Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Guru Gobind Singh s Birthday Sikh Lohri Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh DESCRIPTIONS

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1 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat New Year s, 1 Emancipation African American Guru Gobind Singh s Birthday Sikh 6 Carnival Season begins and Epiphany Three Kings and Shabbat (begins at sundown) 7 Christmas Eastern Orthodox and Coptic Shabbat Lohri Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh 14 New Years Eastern Orthodox January World Religion 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Religious Freedom Lunar New Year Chinese New Year China, Buddhist Timkat/ Theophany Epiphany Eastern Orthodox Sultan Makar Sankranti Hindu Vasanta Panchami Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh DESCRIPTIONS January is National Mentoring Month New Years Jan 1 First of the new year based on the Gregorian calendar recognized by most cultures, countries, and religious groups globally. Emancipation Jan 1 Celebrated in remembrance of the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln in 1863 ending slavery. Guru Gobind Singh s Birthday Jan 5 The birthday of the Sikh s tenth Guru.

2 Carnival Season begins Jan 6 Period of Epiphany to Ash Wednesday the pinnacle of which is Mardi Gras; celebrated internationally with costumes, dancing, parties and parades. Epiphany Jan 6 Celebration of the Three Wise Men s visit to Jesus. Three Kings Jan 6 Culminates the Christmas season. Shabbat (Every Friday at sundown) The weekly Sabbath or day of rest in Judaism will only appear once because of its frequency. Christmas - Eastern Orthodox Jan 7 Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on January 7, On Christmas Eve, January 6 a lighted candle is placed in the window to guide travelers, in memory of Mary and Joseph's journey. January 2012 Lohri Jan 13 Bonfires are lit to mark the change from the decrease to the increase of the sun. New Year s Jan 14 First day of the year for followers of the Julian calendar. Makar Sankranti Jan 14 Transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn. The days gradually lengthen in the Northern Hemisphere. World Religion Jan 15 Established in 1950 by the to focus on the religious purpose of unifying people. Martin Luther King Jan 16 A day to celebrate the life, contributions and accomplishments of the leader of the national Civil Rights movement. Religious Freedom Jan 16 Each year the President calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship." The day is the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom. Chinese Lunar New Year Jan 23 The New Year festival will start from January 22 (Chinese New Year' Eve) and end on February 6 (Lantern Festival) is the Year of the Dragon. Vasanta Panchami Jan 28 Spring festival celebrated to honor Saraswati the Goddess of wisdom, learning and fine arts. Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. ~ The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

3 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Groundhog Candlemas Imbolc Pagan 3 Setsuban Sai Shinto Mawild al Nabi (begins sundown) Mawild al Nabi Tu B Shevat (Begins sundown) Mulk Lantern Festival China, Taiwan Boy Scout Canada, Tu B Shevat February 2012 Lincoln s Birthday Brotherhood/ Sisterhood Week / Intercalary s Random Acts of Kindness Week 20 Presidents Maha Shivaratri Hindu 27 Clean Monday (Great Lent Begins) Coptic & Eastern Orthodox 14 Valentine s Canada, Race Relations 21 Mardi Gras Shrove Tuesday Carnival Season Begins Nirvana Buddhist Washington s Birthday Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins) Losar Tibetan New Year Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education Great Prayer Festival Tibet DESCRIPTIONS February is African American History Month and American Heart Month Groundhog Feb 2 If the groundhog sees its shadow there will be six more weeks of winter and a poor season for crops. If it does not see it, winter will shortly end and there will be a productive growing season. Candlemas Feb 2 Commemorates the presentation of Jesus to the Temple of Jerusalem. Imbolic Feb 2 Wiccan celebration of the arrival of spring and light.

4 Setsuban Sai Feb 3 The holiday is celebrated among the Shinto of Japan is a good luck festival. Commonly known as "O-mame-maki," Setsubun-sai is the bean throwing festival and is a very popular New Year's ritual. Mawlid al-nabi Feb 3 (begins at sundown) Feb 4 Commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Begins sundown the previous day. Lantern Festival Feb 7 Marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Tu B Shevat Feb 7 (begins at sundown) Feb 8 Holiday is known as the New Year for Trees. February 2012 Random Acts of Kindness Week Feb 13 Feb 19 Inspiring people to practice kindness and pass it on to others. St. Valentine s Feb 14 Holiday dedicated to romance derived from a martyr who married people in defiance of a Roman ban in 270 C.E. Race Relations Feb 14 Celebration created in 1924 to promote better relations. Nirvana Feb 15 Buddhists celebrate the death of the Buddha, because they believe that having attained enlightenment he achieved freedom, moving from one state of being to the next. Brotherhood / Sisterhood Week Feb 19 Fosters tolerance among Catholics, Jews and Protestants supported by the National Conference for Community and Justice. President s Feb 20 Commemorates the birthday of both Presidents Lincoln (2/12/1809) and Washington (2/22/1732). Maha Shivatrati Feb 20 Hindu holiday honoring Lord Shiva. Shrove Tuesday Feb 21 A day to show penitence and confess sins to begin Lent. Ash Wednesday Feb 22 Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, a season of spiritual discipline, cleansing, and fasting which occurs in the forty days before Easter. On Ash Wednesday, a priest or pastor marks a cross on the forehead of parishioners. Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education Feb 23 On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously against segregation in schools Brown vs. Board of Education, which ended legal segregation in public schools. Intercalary s Feb 26 through Mar 1 time of rejoicing, giving and greeting to prepare for fasting March 2 nd through March 20 th. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~ Maya Angelou

5 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Ala World of Prayer Casimir Pulaski 6 7 Purim (Begins sundown) Purim Holi Sihk Hindu Women s 8 Hola Mohalla Bikarami Sikh 9 10 March light Savings Time Begins 25 Annunciation 12 Girl Scout Canada, St. Joseph s 26 Birth of Prophet Zarathustra Zoroastrian Kuhio Hawaii 20 Equinox Eostre Wicca Shunki-Sorei- Sai Shinto Shunbun no hi Japan Ostara Celtic, Pagan Now Ruz (New Year) Zoroastrian for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination UN 21 World for Water 22 Gahambar Hamaspathmaden Zoroastrian Chetra Navratras Hindu St. Patrick s N. Ireland, Ireland, César Chávez Earth Hour 24 DESCRIPTIONS March is Women s History Month, Deaf History Month, Greek American Heritage Month, Irish American Heritage Month, and Spiritual Awareness Month Ala Mar 2 The final month of the Bahai calendar, the time of the 19 day fast in preparation of the new year. Casimir Pulaski Mar 5 Memorializes the death of the Polish Count, who was an American Revolutionary hero.

6 Purim Mar 7 (Begins at sundown) Mar 8 Commemorates the event where Jews were saved from a plot to destroy them in ancient Persia. Begins at sundown. Holi Mar 8 Festival of color celebrating spring. Women s Mar 8 Celebrates the contributions of working women, marked by the revolt of female garment district workers in New York in Hola Mohalla Mar 9 Honors Guru Gobind Singh, who fought against tyranny. light Saving Time Begins Mar 11 Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem Mar 16 Celebrates the day of creation. March 2012 St. Patrick s Mar 17 The patron saint of Ireland converted its inhabitants to christianity in 432 C.E. St. Joseph s Mar 19 Honors the event surrounding Jesus birth and Joseph s search for shelter. Equinox Mar 20 The length of daylight is the same everywhere on the planet; marks the start of spring in the Northern March Eostre Mar 20 Feritlity festival celebrating the birth of spring. Shunki-Sorei-Sai Mar 20 Ancestors are given reverence at home altars and condiered active members of the living family. Shunbun no hi Mar 20 During the time of the Spring Equinox, Buddhists meditate on the harmony in the universe. Ostara March 20 Celtic, Pagan rituals that marked the spring planning. Now Ruz Mar 21 New Year. for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 21 A day to promote efforts to eradicate racial discrimination worldwide. Chetra Navratras Mar 23 Chetra Navratras signifies the start of the Indian or the Hindu New Year. Annunciation Mar 25 The day Mary Jesus s mother was told she would be the mother of Christ. Birth of the Prophet Zarathustra Mar 26 Foundar of the Zoroastrian religion dating back to sometime between 1500 and 1000 BCE. Kuhio March 26 Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, also known as Prince Kuhio, is a state holiday in Hawaii celebrating one of the best-known leaders in Hawaii s history. César Chávez March 31 Celebrates the birthday of César Estrada Chávez and it serves as a tribute to his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity.

7 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 April Fool s, Palm Sunday Ram Navami Hindu 2 World Autism Awareness Mahavira Jayanti Jain Maundy Thursday 6 Good Friday Passover (begins sundown) National Tartan UN Organization of the Church Mormon Passover World Health UN 7 Easter 8 9 Easter Monday Jalal (2 nd Month) Holy Thursday Coptic & Eastern Orthodox 13 Holy Friday Coptic & Eastern Orthodox Buddhist New Year Vaisakhi Hindu, Jain, Sikh Baisakhi Sikh Hindu 14 April Easter Coptic and Eastern Orthodox Earth Emancipation Easter Monday Coptic and Eastern Orthodox Gahambar Maidyozarem Zoroastrian Belane Celtic, Pagan Akshaya Tritya Jain Theravada New Year Buddhist 25 Administrative Professionals Yom HaZikaron (begins at sundown) Yom HaShoah Take Sons/Daughters to Work Gathering of Nations Powwow HaZtzma ut National of Silence Gay and Lesbian Festival of Ridvan (begins at sundown) National Arbor Feast of Ridvan Vesak Buddha s Birthday Buddhist DESCRIPTIONS April is Celebrate Diversity Month Palm Sunday Apr 1 The beginning of h oly week celebrating the day that Jesus was given a special welcome into Jerusalem using palm leaves. Ram Navami Apr 1 Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Shri Rama. A dietary consideration may be necessary. April Fools Apr 1 day of humor and jokes. Originated in 1852 France when the Gregorian calendar moved the New Year from March 25 th to January 1 st. The fools were those who forgot. World Autism Awareness Apr 2 Aims to increase people's awareness about people, especially children, with autism.

8 Mahavir Jayanti Apr 5 Most important religious holiday in Jainism celebrates the birth of Mahavira the last Titrhankara. Maundy Thursday Apr 5 The day Jesus ate the last supper and washed the feet of his disciples. Good Friday Apr 6 Signifies the end of Lent and is held in remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus. A dietary restriction are removed at the close of Lent. Passover Apr 6 (begins sundown) - April 7 celebration commemorating the people s release from slavery in Egypt. A dietary consideration may be necessary. National Tartan Apr 6 A day in celebration of people of Scottish origins in the U.S. and Canada. Organization of the Church Apr 6 Commemorates the day that the Church of Latter Saints was founded. World Health Apr 7 The day is used to draw attention to particular priorities in global health. April 2012 Easter April 8 Easter, a holiday that is celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Vaisakhi April 13 The first day of the Hindu New Year festival of gifts and sweets. Baisakhi Apr 14 Baisakhi is New Year's in Punjab. Emancipation Apr 16 Marks the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act. Theravada Buddhist New Year Apr 18 New Year festival for Theravada Buddhists, celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. Yom HaShoah Apr 19 A day to memorialize Jews killed in concentration camps during World War II. National of Silence Apr 20 Members of the GLBT community protest against discrimination. Festival of Ridvan Apr 20 (begins sundown) - Apr 21 A 12 day celebration commemorating Baha ullah s stay in the Garden of Ridvan. Earth Apr 22 A time to call attention to the need to conserve natural resources. Administrative Professionals Apr 25 A day to recognize the contributions of secretaries. Take Sons and Daughters to Work Apr 26 An annual event that encourages, inspires and introduces youngsters age 8-18 to the workplace. Gathering of Nations Powwow Apr 26 A 3-day celebration that brings over 500 tribes and nations to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Vesak Buddha s Birthday Apr 28 Commemorates the birth of Siddartha Gautama the founder of Buddhism. Gahambar Maidyozarem Apr 30 It is the mid-spring festival which comes in April or May each year.

9 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat May Labor Global, Lei Hawaiian, National of Prayer World Press Freedom UN 4 5 Cinco de Mayo Mexican American, Vesak Budda s Birthday Buddhist VE (Victory in Europe) 9 10 Golden Spike Asian American, World Red Cross May Mother s Pentecost Coptic and Eastern Orthodox Shavuot World of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development Memorial Ascension of Baha u llah (sundown) of Families 22 National Maritime or Biological Diversity Declaration of the Bab (sundown) 29 Ascension of Baha u llah Peacekeepers U.N 23 Declaration of the Bab Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education Azamat Ascension 24 Ascension Eastern Orthodox World No Tobacco 25 African Freedom Armed Forces Shavuot (begins sundown) 26 DESCRIPTIONS May is the month for Asian Pacific American Heritage, American Heritage and Older Americans. May May 1 May can refer to various labor celebrations conducted on May 1st that commemorate the fight for the eight-hour day. May in this regard is called Workers', or Labor. Lei May 1 A festival of flowers created in 1928 to pay tribute to Hawaiian culture. Beltane May 1 The Celtic festival of Beltane, or May is the fertility festival marking the beginning of summer.

10 National of Prayer May 3 An annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". Cinco De Mayo May 5 A for Mexican Americans to celebrate their heritage. Vesak Budda s Birthday May 5 Celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. V-E (Victory in Europe) May 8 Commemorates the day the Germans surrendered to the Allied Forces in Golden Spike May 10 Recognizes the contribution of Chinese workers on the Transcontinental Railroad. This was the day that the final spike was driven Mother s May 13 A day to celebrate mothers, initiated by Woodrow Wilson in Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education decision May 17 The day the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Azamat May 17 "Grandeur," the fourth month in the Bahá'í calendar. Ascension May 17, May 24 Eastern Orthodox & Coptic Commemorates the day Jesus ascended into heaven. Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education May 17 The day the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Armed Forces May 19 This day is a day to salute to the men and woman in all branches of the service. National Maritime May 22 of remembrance of merchant mariners who died in defense of their country. Declaration of the Bab May 23 celebration commemorating the day that the Bab revealed that he was the herald of a Messenger of God. Shavuot May 27 Shavuot celebrates the time when the Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Memorial May 28 A day to remember fallen soldiers. Ascension of Baha u llah May 28 (begins sundown) - May 29 Marks the death in 1892 of the founder of the. Peacekeepers May 29 The of United Nations Peacekeepers is a day to remember those who served in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations.

11 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Trinity Sunday Pentecost D- 7 Corpus Christi Catholic 8 Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival Native American, 9 10 Race Unity King Kamehmeha Hawaiian, Flag Shab-e-Miraj (Begins at sundown) Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sikh Shab-e-Miraj June 2012 Father s Feast of St. John The Baptist, Juneteenth African American, United Nations Charter Solstice Litha Celtic, Pagan Stonewall Rebellion Gay & Lesbian St. John s Eve, DESCRIPTIONS June is Lesbian and Gay Pride Month National and Caribbean American Heritage Month Trinity Sunday Jun 3 The day that the Catholic Church has set aside to honor the most fundamental of beliefs, the Holy Trinity. Pentecost Jun 3 The seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. Also called Whitsunday. D- Jun 6 The day U.S. troops landed on the shores of Normandy during World War II. Corpus Christi Jun 7 A festival in honor of the Eucharist.

12 Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival Jun 8 th through Jun 10 A 3 day festival designed to preserve and promote the rich traditions of Native Americans. Race Unity Jun 10 The day was begun in 1957 by the Baha'i National Spiritual Assembly in the United States, with the purpose of focusing attention on racial prejudice. King Kamehameha Jun 11 Celebrated in honor of the man who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 and became their first king, Kamehameha I. Flag Jun 14 Commemorates the flag and its adoption in Shab-e-Miraj Jun 15 (begins sundown) Jun 16 Commemorates the ascent of Muhammad the holy prophet of Islam into heaven. Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Jun 16 Marks the death of the first Sikh guru. June 2012 Father s Jun 17 This tradition of honoring fathers was initiated in 1910 by Louis Dodd. Juneteenth Jun 19 Juneteenth is an annual observance on June 19 to remember when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas on June 19, Solstice Jun 20 The longest day of the year. Commemorates the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere, and Winter in the southern. Litha Jun 20 Celtic Pagan, also known as Summer Solstice. St. John s Eve Jun 23 Also known as Mid-Summer s Eve, celebrates the feast of St. John and the Summer Solstice. Feast of St. John the Baptist Jun 24 holiday celebrated in several countries commemorates the birth of St. John the Baptist. United Nations Charter Jun 26 The day members from the 50 nations signed the charter in Stonewall Rebellion Jun 28 Represents the first open action of gays and lesbians towards procuring equal treatment under the law. Celebrated in remembrance of a protest in New York against police harassment. If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

13 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Asalhapuja Buddhist Shab-e-Barat (begins at sundown) Independence Shab-e-Barat Dalai Lama s Birthday Tibet 7 8 Martyrdom of the Bab (begins at sundown) 9 Martyrdom of the Bab Ramadan (Begins at sundown) 20 Ramadan Begins 21 July 2012 Tisha B Av Birth of Haile Selassie I. Rastafarian O-Harai- Taisai Shinto Pioneer Latter day Saints (Mormon) Americans with Disabilities Act Signed DESCRIPTIONS Asalhapuja Jul 3 A Theraveda Buddhist celebration of the Buddha s first sermon and the setting of the Wheel of Truth into the world. 008 Shab-e-Barat Jul 3 (begins at sundown) - Jul 4 A fast in preparation for Ramadan. 0 Independence Jul 4 Commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence by representatives of the 13 colonies.

14 Dalai Lama s Birthday Jul 6 Celebration of the Dalai Lama's 77th birthday. Martyrdom of the Bab Jul 8 (begins at sundown) Jul 9 Begins the day prior at sundown. day of remembrance that marks the arrest, confinement, torture and execution of the Bab. Ramadan Jul 19 (begins sundown) Jul 20 holiday which marks the revelation of the Qur an to Muhammad. It begins with the new moon and fasting ends with the next new moon. Birth of Haile Selassie I. Jul birthday of the former Ethiopian Emperor. The origin of Rastafari is based on a word which means prince. Pioneer Jul 24 Mormon; refers to the settlers who moved into Utah in 1847 led by Brigham Young. American Disabilities Act Signed Jul 26 Focuses on providing reasonable accommodations and standards for differently-abled Americans. Tisha B Av Jul 29 A day of mourning and fasting as Jews mourn the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem. O-Harai-Taisai Jul 30 Observed twice a year, Oh-harai-taisai is the Shinto "Grand Purification Ceremony." Courage is the discovery that you may not win and trying when you know you can lose. ~ Tom Krause

15 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Lughnasadh (Lammas ) Celtic, Pagan 1 Raksha Bandhan Hindu 2 V-J of the Words Indigenous People Fravardeghan Zoroastrian Janmashtami Hindu 11 August 2012 Youth Eid al-fitr Women s Equality Lailat ul-qadr (begins sundown) 14 Lailat ul-qadr 15 Assumption of the Virgin Mary Now Ruz (Shenshai) Zorostrian Birth of Prophet Zarathustra (Shenshai) Zorostrian Eid al-fitr (begins sundown) 25 DESCRIPTIONS Lughnasadh Aug 1 Major Wiccan harvest celebration. Raksha Bandan Aug 2 Hindu girls tie a threaded amulet around their brothers for protection from evil. V-J Aug 3 Commemorates the surrender of Japan to the Allied Forces.

16 of the Words of Indigenous People Aug 7 of the World's Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world s indigenous population. Fravardeghan Aug 8 Ancestors are memorialized during this time. Janmashtami Aug 10 A Hindu festival to honor Lord Krishna celebrated with fasting. Youth Aug 12 Celebrated to recognize efforts of the world s youth in enhancing global society. It also aims to promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities. Lailat ul-qadr Aug 13 (begins at sundown) Aug 14 Begins the previous day at sundown and falls within the final 10 days of the month of Ramadan. Commemorates the Qur an s revelation to Muhammad AD 610. Dietary consideration Assumption of the Virgin Mary Aug 15 Marks the taking of the body and soul of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Now-Ruz Aug 18 Celebrates the creation of fire. Eid al-fitr Aug 18 (begins at sundown) Aug 19 The end of the Ramadan fast; begins the evening prior at sundown. Birth of the Prophet Zarathustra Aug 24 Founder of the Zoroatrian religion. Women s Equality Aug 26 A day to honor the ratification of the 19 th Amendment to the constitution giving women the right to vote... A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. ~ Albert Einstein

17 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Labor Literacy Grandparent s Patriot Gahambar Paitishahem Zoroastrian Hispanic Heritage Month Begins September Rosh Hashanah (begins at sundown) 30 Sukkot (begins sundown) Ksamavani Jain 17 Constitution Citizenship Rosh Hashanah National Deaf Awareness Week 25 Yom Kippur (begins sundown) Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu Paryushana- Parva Jain Yom Kippur DESCRIPTIONS 26 Samvatsari Jain 20 Dashalakshani- Parva Jain Maskal Ethiopian Orthodox of Peace Confucius s Birthday 28 Oktoberfest German Equinox Mabon Celtic, Pagan, Wiccan Ananta- Chaturdasi Jain September is the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month and Women in Medicine Month Labor Sep 3 A day to honor workers. Literacy Sep 8 Created to focus on literacy issues around the world. Grandparent s Sep 9 Initiated in 1979 in honor of Grandparents.

18 Patriot Sept 11 Held in memory of nearly 3000 people who died on 9/11 during terrorist attacks in New York, Washington DC and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Gahambar Paitishahem Sept 12 Celebrates the creation of Earth. Constitution and Citizenship Sep 17 Honors the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution in 1787, as well as those from other countries who become citizens each year. Rosh Hashanah Sept 16 (begins at sundown) Sept 17 Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the New Year and is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the New Year. Ganesh Chaturthi Sep 19 This day is offered to the Hindu God of success, wisdom and the remover of obstacles. September 2012 Paryushana-Parva Sept 19 The holiest time of the year marked by fasting. Samvatsari Sep 20 Dedicated to introspection confession and penance. Dashalakshani-Parvi Sept 20 Dedicated to virtue, humility, honesty, purity, forgiveness, truthfulness, self-restraint, celibacy and detachment. of Peace Sep 21 A day for people of all nations to honor peace. Oktoberfest Sep 22 German harvest celebration involving food and beer. Equinox Sept 22 The day that daylight is the same all over the planet. Mabon Sept 22 The Autumn Equinox. Yom Kippur Sept 25 (begins at sundown) Sept 26 Begins at sundown the day prior and is the holiest of the holidays. A dietary consideration may be necessary. Maskal Sep 27 Marks the finding of the cross in which Jesus was crucified by the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Ananta-Chaturdasi Sept 29 Festival of 10 virtues. Sukkot Sept 30 (begins at sundown) Sukkot is a seven-day festival, which begins on the fifth day following Yom Kippur. Ksamavani Sept 30 The day of universal forgiveness. Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. ~ Madame Curie

19 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 for the Elderly 2 Gandhi s Birthday India National Diversity 6 Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret (begins at sundown) 7 Columbus Shemini Atzeret 8 9 Leif Eriksson Norwegian, American Simchat Torah World Mental Health 10 National Coming Out Gay &Lesbian 11 Gahambar Ayathrem Zorostrian October National Boss Navratri Hindu 17 for the Eradication of Poverty Mahavira Nirvana Jain Dussehra Hindu Pavarana Buddhist United Nations 31 Halloween Reformation Protestant Samhain Celtic, Pagan Alaska of Hajj Eid-ul-Adha (begins sundown) 19 Birthday of the Bab (begins at sundown) 26 Eid-ul-Adha Durga Puja Hindu Birthday of the Bab DESCRIPTIONS October is the month for Disability Employment Awareness, and National Italian Heritage. of the Elderly Oct 1 This day signifies the contributions that older people make to society. Sukkot Oct 1 Begins at sundown the day prior; celebrates the protection the Israelites received while wandering in the desert for 40 years; an 8 day festival of giving thanks and appreciating the harvest.

20 Gandhi s Birthday Oct 2 Celebration of Mohandas Karmchand Gandhi, the father of India, who adopted non-violence in fighting for freedom of the country. National Diversity Oct 5 National Diversity is a day to celebrate and embrace who we are, despite our differences, no matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, or disability. Columbus Oct 8 Marks the 1492 arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas. Shemini Atzeret Oct 7 (Begins at sundown) Oct 8 Part of the Sukkot festival. October 2012 Simchat Torah Oct 9 Starts at sundown the night before; celebrates the closing of the public reading of the Torah. National Coming Out Oct 11 A day encouraging gays and lesbians to be open with pride. This was also the day that the March on Washington supporting Gay rights took place in Gahambar Ayathrem Oct 12 A day to celebrate the creation of plant life. Navratri Oct 16 It means nine nights starting on the new moon and ending on Dussehra. Mahavira Nirvana Oct 17 Festival of lamps. Alaska Oct 18 Marks the official transfer of Alaskan Territory from Russia to the on this day in Birthday of the Bab Oct 19 (begins at sundown) Oct 20 Begins at sundown the day prior; honors the birth of the Bab the prophet herald of the Baha I faith. Durga Puja Oct 20 - Oct 24 Celebrates the divine creative force of the universe. Dussehra Oct 24 Celebrates the triumph of Lord Ram over Ravan. Pavarana Oct 30 This marks the end of the three-month Vassa-retreat. Halloween Oct 31 The holiday All Hallow s Eve. Samhain Oct 31 A Celtic festival held in honor of Saman the Lord of the Dead in ancient times. The day that souls who had died the previous year come together. Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle ~ Plato

21 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat All Saints 1 2 All Souls, Catholic Karva Chauth Hindu 3 light Savings Time Ends General Election November Veteran s Birthday of Baha u llah (Begins at sundown) of The Covenant (Begins at sundown) Birthday of Baha u llah All Saints Nov 1 Honors all Saints. DESCRIPTIONS November is Native American Heritage Month All Souls Nov 2 Celebrated in remembrance of those who have passed Mahavira Nirvana Jain World Kindness Diwali Sikh/Hindu Transgender of Remembrance Gay & Lesbian Universal Children s 25 of The Covenant Ascension of Abdul-Baha (Begins at sundown) 14 Hijra (Begins at sundown) World Diabetes 28 Ascension of Abdul-Baha Guru Nanak s Birthday Sikh Hijra Karva Chauth Nov 2 A fast in honor of the God Shiva and Goddess Parviti, where Hindu women ensure, the safety, and success of their spouses. Veterans Nov 11 Honors those who served in U.S. wars and provides a day of thanks for their service to the United States Thanksgiving 16 of Tolerance 23 Native American Heritage Ashura (Begins at sundown) National Adoption 24 Guru Tegh Bahdur Martyrdom Sikh Ashura

22 Birthday of Baha u llah Nov 11 (Begins at sundown) Nov 12 The 1817 birth of the founder of the faith in Nur, Persia. Mahavira Nirvana Nov 13 This day celebrates the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira and is the Festival of Lamps. World Kindness Nov 13 It is a day that encourages individuals to overlook boundaries, race and religion. Diwali Nov 13 Diwali means row of lights and is the Hindu New Year. Hijra Nov 14 (Begins as sundown) Nov 15 Starts at sundown the day prior, the first day of the New Year. November 2012 of Tolerance Nov 16 A day of observance to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and to help them understand the negative effects of intolerance. National Adoption Nov 17 National Adoption is a national day of celebration of adoptive families. Transgender of Remembrance Nov 20 Memorializes those killed in hate crimes against gays and lesbians. Thanksgiving Nov 22 The fourth Thursday in November. Celebrates the first harvest of the Plymouth Colony in Native American Heritage Nov 23 A day to remember how the Thanksgiving holiday began as a harvest celebration between European settlers and the American Indians. Ashura Nov 23 (Begins at sundown) Nov 24 The tenth day of the first month (Muharram). Guru Tegh Bahdur Martyrdom Nov 24 Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth of the ten Gurus who founded Sikhism. of the Covenant Nov 25 (Begins at sundown) - Nov 26 Starts at sundown the day prior; commemorates the covenant that the founder of the faith made with his followers. Ascension of Abdu l- Nov 28 Anniversary of the death of `Abdu l-bahá, son of Bahá u lláh and His appointed successor, on Nov 28, Guru Nanak s Birthday Nov 28 The 1469 birth of the founder of the Sikh religion, which has origins in both the Hindu and religions. Humankind is not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.

23 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat ~Chief Seattle Rosa Parks World Aids 1 Advent 2 3 of Persons with Disabilities St Nicholas 7 Pearl Harbor Bodhi Buddhist Feast of Immaculate Conception Hanukkah (begins sundown) 8 December 2012 Hanukkah 9 16 Migrants Joseph Smith s Birthday Mormon Human Rights Maunajiyaras Jain New Year s Eve Gahambar Maidyarem Zorostrian Luciadagen Sweden, Tohji-Tasai Shinto Christmas 26 Kwanzaa African American Death of the Prophet Zarathustra Zoroastrian Solstice Bill of Rights 22 Yule Celtic, Pagan,Wiccan Anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre Native American DESCRIPTIONS Rosa Parks Dec 1 Marks the day that Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat on the bus, resulting in a boycott ending segregation. World AIDS Dec 1 This day is designated by the World Health Organization and UN to increase awareness and education of AIDS. Advent Dec 2 The four Sundays of Advent are preparation for Christmas of Disabled Persons Dec 3 Focuses on the need to integrate people who are differently-abled into the larger society.

24 St. Nicholas Dec 6 day to celebrate St. Nicholas, a Bishop known for his good deeds. Pearl Harbor Dec 7 Commemorates the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked. Bodhi Dec 8 A Sanskrit word which means awakening. Commemorates the day of Buddha s enlightenment after sitting under a tree for 7 days, trying to understand the meaning of life. Hanukkah Dec 8 (begins sundown) Dec 9 celebration lasting 8 days involving an eight branch Menorah which represents the miracle of small supply of oil lasting eight days. Human Rights Dec 10 Created by the to acknowledge the universal Declaration of Human rights in December 2012 Maunajiyaras Dec 10 A day of fasting, silence and meditation on the five holy teachers of Jainism. Luciadagen Dec 13 Swedish Saint known as the Queen of Light, begins the Christmas season. Bill of Rights Dec 15 Marks the 1791 ratification of the Bill of Rights. Tohji-Tasai Dec 21 Celebrates the end of the Yin period of the sun in its declining power and growing strength of the Yang period. Solstice Dec 21 This is the shortest day, and the day that winter starts in the Northern hemisphere and summer begins in the southern. Yule Dec 22 The longest night of the year. The rebirth of the life sustaining sun is celebrated. Joseph Smith s Birthday Dec 23 Mormon leader and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ- Latter Saints. Christmas Dec 25 Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Kwanzaa Dec 26 A celebration to honor African-American heritage lasting seven days. Each day is dedicated to one of the following principles, unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Death of the Prophet Zarathustra Dec 26 Marks the death of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith. Anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre Dec 29 A creek of southwest South Dakota. Some 200 Native Americans were massacred here by U.S. troops on December 29, 1890 Gahambar Maidyarem Dec 31 Celebrates the creation of animals; a time for sharing food equally. New Year s Eve Dec 31 Be the change you want to see in the world. ~ Gandhi