Event Date
The Multicultural Calendar serves as a resource for students, staff, and faculty to plan events, activities, meetings, retreats, and courses throughout the year. It is a resource for understanding religious and cultural observances.
Multicultural Calendar - July 2024
Al-Hijra - New Year
Islam
Al-Hijra, the Islamic New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram. It marks the Hijra (or Hegira) in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina and set up the first Islamic state. Muslims will think about the general meaning of Hijra, and regard this as a good time for New Year Resolutions.
General Practices: Begins at sundown on the first day.
July 7, 2024 - July 8, 2024 | Tuesday, July 18, 2023 | June 26, 2025 - June 27, 2025
Martydom of the Bab
Baháʼí
Recommended Accommodation: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time.
Ali Mohammed was executed in 1850 by Persian political and religious powers. He is commemorated at noon on Rahmat 17 of the Bahá'í calendar. It is one of nine Holy Days when work is suspended.
Observed by abstaining from commerce and work. The commemoration is also associated with gathering and reading special prayers at noon, which is the time when the execution of the Bab took place in 1850.
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 | Sunday, July 9, 2023 | Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Imamat Day
Ismaili Muslim
Celebrated byIsmaili Shiʿi Muslimsto mark the anniversary to mark the anniversary of the day that their present Imam Aga Khan IV succeeded his predecessor to become the Imam of the Time. The recognition of the Imam of the Time is central to Ismailis faith and belief. Imamat Day provides occasion to reinforce this and to express gratitude to the Imam who, in keeping with the centuries-old tradition of leadership, provides guidance in matters of faith, and works to improve the quality and security of their lives. It is a day to reaffirm their spiritual allegiance to the Imam and renew their commitment to the ethics of their faith.
Thursday, July 11, 2024 | Tuesday, July 11, 2023 | Friday, July 11, 2025
Saint Vladimir the Great Day
Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox Christian
Vladimir Sviatoslavich the Great was a prince of Novgorod, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus' from 980 to 1015.
Monday, July 15, 2024 | Saturday, July 15, 2023 | Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Day of Ashura
Islam, Ismaili Muslim
Recommended Accommodation: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date.
An Islamic optional one-day fast commemorated annually. The Shia observance is based on the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein/Hazrat Imam Husayn, martyred on this date in 683/684 AD at the battle of Kerbala/Karbala. Sunni observance is a recognition of Moses fasting in gratitude to Allah/God for liberation from oppression.
The memory of this event is particularly poignant for Shia Muslims. In Shīʿite communities this is a solemn day. Plays re-enacting the martyrdom are often staged and many take part in mourning rituals. Some Sunni Muslims fast on this day based on narrations attributed to Muhammad.
General Practices: Begins at sundown on the first day.
July 16, 2024 - July 17, 2024 | Friday, July 28, 2023 | July 5, 2025 - July 6, 2025
Guru Purnima / Poornima
Hinduism, Jainism, Bhuddism
Guru Purnima is a tradition dedicated to all the spiritual and academic Gurus, who are evolved or enlightened humans, ready to share their wisdom with very little or no monetary expectation, based on Karma Yoga. It is celebrated as a festival in India, Nepal and Bhutan by the Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.
Monday, July 21, 2024 | Monday, July 3, 2023 | Thursday, July 10, 2025
Seventeenth of Tammuz
Jewish
A fast day commemorating the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 | Wednesday, July 5, 2023 | Sunday, July 13, 2025
Khordad Sal
Zoroastrian
Birth of Prophet Zarathustra.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 | Saturday, July 22, 2023 | Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassi
Rastafari
Observes the day on which Emperor Haile Selassie I was born in 1892. Haile Selassie I was Ethiopia's 225th and last emperor, whom Rastafarians believe to be divine. This is a celebration honoring the Rastafari founder.
Nyabingi sessions are held to honor the date.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 | Sunday, July 23, 2023 | Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Saint James the Great Day
Eastern Orthodox Christian, Roman Catholic
Recognition of the martyrdom of the Apostle James in 44 CE.
Thursday, July 25, 2024 | Tuesday, July 25, 2023 | Friday, July 25, 2025