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.
October 2026
Filter: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December - List All Holidays
Navaratri (Hindu) - October 11-20, 2026 |
|
|---|---|
|
Description: A Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. General Practices: Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are often feasts and dances. |
Future Dates: October 7-15, 2027 September 19-27, 2028 |
Sukkot (Jewish) - September 25-October 2, 2026 |
|
|---|---|
|
Description: A week-long celebration which begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals; Sukkot is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land. General Practices: Sukkot, beginning at sundown, families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events or activities on the first two days. |
Future Dates: October 15-22, 2027 October 4-11, 2028 |
Shemini Atzeret (Atzereth) (Jewish) - October 2-4, 2026 |
|
|---|---|
|
Description: A fall festival, which includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel. General Practices: Beginning at sundown, Jews light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzereth (the 8th night of Sukkot). Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events or activities on the first two days. |
Future Dates: October 22-24, 2027 October 11-13, 2028 |
Simchat Torah (Jewish) - October 3-4, 2026 |
|
|---|---|
|
Description: Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and the beginning of the new cycle. General Practices: Practitioners dance in synagogues as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events or activities on the first two days. |
Future Dates: October 23-24, 2027 October 12-13, 2028 |
Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) - Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2026 |
|
|---|---|
|
Description: One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life. General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died. |
Future Dates: October 31-November 1 (annually) |