We welcome the celebration of each of the following holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage.
Mawlid-al-Nabi (September 4-5): Mawlid al-Nabi, or Milad-un-Nabi, is a significant Islamic religious holiday that marks the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. In 2025, it is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, September 5 and end on the evening of Saturday, September 6th. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the Prophet's life and teachings, express love and admiration, and engage in acts of charity and community service.
Pitru Paksha (September 6-20): Pitru Paksha is a 15-day lunar period where members of the Hindu faith pay homage to their departed ancestors through food offerings, prayers, and other rituals. It is a time to pay respects, seek blessings, and help their ancestors’ souls attain peace and salvation.
Mabon (September 22): Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, falls on September 22nd, 2025. It's a time for celebrating the second harvest, giving thanks for the bounty of the earth, and acknowledging the shift towards the darker half of the year. Mabon is a day of balance and harmony, as day and night are of equal length.
Rosh Hashanah (September 22-24): Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and marks the start of the High Holy Days. It is one of three most observed holidays by all Jewish families. Orthodox and Conservative Jews observe the traditional two-day holiday, while Reform Jews observe only the first day. Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection, prayer, and considering the past year with the hope of a positive new year ahead. The holiday is observed with special meals, synagogue services, and the symbolic blowing of the shofar (ram's horn).
Navaratri (September 22-October 2): Navratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Northern and Eastern India. This festival symbolizes the nine nights of battle between good and evil, culminating in the victory of good on the tenth day. During this period, Mother Durga is worshipped as the deity of power, energy, and wisdom.
Tzom Gedaliah (September 25): Tzom Gedaliah is a dawn-to-dusk fast observed on the day after Rosh Hashanah (if that day is Shabbat, it is observed on Sunday). Commemorating the tragic death of Gedaliah, governor of Judea, the day begins with special Selichot liturgy.
For more information, contact: Office for Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@uconn.edu