2026-2027 Religious Days of Observance
Belmont University would like for students, faculty, and staff to be aware of a broad range of religious observances. Below is a list of holy days observed by students in our community. This list, though thorough in its inclusion of traditions represented on our campus, is not complete. Consequently, please direct suggestions for additions to the list to the Office of the Provost. Students may use this form to request excused class absences and/or adjustments to coursework due dates when observing a religious holiday. Requests for academic modifications must be submitted to the course instructor within the first two weeks of the term.
*Note that Jewish and Muslim holy days begin at sundown on the first day indicated.
Observances that are bolded and italicized indicate holy days on which absence from work or school is common
|
Date |
Holy Day |
Tradition |
|---|---|---|
|
September 11-13* |
Rosh HaShanah |
Jewish |
|
September 20-21* |
Yom Kippur |
Jewish |
|
September 25-October 2* |
Sukkot |
Jewish |
|
October 27-November 24 |
Kathina |
Theravada Buddhist |
|
October 31 |
Reformation Day |
Christian:Protestant |
|
November 1 |
All Saints Day |
Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
November 8-10 |
Diwali begins |
Hindu/Jain |
| November 22 | Feast of Christ, the King | Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
| November 26 | Thanksgiving Day | US Federal Holiday |
| November 29 | First Sunday in Advent | Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
| December 4-December 12* | Hanukkah | Jewish |
|
December 6 |
Second Sunday in Advent |
Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
December 8 |
Bodhi Day |
Mahayana Buddhist |
| December 13 | Third Sunday in Advent | Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
| December 20 | Fourth Sunday in Advent | Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
| December 25 | Christmas | Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
Januray 6 |
Epiphany |
Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
January 7 |
Feast of the Nativity |
Orthodox Christian |
|
February 6 |
Lunar New Year |
East Asian Traditions |
|
February 7-March 8* |
Ramadan |
Muslim |
|
February 10 |
Ash Wednesday/Beginning of Lent |
Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
March 9-10* |
'Eid al-Fitr |
Muslim |
|
March 22-23 |
Purim |
Jewish |
|
March 21 |
Palm Sunday |
Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
March 22 |
Holi |
Hindu |
|
March 25 |
Maundy Thursday |
Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
March 26 |
Good/Holy Friday |
Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
March 28 |
Easter/Pascha |
Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
April 21-29 |
Pesach/Passover |
Jewish |
| April 30 | Eastern Orthodox Good Friday | Christian: Eastern Orthodox |
| May 2 | Eastern Orthodox Easter | Christian: Eastern Orthodox |
|
May 3-4* |
Yom HaShoah |
Jewish |
| May 6 | Ascension | Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
May 16 |
Pentecost |
Christian: Catholic & Protestant |
|
June 10 |
Eastern Orthodox Ascension Day |
Christian: Eastern Orthodox |
|
June 10-12* |
Shavuot |
Jewish |
| June 19 | Juneteenth | Federal Holiday, Interfaith Observance |