HÂþ»­

See below for a sample of dates to observe, reflect, celebrate or promote throughout the university community. The full calendar is available on the website,

Tuesday, March 20: ASTRONOMICAL EVENT-​March Equinox
The March equinox occurs at 16:15 UT. This is the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of fall (autumnal equinox) in the southern hemisphere.​​

Tuesday, March 20: EVENT / OBSERVANCE-​International Francophone Day
International Francophonie Day (In French, Journée internationale de la francophonie) is observed within the International Organization of La Francophonie’s 77 member states every March 20 to celebrate the French language and Francophone culture. There are over 274 million French speakers on Earth.​

Wednesday, March 21: EVENT-International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN)
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21 with activities led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, New York, and at field-presences.​

Sunday, March 25: EVENT-International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery (UN)
On December 17, 2007, the UN General Assembly designated March 25 as an annual International Day for the Commemoration of the Two-Hundredth Anniversary of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Monday, March 26: HINDUISM-Ramanavami
Celebrates the birthday of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the God Vishnu. During the previous eight days, Hindus read the Ramayana, a Hindu epic, which tells the story of Rama.​

​​Friday, March 30: CHRISTIANITY-Holy (Good) Friday (W)
Commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ, i.e., his submission to death by crucifixion.

Saturday, March 31: JUDAISM-First Day of Pesaḥ
(Until April 6 for Reform Jews; Until April 7 for Orthodox and Conservative Jews) Pesaḥ commemorates the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. It is the first of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Shavuot and Sukkot). The evenings of the first and second days begin with Seders (festive meals and the telling of the Passover story).​