CULTURAL CALENDAR

Celebrating the cultural holidays of international students is a way to bless them with a “home away from home” experience. The attached resources teach you how to celebrate in ways that grow your friendships and create opportunities to communicate the Gospel.
Calendars
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
Tue
17

Ramadan

February 17, 2026 - March 19, 2026calendar-multiday
Ramadan, observed from February 17 to March 19, 2026, is the Islamic month of fasting, when Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Each day’s fast is broken at sunset with an iftar (fast-breaking) meal, often shared with family and friends. Ramadan offers a wonderful opportunity to invite a Muslim student to join […]
Sun
15

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power / Decree)

calendar-day
Considered the holiest night in Ramadan; prayers multiplied.
Thu
19

Eid al Fitr

calendar-day
Eid al Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan. Find more details here.
Fri
20

Nowruz

calendar-day
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marks the beginning of spring—a time of new life and fresh beginnings. It is a major celebration for Iranians as well as many Central Asian and Turkic peoples. Read more for ideas on how to engage with students during this festive season.
Sun
05

Easter

calendar-day
Easter is the most significant day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Around the world, it is a time of hope, renewal, and joy—often marked by church gatherings, family meals, and cultural traditions like Easter eggs or spring festivals. Easter also offers a natural opportunity to discuss the holiday’s meaning with […]
Sun
05

Qingming Festival

calendar-day
The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is an important Chinese holiday centered on honoring ancestors and deceased relatives. Families visit grave sites to clean and clear away brush, offering food, fruit, wine, and symbolic paper money as acts of remembrance and respect. In 2026, Qingming falls on April 5, which, in a remarkable […]
Tue
26

Arafah Day / Day of Arafah

calendar-day
Day before Eid al-Adha; pilgrims gather on Mount Arafah.
Wed
27

Eid al-Adha

calendar-day
Festival of Sacrifice, honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice.
Tue
16

Islamic New Year

calendar-day
Marks the beginning of the new Hijri year.
Fri
19

Dragon Boat Festival

calendar-day
The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. The holiday commemorates an ancient poet and national hero. In addition to the exciting dragon boat races, people make and eat zongzi—pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings wrapped in leaves.
Thu
25

Ashura

calendar-day
Important especially in Shi’a Islam, marking the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali.
Tue
25

Mawlid al‑Nabi

calendar-day
The birth of the Prophet Muhammad is included among Islamic observances.
Fri
25

Mid Autumn Festival

calendar-day
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a popular harvest celebration that is an important time for family and friends to gather. Learn more about the holiday and how you can celebrate with your students here.
Sun
08

Diwali Festival

calendar-day
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a ‘festival of lights’ celebrated especially by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. This festival is spread over three to four days and is one of the most anticipated times of celebration.  Learn more about how to connect with friend through Diwali here.
Sat
16

Lailat al-Miraj

recurcalendar-day
Night of the Prophet’s ascension journey
Wed
03

Laylat al-Baraʿah

recurcalendar-day
Night of forgiveness / mercy.
Sun
16

Lailat al-Miraj

recurcalendar-day
Night of the Prophet’s ascension journey
Thu
03

Laylat al-Baraʿah

recurcalendar-day
Night of forgiveness / mercy.
Tue
16

Lailat al-Miraj

recurcalendar-day
Night of the Prophet’s ascension journey
Sat
03

Laylat al-Baraʿah

recurcalendar-day
Night of forgiveness / mercy.
Wed
16

Lailat al-Miraj

recurcalendar-day
Night of the Prophet’s ascension journey
Sun
03

Laylat al-Baraʿah

recurcalendar-day
Night of forgiveness / mercy.
Thu
16

Lailat al-Miraj

recurcalendar-day
Night of the Prophet’s ascension journey
Mon
03

Laylat al-Baraʿah

recurcalendar-day
Night of forgiveness / mercy.

Contact Us

For more information on celebrating these holidays, please reach out to our networks.



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