Interfaith Calendar
Interfaith Calendar
Religious observances allow the university to reflect on and practice the values that we as a campus community openly espouse, including sensitivity and respect for all cultures and religions. We are a community that embraces our diversity and encourages the celebration of multicultural traditions.
This resource includes dates, descriptions and information about some of the many religious holy days celebrated by faculty, staff and students at St. Cloud State. Also included with many are recommended accommodations to assist with planning classroom activities and other academic and co-curricular events.
May 2026
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Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) - May 1, 2026 |
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Description: The fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Jumping the balefire and dancing the MayPole. |
Future Dates: May 1 (annually) |
Buddha Day / Visakha Puja (Buddhist) - May 1, 2026 |
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Description: This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. General Practices: Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date. |
Future Dates: May 20, 2027 May 8, 2028 |
Ascension of the Bahaullah (Bahai) - May 29, 2026 |
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Description: Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha’i faith; Baha’llah died on May 29, 1892. General Practices: Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures |
Future Dates: May 28 or 29 (annually) |
Shavuot (Jewish) - May 21-23, 2026 |
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Description: Commemorates receipt of the Torah on Mount Sinai (two of three pilgrimage festivals) General Practices: Evening of devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot. |
Future Dates: June 10-12, 2027 May 30-June 1, 2028 |
Eid al-Adha (Muslim) - May 26-27, 2026 |
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Description: Eid al-Adha is a major festival that celebrates the willingness to make sacrifices in the name of one’s faith. This holiday celebrates the prophet Ibrahim’s total faith in God, and Muslims view this holiday as an important annual reminder. Ibrahim was ordered to sacrifice his son in God’s name. When Ibrahim was prepared to kill his son, God stepped in and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. Begins at sundown. Due to the differing interpretations of the lunar calendar, Muslims may differ as to when then they celebrate Eid al-Adha. General Practices: Prayers and gift giving. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first day. |
Future Dates: May 16-17, 2027 May 5, 2028 |