April is filled with a number of important and religious holidays for many people, many of which involve time off from work and dietary restrictions.  To promote an inclusive environment during this time, consider:

·       Avoid scheduling meetings and events on holidays

·       Ending the day in time for employees to be home by sundown,

·       Ordering from Kosher caterers and offering vegan options for meals

·       Be understanding that several observances involve fasting, which may affect individuals’ mood and energy levels. 

March 2 – April 17:  Lent: the period of 40 days leading up to Easter when Christians recognize a period of reflection, fasting, and prayer.  Many Christians give up meat, either throughout Lent or just on Fridays.  Eastern Orthodox Christians may avoid wine, oil, and dairy products.

April 2 – May 2, 2022: Ramadan is a holy month of daily fasting, worship, and prayer observed by Muslims. It celebrates the creation of the Quran, the holy book for people who practice the Islamic faith.

April 8^th:  Visakha Puja / Vesak is a Buddhist holiday traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. Buddhists often decorate their homes, visit their local temples, and avoid eating meat.

April 10:  Ram Navami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, the supreme God. Followers of Hinduism may fast or restrict themselves to a specific diet and avoid certain foods like onions, garlic, and wheat.

April 15:  Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and maybe a day of fasting and time off from work.

April 15 – April 23: Passover is a time Jewish people celebrate their ancestors’ freedom from slavery in Egypt. People practicing Judaism do not eat leavened foods or barley, rye, wheat, oats, or spelt. Many people also keep to Kosher-sanctioned foods and preparation methods.

April 17: Easter is one of the most important days in the Christian faith commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead according to the New Testament.

Non-religious holidays include:

4/2 – World Autism Awareness Day: A day that seeks to improve the lives of those who  experience autism.

4/22 – Earth Day (International): celebrates the planet we live on, observed internationally in more than 192 countries.

4/21-23 – Gathering of Nations (Native American): more than 500 Native tribes meet and celebrate various traditions and cultures.