Cultural and Religious Observances

The Office of International Engagement strives to support cross-cultural learning opportunities across campus and the Cedar Valley Community. Part of our commitment to this is providing a space to learn more about the cultural and religious observances that our student populations hold. 

Have you ever wondered about the significance of Holi? The importance of Easter? The customs of Ramadan?

UNI is home to rich and diverse cultural and religious traditions. We invite you to explore the significance of just some of the celebrations you might encounter here on campus.

Explore more below as we continuously work to compile information in partnership with organizations and campus partners. 

*Note that Muslim and Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the first day listed. The exact date of Muslim holidays is often determined by the sighting of the moon, so may vary by a day.

International Engagement

Ramadan and Eid 

  • Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims.
  • During this month, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn until sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink (even water) during daylight hours. Fasting is a private act of worship bringing about nearness to God, as well as a form of spiritual discipline and a means to empathize with those less fortunate. The fast is broken at the end of the day with prayer and a festive meal called an "Iftar."
  • During Ramadan, many Muslims go to the mosque and spend several hours praying. In addition to the five daily prayers that are part of the core of Islam, Muslims recite a special prayer called the Tarawih prayer (night prayer).
  • On the evening of the 27th day of Ramadan, Muslims observe a special night called Layat al-Qadr, sometimes referred to as the "Night of Power." It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad first received the Holy Qur'an on this night.
  • The last ten nights of Ramadan are especially important and many Muslims will increase in their nightly prayers and devotion.
  • At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast.
  • Culture also plays an important role in determining how Ramadan is observed beyond fasting and fast-breaking.
  • Some may see their primary observances to be fasting, but others may consider it a time for socializing, visiting family and friends, and increasing in acts of worship including prayer or reciting the Qur’an in its entirety over the course of the month.
  • While dates and milk have a religious root as fast-breaking foods, there is tremendous cultural diversity in preferred Ramadan cuisines.
  • Some cultural traditions single out the pre-dawn meal for large and hearty meals, preferring light fast-breaking meals.
  • Other cultural traditions may observe only a light pre-dawn meal while enjoying large fast-breaking meals.
  • In some contemporary cultures, restaurants and cafes stay open all night and a culinary “night life” emerges.

Information taken in part from this site.