From the Vanderbilt University’s Center for Spiritual and Religious Life, this month’s list of religious observances.
| DATE THIS YEAR | DAY | HOLIDAY | RELIGION | SIGNIFICANCE | |
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July 3 |
Monday |
Asalha Puja |
Buddhism |
Recalls the Buddha’s first discourse following his spiritual enlightenment; also known as Dharma Day |
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July 3 |
Monday |
Guru Purnima |
Hinduism Jainism |
Dedicated to all spiritual and academic gurus who share their wisdom; also called Vyasa Purnima, as celebration of Veda Vyasa who wrote the Mahabharata and compiled the Vedas; revived by Mahatma Gandhi to honor his spiritual guru, Shrimad Rajchandra; many Indians, regardless of faith tradition, may celebrate by thanking teachers |
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July 6 |
Thursday |
17th of Tammuz |
Judaism |
Commemorating the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE |
Jewish students and employees may be fasting. |
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July 10 |
Monday |
Martyrdom of the Báb |
Bahá’í |
Marks the execution of the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í faith, in 1850 |
Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities. Bahá’í students and employees will likely request this day off. |
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July 18 July 19 |
sundown Tuesday sundown Wednesday |
Islamic New Y ear* |
Islam |
Month marks the beginning of the Islamic liturgical year; this first day, al- Hijra, recalls the migration of Mohammed and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE; also marks the beginning of the ten-day Shi’a Muslim Remembrance of Muharram, recalling the martyrdom of Hussein, the son of Ali and grandson of Mohammed |
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July 24 |
Monday |
Pioneer Day |
Latter-day Saints |
Commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley of Utah in 1847 |
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July 26 July 27 |
sundown Wednesday sundown Thursday |
Tisha B’Av |
Judaism |
A day of fasting that mourns the destruction of ancient Temples and Jerusalem, as well as other disasters that have afflicted the Jewish people |
Jewish students and employees may be fasting. |
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July 27 July 28 |
sundown Thursday sundown Friday |
Ashura |
Islam |
A day of fasting recalling Moses’ exodus from Egypt; for Shi’a Muslims, the end of the Remembrance of Muharram, marking the martyrdom of Hussein at the Battle of Karbala |
Muslim students and employees may be fasting. |