Explore the list below of significant religious, spiritual and cultural days around the world every year. Learn more about the holidays of different faith and ethnic groups, when they are celebrated and how to greet or acknowledge those who observe.
Birth of Baháʼu’lláh
The anniversary of the birth of Báha’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith. Celebrated with family and community with prayer and festivities. A major holiday for the Baha’i community.
Upcoming dates:
- November 11, 2026
- October 31, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Twin Holy Days” or any other celebratory greeting for Baha’u’llah’s birthday.
Ascension of Báha’u’lláh
The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the death of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Baha’u’llah was seventy-five years old when he passed away on May 29, 1892.
Upcoming dates:
- May 29, 2026 (observance usually begins from the evening of the previous day)
- May 29, 2027 (observance usually begins from the evening of the previous day)
Festival of Ridván
Pronounced “rid-van”
The Festival of Ridván meaning “the King of Festivals” runs for 12 days to commemorate the 12 days Baha’u’llah spent in the garden of Ridván outside Baghdad. The 1st, 9th and 12th days are holy days on which work is suspended.
Upcoming dates:
- April 21 – May 2, 2026
- April 20 – May 2, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Ridvan” or “Wishing you a joyous Festival of Ridvan”
Nowruz
Nowruz is the Iranian New Year (also known as the Persian New Year) which begins on the spring equinox, marking the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar calendar. It is a day celebrated in a secular manner or within faith communities of Baha’i or Zoroastrian.
Upcoming dates:
- March 20, 2026
- March 20, 2027
Common greetings: “Nowruz Mobarak” (Happy Nowruz), “Eyd e Shoma Mobarak” (Happy Eyd e Nowruz) or “Sal e No Mobarak” (Happy New Year)
Nirvana Day
Commemorating the day of Buddha’s passing away and attaining Nirvana. People meditate and visit places of worship. Families and friends also gather for food and exchanging of gifts. Celebrated by Mahayana Buddhists.
Dates: February 8 or 15 annually, depending on different Buddhist communities
Common greetings: No specific greetings but one can wish people a happy day
Magha Puja Day
Pronounced “mag-ha pooja”
Magha Puja Day refers to the worship that takes place on the full moon day of the third lunar month (about the last week of February or early March). The celebration is held to commemorate the day on which Lord Buddha gave “Ovadha Patimokkha” (the Fundamental Teaching) to the assembly of Buddhist monks. Celebrated in South and South East Asia in different cultural ways.
Upcoming dates (usually celebrated on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the 3rd lunar month):
- March 3, 2026
- February 21, 2027
Common greetings: No specific greetings but one can wish people a happy day.
Theravada New Year
Pronounced “theh-ruh-vaa-duh”
Because the beginning is marked by sighting the moon, the actual date is not always predictable (3 days from the first full moon in April). It is celebrated by Theravada Buddhists.
Upcoming dates:
- April 13, 2026
- April 12, 2027
Common greetings: “Best wishes for the New Year”, “Happy Theraveda New Year”
Wesak/Buddha Day/Visakha Puja
The most important day of the year for Theravada and Tibetan Buddhists that commemorates the birth, awakening and passing away of Buddha.
Upcoming dates (Usually observed on the first full moon day of the 4th lunar month):
- Ranges: May 1 2026 (India), May 11/May 12, 2026 (Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka)
- Ranges: May 1 2027 (India), May 20, 2027 (Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka)
Common greetings: “Happy Buddha Purnima” (South Asia), “Wishing you joy on Vesak Day”, “Happy Buddha Day”
Guru Poornima
A day to celebrate and give thanks to spiritual teachers, Gurus, past and present in Dharmic faiths.
Upcoming dates:
- July 29, 2026
- July 18, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Guru Purnima” (it’s also common for people to express their gratitude for particular Gurus in their lives)
Palm Sunday
Celebrates the day Christ entered Jerusalem where he was greeted by people waving palm branches. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week.
Upcoming dates:
- March 29, 2026
- March 21, 2027
Common greetings: No formal greeting but one can wish people a “Happy Palm Sunday”
Maundy Thursday
Pronounced “maan·dee”
Commemorates the Last Supper with Christ and his disciples. This day is part of the Christian Holy Week.
Upcoming dates:
- April 2, 2026
- March 25, 2027
Good Friday
Commemorates the crucifixion of Christ. Can include fasting and prayer as part of the Holy Week.
Upcoming dates:
- April 3, 2026
- March 26, 2027
Easter
Celebrates the resurrection of Christ. It is a joyful day involving prayer and the gathering of family and friends for games and festivities.
Upcoming dates:
- April 5, 2026
- March 28, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Easter.”
Christmas
A religious and cultural holiday. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the birthday of Jesus with gift giving and other festivities.
Date: December 25 annually
Common greetings: “Merry Christmas”
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent that Christians can observe by praying, fasting, abstaining from meat and/or using ashes from burned palm leaves to mark ones head.
Upcoming dates:
- February 18, 2026
- February 10, 2027
Pentecost
Celebrates the birth of the Christian church and descent of the Holy Spirit among the Apostles of Christ.
Upcoming dates:
- May 24, 2026
- May 16, 2027
Epiphany/Orthodox Christianity Theophany
Epiphany is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ as the incarnation of God. The holiday is commemorated 12 days after Christmas, often with a “Great Blessing of Waters,” commemorating Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. This ritual involves blessing water with prayers, incense, and a cross to sanctify it for spiritual protection, healing, and cleansing.
Upcoming dates:
- January 6, 2026
- January 6, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Epiphany/Theophany”
All Saints Day
All Saints Day, also known as the Feast of all Saints, is a day for Christian and Roman Catholic believers to honour Saints in their history. This day is observed and celebrated in different cultural ways around the world.
Upcoming dates:
- November 1, 2026
- November 1, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy All Saints Day” or “Happy All Souls Day”
Orthodox Christmas
A 3-day celebration of the birth of Jesus. Can include fasting on Christmas Eve and Holy Night Supper at the appearance of the first star.
Upcoming dates:
- January 7, 2026
- January 7, 2027
Common greetings: “Merry Christmas”
Orthodox Christian New Year
This New Year is based on the Julian calendar and can include New Year Day’s liturgies at churches. Celebrations include social gatherings.
Upcoming dates:
- January 14, 2026
- January 14, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy New Year”
Orthodox Christian Holy Friday
A solemn day of mourning marking the crucifixion of Christ. Can include fasting and prayer and the Passion of Christ in Church.
Upcoming dates:
- April 10, 2026
- April 30, 2027
Pascha (Orthodox Christianity Easter)
Day of Easter for Orthodox Christians that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
Upcoming dates:
- April 12, 2026
- May 2, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Easter”
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A major Catholic feast day (and Holy Day of Obligation) celebrating the belief that Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was taken (“assumed”) body and soul into heaven. It is a joyful celebration of her final homecoming, often marked by special Masses, and processions.
Upcoming dates:
- August 15, 2026
- August 15, 2027
Common greetings: “”Happy Feast of the Assumption,” “May Blessed Mother Mary bless you,” and “Joyful Assumption Day”
Kwanzaa
Pronounced “kwaan·zuh”
Kwanzaa is a 7-day holiday celebrating African Heritage and African American culture from December 26 to January 1 each year. Kwanzaa celebrates culture, family and community through communal feasts, drumming and dance.
Dates: December 26 – January 1 annually
Common greetings: “Happy Kwanzaa” or “Heri za Kwanzaa!” (Swahili for “Happy Kwanzaa!”)
Lunar New Year
A holiday celebrated in a variety of ways according the diversity of cultures and traditions in Asia. People of Buddhist, Confucist and Daoist traditions celebrate this holiday.
Upcoming dates:
- February 17, 2026
- February 6, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy New Year” or “Happy Lunar New Year”
Mahashivratri
Maha Shivratri is a major Hindu observance and worship of Lord Shiva. It is a more solemn holiday that includes chanting of prayers and mantras, meditating, and self reflection on virtues like non-violence and honesty.
Upcoming dates:
- February 15, 2026
- March 6, 2027
Common greetings: “We wish everyone observing a meaningful Maha Shivratri”
Makar
This day follows the solar calendar and the transitioning of the sun that marks the end of winter. Generally this day includes expressions of gratitude and prayers for a prosperous year; however, it is celebrated in unique ways among the various cultures found in South Asia.
Upcoming dates:
- January 14, 2026
- January 14, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Makar”
Vasant Panchami
This festival is celebrated by various Dharmic faiths in preparation for the arrival of spring. This festival also includes the worship of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, arts and creativity.
Upcoming dates:
- January 23, 2026
- February 11, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Vasant Panchami”
Holi
Festival of Spring or Festival of Colours, this Hindu festival is commonly celebrated with throwing colourful powders, dancing and sharing sweets.
Upcoming dates:
- March 4, 2026
- March 22, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Holi” or “Wishing you a joyful Holi”
Ram Navami
Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama – the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu by reciting/re-enacting stories of Lord Rama, visiting temples, offering prayers and participating in puja ceremonies.
Upcoming dates:
- April 26, 2026
- April 14, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Ram Navami”
Hanuman Jayanti
A major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of the Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. It is celebrated differently in different parts of India and amongst the Indian diaspora around the world by offering prayers, distributing sweets and prasad, and chanting devotional hymns.
Upcoming dates:
- April 1, 2026
- April 20, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Hanuman Jayanti”
Raksha Bandhan
This popular Hindu and South Asian ceremony celebrates the bond between siblings during which sisters tie a rakhi (amulet) around the wrists of their brothers symbolically for their protection and brothers give gifts to their sisters.
Upcoming dates:
- August 28, 2026
- August 16, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Raksha Bandhan”
Sri Krishna Jayanti (Krishna Janmashtmi)
A 2-day festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna, eighth Hindu avatar of Vishnu. This major Hindu holiday is celebrated through prayers, ceremonies, devotional hymns and other festivities.
Upcoming dates:
- September 4, 2026*
- August 25, 2027*
Common greetings: “Happy Janmashtami”
Ganesh Chaturthi
A major Hindu festival celebrating Lord Ganesha’s descent to earth. Idols of Ganesh are creating and displayed for ten days after which they are immersed in water to symboilize his return home to the divine. People celebrate with music, dancing, distributing sweets and other festivities.
Upcoming dates:
- September 14, 2026
- September 4, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Ganesh Chaturthi” or “May Lord Ganesh bless you with prosperity and luck”
Navaratri begins (9-night festival, Hinduism)
A major Hindu holiday, Navaratri (nine nights) celebrates the victory of good and divine feminine power. Hindu communities globally celebrate this holiday in unique cultural and regional ways. Stories of divine feminine power also vary according to region and Hindu traditions.
Upcoming dates:
- October 17–21, 2026*
- October 6-10, 2027*
Common greetings: “Happy Navaratri/ Happy Durga Puja/ Shubho Sharodiya (Bengali)”
Dussehra
Dussehra honours the victory of Lord Rama against Ravana – symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Also called Dasara or Vijayadashami, this festival is celebrated in many ways among Hindu communities.
Upcoming dates:
- October 20, 2026
- October 9, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Dussehra”
Diwali
Diwali, Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights is a major holiday observed by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and some Buddhist communities. It is celebrated with lights, gifts, feasts and fireworks to celebrate knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Diwali is also an opportunity to do a deep clean of the home in preparation of welcoming Goddess Lakshmi who is said to walk through homes blessing devotees with prosperity. It is also tied to the simultaneous worship of Goddess Kali in some regions.
Upcoming dates:
- November 8, 2026
- October 29, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Diwali”
Guru Poornima
A day to celebrate and give thanks to spiritual teachers, Gurus, past and present in Dharmic faiths.
Upcoming dates:
- July 29, 2026
- July 18, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Guru Purnima” (it’s also common for people to express their gratitude for particular Gurus in their lives).
Darwin Day
Darwin Day is held annually on February 12, the birthday of Charles Darwin. The holiday honours the life and work of English naturalist Charles Darwin. Also known as International Darwin Day, the day is a celebration of science and humanity.
Date: February 12 annually
International Women’s Day
A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Date: March 8 annually
World Humanist Day
Originating in 1980, this day is celebrated annually by Humanist chapters around the world in a variety of ways. On this day, people focus on raising awareness of Humanist values and the philosophy behind the movement.
Date: June 21 annually
Human Light Day
HumanLight is a Humanist holiday celebrated annually on December 23. HumanLight was first celebrated in 2001, and was created to provide a specifically Humanist celebration during the western world’s holiday season.
Date: December 23 annually
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday that falls on the same day as Orange Shirt Day, September 30. This day is in honour of the lost children and survivors of residential schools.
Date: September 30 annually
Inuit Day
International Inuit Day celebrates the rich history and culture of Inuit communities in Arctic regions of the world.
Date: November 7 annually
National Indigenous Peoples Day
This national day celebrates the heritage, diverse cultures and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples! It is also a day for learning more about Indigenous communities.
Date: June 21 annually
Treaties Recognition Week
Treaties Recognition Week is recognized annually with events to learn about and honour the treaties between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Dates: November 1-5 annually
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is a United Nations day of observance. Learn more about this day and about Indigenous peoples globally.
Date: August 9 annually
Laylat al-Miraj
Observance to commemorate the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Al Quds and to the heavens.
Upcoming dates:
- January 16, 2026
- January 5, 2027
Eid Al-Fitr
A major Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan with prayer, feasts and family/social gatherings.
Upcoming dates:
- March 20 or 21, 2026
- March 10, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Eid” or “Eid Mubarak”
Eid al-Adha
Holiday celebrated at the conclusion of Hajj, it is a 3-day event that involves a specific Eid prayer, sharing of food, meeting with family and parties. Many Muslims will also slaughter a lamb or goat and distribute to the needy in symbolism of Ibrahim’s faith.
Upcoming dates:
- May 26, 2026
- May 16, 2027
Islamic New Year
Also called the Hijri New Year, follows the lunar calendar that starts from day of migration of Muhammad from Mecca to Madina (approx. 622 CE).
Upcoming dates:
- June 16, 2026
- June 6, 2027
Common greetings: No specific greetings but one can wish people “Happy Mawlid al Nabiy”
First day of Ramadan
Ramadan is celebrated worldwide as a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, prayer, reflection and community. Ramadan is a time of contemplation, devotion and practice of self-restraint.
Upcoming dates:
- February 17, 2026
- February 8, 2027
Common greetings: “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” or “Happy Ramadan”
Ashura
Sunni Muslims may fast on this day to commemorate Moses and the freeing of Jews from Pharaoh. For Shia and other Muslim communities, this marks the day that Muhammad’s grandsons were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in Iraq. Many make pilgrimage to Karbala and mark this day with public ceremonies and mourning rituals.
These days mark more serious or sombre reflection.
Upcoming dates:
- June 26, 2026
- June 15, 2027
Chaitra Navapada – Ayambil Oli
Chaitra Navapada – Ayambil Oli is a nine-day festival occurring twice a year. It is a day of reverence of the nine supreme posts in the universe. This observance involves fasting during which only boiled grains can be consumed.
Upcoming dates:
- March 25 – April 2, 2026
- April 13 – April 20, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Chaitra”
Mahavir Jayanti
An important Jain festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, a spiritual guide and the founder of Jainism. Celebrations include various rituals and beautiful chariot processions.
Upcoming dates:
- March 31, 2026
- April 18, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Mahavir Jayanti”
Paryushana Parv
Paryushana-parva is the holiest period of the year for the Shvetambara sect. It includes fasting, worship, and reading the life story of Lord Mahavira from the Kalpasutra. It is celebrated over eight days ending on Samvastsari.
Upcoming dates:
- September 8 – September 15, 2026
- August 28 – September 4, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Paryushan Parva” and “Wishing you a happy and/or blessed Paryushan Parva”
Dashalakshani Parv
In these 10 days, people focus on the 10 virtues of Jain teachings and reflect on the self-including thoughts, actions and speech.
Upcoming dates:
- January 22, 2026– January 31, 2026
- September 5, 2027 – September 14, 2027
Ashwina Navapada – Ayambil Oli
Ashwina Navapada – Ayambil Oli is a nine-day festival occurring twice a year, in which Jains revere the Nav-pads, “nine-posts,” the nine supreme posts in the universe. This involves a special type of fasting.
Upcoming dates:
- October 17, 2026 – October 26, 2026
- October 6- October 15, 2027
Mahavir Nirvan
A significant day that commemorates the 24th Jain Tirthankar (spiritual teacher) attaining Nirvana. This is a joyful day filled with festivities and homes are decorated with lights to symbolize knowledge and bliss.
Upcoming dates:
- November 9, 2026
- October 29, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Mahavir Nirvan Diwas”
Guru Poornima
A day to celebrate and give thanks to spiritual teachers, Gurus, past and present in Dharmic faiths.
Upcoming dates:
- July 29, 2026
- July 18, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Guru Purnima” (it’s also common for people to express their gratitude for particular Gurus in their lives).
Pesach – Passover
Passover, Pesach or the Festival of Liberation is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Exodus from ancient Egypt. This weeklong celebration includes storytelling, lighting candles, and a ritual feast.
Upcoming dates:
- April 1 – April 9, 2026
- April 21 – April 29, 2027
Common greetings: “Chag Sameach” (Happy Holidays) or “Chag Pesach Sameach” (Happy Passover Holiday)
Shavuot
Feast of Weeks commemorating the revelation of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Upcoming dates:
- May 21 – May 23, 2026
- Jun 10 – June 12, 2027
Common greetings: “Chag Sameach” (Happy Holiday) or “Happy Shavuot”
Tisha B’Av
A day of fasting and prayer to mourn historic disasters in Jewish history including the destruction of Solomon’s Temple.
Upcoming dates:
- July 22, 2026 – July 23, 2026
- August 11, 2027 – August 12, 2027
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement.
Upcoming dates:
- September 11 – 13, 2026
- October 1 – October 3, 2027
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is considered the most important holiday in the Jewish faith. It marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe, a period of introspection and repentance that follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. According to tradition, it is on Yom Kippur that God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. The holiday is observed with a 25-hour fast and a special religious service. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are known as Judaism’s “High Holy Days.”
Upcoming dates:
- September 20, 2026 – September 21, 2026
- October 10, 2027 – October 11, 2027
Common greetings: “May you be sealed in the Book of Life.”
Sukkot
Feast of Tabernacles/Shelters. Commemorates the years Jews survived in the desert with God’s protection. It is traditionally celebrated by building a Sukkah, a temporary hut, where meals and other rituals are held. It is a holiday of joy and thanksgiving.
Upcoming dates:
- September 25 – October 2, 2026
- October 15 – October 22, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Sukkot” or “Chag Sameach” (Happy Holiday)
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah celebrate the conclusion Jewish festival of Sukkot and the reading of the Torah. This is joyous time spent in family and community.
Upcoming dates:
- October 2, 2026 – October 4, 2026
- October 22, 2027 – October 24, 2027
Common greetings: “Chag Sameach” (Happy Holidays)
Hanukkah
Upcoming dates:
- December 4 – December 12, 2026
- December 24, 2027 – January 1, 2028
Common greetings: “Happy Hanukkah” or “Chag Hanukkah Sameach”
Purim
Purim is a day of celebration commemorating a story from the Hebrew Bible of the survival of Jewish people from Haman. A day of public celebrations, parades and wearing of costumes and masks.
Upcoming dates:
- March 2, 2026 – March 3, 2026
- March 22, 2027 – March 23, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Purim” or “Chag Purim Sameach”
National Day of Remembrance and Action of Violence against Women
Date: December 6 annually
Imbolc
A celebration of the midpoint between winter solstice and spring equinox. It is also a time to celebrate and thank St. Brigid for her promise to bring life back to the land after winter.
Upcoming dates:
- February 1, 2026 – February 2, 2026
- February 1, 2027 – February 2, 2027
Common greetings: No formal greeting but one can wish people a “Happy Imbolc”
Spring Equinox
Celebrates the renewal of earth on the spring equinox during which Pagan communities offer thanks.
Upcoming dates:
- March 20, 2026
- March 20, 2027
Common greetings: No formal greeting but one can wish people a “Happy Spring Equinox”
Fall Equinox
A time of thanksgiving and sharing of the harvest celebrated in the Pagan community.
Upcoming dates:
- September 22, 2026
- September 23, 2027
Common greetings: No formal greeting but one can wish people a “Happy Fall Equinox”
Yule
The winter festival during which people can give thanks for the past and welcome the future.
Upcoming dates:
- December 21, 2026 – January 1, 2027
- December 21, 2027 – January 1, 2028
Common greetings: “Happy Yule” or “Blessed Yule”
Beltane
Celebrates the peak of spring, also called May Day. Fire is involved in the celebrations and celebrates the coming of summer and fertility for the upcoming year.
Upcoming dates:
- May 1, 2026
- May 1, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Beltane” or “Blessed Beltane”
Summer Solstice
A solar holiday that is also known as Litha celebrates the life-giving strength of the sun. It is celebrated on the longest day of year when the sun is at its strongest.
Upcoming dates:
- June 21, 2026
- June 21, 2027
Common greetings: No formal greeting but you can wish people a “Happy Summer Solstice”
Lammas
A festival of Celtic origin that celebrates mid-summer and the Pagan day of Lammas and is celebrated with a harvest ritual that includes baking cakes and bread and offering thanks for the harvest.
Upcoming dates:
- August 1, 2026
- August 1, 2027
Common greetings: No formal greeting but you can wish people a “Happy Lammas”
Samhain
Pronounced “SAH-win” or “SOW-in”
Observed from sunset on October 31 to sunset on November 1. It marks the Celtic New Year, the end of summer, and the end of the harvest season.
Upcoming dates:
- October 31, 2026 – November 1, 2026
- October 31, 2027 – November 1, 2027
Common greetings: No formal greeting but one can wish people a “Happy Samhain!
Lohri
Mostly celebrated in Northern India, this day marks the end of the short days of winter and the onset of longer days and spring. It is also a time to pray for prosperity and be thankful for harvest, food and joy.
Upcoming dates:
- January 13, 2026
- January 14, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Lohri”
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
This day honours Sikh leader Guru Gobind Singh and marks his birthday. It is a day of reflection on his teachings.
Upcoming dates:
- January 5, 2026
- January 15, 2027
Sikh New Year’s Day/Vaisakhi
This holiday celebrates the solar new year and spring harvest festival. Also commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa under Guru Gobind Singh.
Upcoming dates:
- April 14, 2026
- April 14, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Vaisakhi”
Inaugural installation of the Adi Granth, the first rendition of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab in 1604
Each year, the Sikh community commemorates the inaugural installation of the Adi Granth, the first rendition of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab in 1604. Today, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is considered the primary scripture of the Sikh community and is regarded as the final, sovereign and eternal Guru.
Date: October 20 annually
Bandi Chhor Divas
A Sikh celebration for the release of Guru Hargobind and other innocent followers from prison in the 1600s. Falling on the same day as Diwali, this day is also celebrated with lights and fireworks.
Upcoming dates:
- November 8, 2026
- October 27, 2027
Common greetings: “Happy Bandi Chhor Divas”
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav, is the day the Sikh community commemorates the birth of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev. It is a day of reflection on the teachings of Sikhism.
Upcoming dates:
- November 24, 2026
- November 14, 2027
Zartosht no deeso
Death of Prophet Zarathustra, the founder of the Zoroastrian faith is observed by attending the temple or spent in remembrance of the teachings of the faith.
Upcoming dates:
- December 26, 2026
- December 26, 2027
Yalda
A celebration of the winter solstice, gradual lengthening of day and good over evil.
Upcoming dates:
- December 21, 2026
- December 21, 2027
Common greetings: “Shabe Yalda Mobarak” or “Happy Yalda”
Norooz/Nowruz
Nowruz is the Iranian New Year (also known as the Persian New Year) which begins on the spring equinox, marking the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar calendar. It is a day celebrated in a secular manner or within faith communities of Baha’i or Zoroastrian.
Upcoming dates:
- March 20, 2026
- March 20, 2027
Common greetings: “Nowruz Mobarak” (Happy Nowruz), “Eyd e Shoma Mobarak” (Happy Eyd e Nowruz) or “Sal e No Mobarak” (Happy New Year)
