UMass Lowell is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment that respects the diverse religious, spiritual and cultural traditions represented within our community. This calendar is provided as an informational resource highlighting selected religious and cultural observances recognized within the UMass Lowell community. The calendar supports awareness and accommodation planning.
Students, faculty and staff seeking religious accommodation should consult applicable university policies and communicate accommodation needs as early as possible. Consistent with Massachusetts law, the university provides reasonable accommodation for religious observance where appropriate. (M.G.L. Title XXI, Chapter 151C, Section 2B, M.G.L. Title XXI, Chapter 151B, Section 4)
2026-27 Selected Religious and Cultural Observances
| Observance | Date(s) | Tradition | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rosh Hashanah | Sept. 11-13, 2026 | Jewish | Jewish New Year and beginning of the High Holy Days |
| Yom Kippur | Sept. 20-21, 2026 | Jewish | Holiest day in Judaism, observed through prayer, reflection and fasting |
| Navarati Begins | Oct. 12, 2026 | Hindu | Nine-day Hindu observance dedicated to worship, devotion and spiritual reflection |
| Diwali | Nov. 8, 2026 | Hindu | Festival of Lights celebrating hope, renewal and the triumph of light over darkness |
| Guru Nanak Gurpurab | Nov., 24, 2026 | Sikh | Celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism |
| Hanukkah | Dec. 4-12, 2026 | Jewish | Eight-day Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple |
| Christmas | Dec. 25, 2026 | Christian | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ |
| Kwanzaa | Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 1, 2027 | Cultural | Cultural celebration honoring African heritage, community and shared values |
| Lunar New Year | Feb. 6, 2027 | East Asian Traditions | Celebrated in many East Asian cultures as the beginning of a new lunar year |
| Ash Wednesday | Feb. 10, 2027 | Christian/Catholic | Marks the beginning of Lent for many Christians |
| Ramadan Begins | Approx. Feb. 8, 2027 | Muslim | Beginning of the Islamic month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community |
| Eid al-Fitr | Approx. Mar. 9-10, 2027 | Muslim | Celebration marking the conclusion of Ramadan |
| Holi | March 22-23, 2027 | Hindu | Festival of Colors celebrating spring, renewal, and community |
| Good Friday | March 26, 2027 | Christian | Holy week observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ |
| Easter | March 28, 2027 | Christian | Celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ |
| Vaisakhi | April 14, 2027 | Sikh | Major Sikh observance commemorating the formation of the Khalsa |
| Passover | April 21-29, 2027 | Jewish | Commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt |
| Day of Arafah | Approx. May 15, 2027 | Muslim | One of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, observed through prayer and reflection |
| Eid al-Adha | Approx. May 16-17, 2027 | Muslim | Commemorating faith, sacrifice and pilgrimage traditions |
| Islamic New Year (1 Muharram) | Approx. Jun. 6, 2027 | Muslim | Marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year |
| Shavuot | June 10-12, 2027 | Jewish | Jewish observance commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai |
| Navaratri Begins | Sept. 30, 2027 | Hindu | Nine-day Hindu observance dedicated to worship, devotion and spiritual reflection |
| Rosh Hashanah | Oct. 1-3, 2027 | Jewish | Jewish New Year and beginning of the High Holy Days |
| Yom Kippur | Oct. 10-11, 2027 | Jewish | Holiest day in Judaism, observed through prayer, reflection and fasting |
| Diwali | Oct. 28-29, 2027 | Hindu | Festival of Lights celebrating hope, renewal and the triumph of light over darkness |
| Guru Nanak Gurpurab | Nov. 14, 2027 | Sikh | Celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism |
| Hanukkah | Dec. 24, 2027-Jan. 1, 2028 | Jewish | Eight-day Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple |
| Christmas | Dec. 25, 2027 | Christian | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ |
Important Notes
- Dates subject to change based on religious calendar determinations.
- Inclusion of an observance on this calendar does not indicate a university closure, cancellation of classes, suspension of operations or a prohibition on meetings, programs, events, examinations, interviews or other university activities. This calendar is intended as an awareness and accommodation resource, and does not establish scheduling restrictions.
- This calendar is not an exhaustive list of religious observances. Individuals may observe holidays differently based on denomination, culture and personal practice.
- Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the listed date.
- Islamic observances may vary by 1 to 2 days based on lunar sightings.
- Questions, corrections or suggestions for future editions may be directed to the Office of Multicultural Affairs.