Skip to main content
LibApps staff login

Holidays and Cultural Observances

This guide provides information about diverse cultural celebrations and religious holidays. It links to the Council of Religious Advisors at Arizona State University calendar and provides brief descriptions of religious events.

Alphabetical listing of major observances

Descriptions taken from www.interfaith-calendar.org/

Baha'i Holidays and Observances

Individuals may require time away from campus for travel and observance.

Ascension of Abdu'l-Bahá — celebration of the rising of the spirit of Abdu'l-Baha to the heavenly dwelling. 

Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh — recollection of the death of Baha'u'llah, the founder. Observed by prayers and readings. Work is suspended.

Birth of the Báb — honoring of the founder of the Babi religion, forerunner to Baha'u'llah and the Baha'i faith. 

Birth of Baha'u'llah — Baha'i celebration of the birth of their founder and teacher. Refrain from work.

Day of the Covenant -- celebration of the covenant given in the last will and testament of Baha'u'llah

Declaration of the Bab -- recognition of the declaration in 1844 by Ali Muhammed that he is the anticipated "Coming One" of all religions. Work is suspended

Martyrdom of the Bab -- Ali Mohammed was executed in 1850 by Persian political and religious powers. Observed by abstaining from commerce and work.

Ridvan --- commemoration of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

For more information:

Credits

This guide is produced in partnership with the ASU Committee for Campus Inclusion (CCI), and The Council of Religious Advisors  (CORA).  The Committee for Campus Inclusion is an advisory group to the provost, promoting a positive, harmonious campus environment that celebrates individual and group diversity, promotes individualism, provides information to the campus community, and resolves issues in such a manner as to respect all persons and their dignity. For more information, please visit our website at https://inclusion.asu.edu/cci. Questions or additions to this resource can be submitted at cci@asu.edu..

The Council of Religious Advisors is comprised of campus ministries and faith-based organizations that represent a diverse variety of faiths, traditions, and beliefs. Despite the differences in faiths that exist between them, the group works peacefully and diligently on behalf of the university community to provide religious services, spiritual counseling, education, support, and opportunities for involvement.

This page owes a great thanks to: 

 

Holly Hubenschmidt

Director, Library Instruction & Research Services

Webster University Libraries

Ms.  Hubenschmidt created the original LibGuide and template on which this guide is based.