Religious Studies
Religious Studies
Holidays
Shemini Atzeret* (Judaism)
Marks the end of Sukkot (work prohibited).
Simchat Torah* (Judaism)
Celebrates the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle (work is prohibited).
Navaratri* (Hindu)
Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Devi are worshipped.
Dussehra (Hindu)
Celebration of Lord Rama’s triumph over the evil King Ravana. Also celebrates the conquest by the Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon King Mahishasura, a battle which took 10 days.
Reformation Day (Christian)
Celebration in remembrance of the onset of the Protestant Reformation.
Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan)
Begins at sundown on October 31st.
Diwali* (Hindu, Jain, Sikh)
Diwali, the Indian “festival of lights,” is a popular holiday for multiple religions throughout southern Asia. Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil. Fireworks, oil lamps, and sweets are common aspects of observance. Many may request to have this date off from work/school. May be considered work restricted.