant celebrations across Christian communities. The day is marked by celebratory services and meals.
8-9 April: Passover (Jewish)* Final two days
10 April: Great and Holy Friday (Coptic & Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Holy Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. Orthodox Christians mark this solemn day with prayer and reflection.
12 April: Pascha – Easter Day (Coptic & Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolising hope and renewal in the Christian faith. It is one of the most significant celebrations across Christian communities. The day is marked by celebratory services and meals.
14 April: Vaisakhi (Sikh)
Vaisakhi, marking the harvest season, is also a major religious celebration for Sikhs, commemorating the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh. It is observed with prayer, community gatherings, and processions that honour cultural and spiritual heritage.
1 May: Vesak (Buddhist)
Vesak (also known as Wesak or Buddha Day) celebrates the Buddha's birthday, the central figure of Buddhism. For some Buddhists, the day also marks his enlightenment and death. Some Buddhists will choose to go to their local temple throughout the day and night of the full moon.
22 - 23 May: Shavuot* (Jewish)
Shavuot (also known as the Festival of Weeks or Pentecost) celebrates the revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and the first harvest season in Israel.
23 May: Anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab* (Baha’i)
The Bab was the co-founder of the Baha’i faith. He inaugurated the Baha’i calendar, which numbers itself from the year of this declaration. Baha’is celebrate by gathering together to share prayers, stories, and reflections. It is one of the nine holy days in the Bahá'í Faith on which Baha’i do not work.
24 May: Pentecost (Christian)
Fifty days after Easter, this time celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon early Christians following the ascension of Jesus.
26-30 May: Eid-ul-Adha* (Muslim)
This major festival, also known as the festival of sacrifice or al-Eid al-Kabir, commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son. Muslims gather for prayers and festivities with family and friends. Depending on the sighting of the moon, this date is subject to change.
16 June: Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikh)
The fifth Guru was executed on this day. Guru Arjan made the first compilation of the Sikh Scriptures, called the Adi Granth, and supervised the completion of what is now the Golden Temple in Amritsar. A Gurpurb is held on this day, including an Akhand path.
21 June: World Humanist Day
This day is a time for Humanists to gather socially to promote the positive values of Humanism. Ways to celebrate vary depending on the group.
25-26 June: Ashura (Muslim)*
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is a minor fast observed by the Prophet Muhammad. Shi‘a Muslims recall a great tragedy that took place in AH 61 (680 CE). The Imam Husayn (son of Ali and Fatimah and therefore grandson of the Prophet Muhammad) was attacked and killed at Karbala (now in Iraq) along with his family and followers by the troops of the Caliph Yazid. Some Muslims may choose to fast. Depending on the sighting of the moon, this date is subject to change.
For any queries or support, please contact the University Chaplaincy.