Visiting Information

Stanford Memorial Church is closed to visitors during maintenance from June 15–October 31, 2026.

Religious services, weddings, and ORSL programs will continue as scheduled. 

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Stanford
Office for Religious & Spiritual Life
Banner image featuring Hindu icon in white against a cardinal red background.

Hindu Religious Services

Observances are set and move according to a lunar calendar.

Observances for the 2026-2027 academic year 

  • 2026
    • August 8: Raksha Bandhan
    • August 15: Sri Krishna Jayanti
    • September 4: Ganesh Chaturthi
    • September 14-28: Pitru Paksha
    • September 22 - October 1: Navaratri
    • October 1: Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
    • October 8: Karwa Chauth
    • November 8*: Diwali (Deeppavali)
    • November 9*: Hindu New Year (Bestu Varas / Vikram New Year in many traditions)
  • 2027
    • January 14: Makar Sankranti
    • January 23: Vasanta Panchami (Saraswati Puja)
    • March 6*: Maha Shivaratri
    • March 22-23*: Holi
    • April 15*: Rama Navami 
    • April 22*: Hanuman Jayanti
    • April 14: Vaisakhi (Solar New Year)

University Accommodation Statement

Date Variability: Certain observances, particularly within Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, are based on lunar calendars or local astronomical calculations and may vary by one day. Students, faculty, and staff should be accommodated when observance dates differ from those listed above based on their religious community's practice.

Notes on Date Accuracy

  • Dates are given according to Pacific Time (California) where applicable.
  • Observances marked with (*) may vary by one day based on local moon sighting, temple calculations, or denominational practice.
  • For accommodation purposes, universities should treat Islamic, Hindu, Jain, and some Buddhist observances as potentially extending one day before or after the listed date.