India Calendar 2025 - Full List of National/Regional Public Holidays: Dates and Celebrations

As India moves further into the 21st century, its cultural landscape continues to be a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. In 2025, the country's rich heritage, diverse traditions, and rapid modernization will create a vibrant cultural mosaic that influences every aspect of life.

Learn more:

► US Calendar 2025 - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances: Dates and Celebrations

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Here's a look at India's cultural scenario in 2025:

How Many Public Holidays Are There in India?

Based on important religious and cultural holidays, India observes seventeen public holidays annually. Employees of the state and federal governments are paid holidays on these days. Employers are required to pay their staff members if they are required to work for any reason. Moreover, alternate paid holidays may be permitted in some states.

It is customary in India to have gazetted and restricted days among its public holidays. The nation's holiday schedule is broken down into three categories: state and union territory, gazetted, and restricted. An organization's holiday and leave policies should adhere to the maximum amounts allowed by all state laws that are relevant.

Three days are recognized as "national holidays" in India, and all businesses are required to give their employees a day off on these days:

• Republic Day, January 26;
• Independence Day, August 15; and
• Gandhi Jayanti, October 2.

An Overview of India Holidays in 2025

India Holidays

National Public Holidays in India 2025

India observes several national public holidays that are celebrated across the country, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and historical milestones. These national holidays are observed throughout the country, and government offices, schools, and many businesses remain closed on these days to allow citizens to participate in the celebrations and ceremonies.

Here is the list of public holidays in India for the year 2025:

Wednesday	Jan 01, 2025	New Year's Day
Tuesday	Jan 14, 2025	Makar Sankranti / Pongal
Sunday	Jan 26, 2025	Republic Day
Wednesday	Feb 26, 2025	Maha Shivaratri
Friday	Mar 14, 2025	Holi
Sunday	Mar 30, 2025	Ugadi / Gudi Padwa
Monday	Mar 31, 2025	Eid-ul-Fitar
Sunday	Apr 06, 2025	Ram Navami
Thursday	Apr 10, 2025	Mahavir Jayanti
Friday	Apr 18, 2025	Good Friday
Thursday	May 01, 2025	Labour Day
Monday	May 12, 2025	Budhha Purnima
Saturday	Jun 07, 2025	Bakri Id / Eid ul-Adha
Friday	Jun 27, 2025	Rath Yatra
Sunday	Jul 06, 2025	Muharram
Saturday	Aug 09, 2025	Raksha Bandhan
Friday	Aug 15, 2025	Independence Day
Saturday	Aug 16, 2025	Janmashtami
Wednesday	Aug 27, 2025	Vinayaka Chaturthi
Thursday	Sep 04, 2025	Onam
Friday	Sep 05, 2025	Milad un Nabi
Thursday	Oct 02, 2025	Mathatma Gandhi Jayanti
Thursday	Oct 02, 2025	Dussehra / Dasara
Tuesday	Oct 21, 2025	Diwali / Deepavali
Wednesday	Nov 05, 2025	Guru Nanak's Birthday
Thursday	Dec 25, 2025	Christmas

Important and Common Observations in India 2025

These days are essential as they reflect the country's rich cultural diversity and provide opportunities for citizens to celebrate their heritage and traditions.

Date	Name	Type
			2 Jan	Thursday	Last day of Hanukkah	Observance
29 Jan	Wednesday	Lunar New Year	Observance
14 Feb	Friday	Valentine's Day	Observance
2 Mar	Sunday	Ramadan Start (Tentative Date)	Observance
13 Apr	Sunday	First day of Passover	Observance
14 Apr	Monday	Ambedkar Jayanti	Observance
17 Apr	Thursday	Maundy Thursday	Observance, Christian
1 May	Thursday	International Worker's Day	Observance
11 May	Sunday	Mothers' Day	Observance
15 Jun	Sunday	Fathers' Day	Observance
10 Jul	Thursday	Guru Purnima	Observance
3 Aug	Sunday	Friendship Day	Observance
22 Sep	Monday	First Day of Sharad Navratri	Observance, Hinduism
28 Sep	Sunday	First Day of Durga Puja Festivities	Observance, Hinduism
31 Oct	Friday	Halloween	Observance
15 Dec	Monday	First Day of Hanukkah	Observance
22 Dec	Monday	Last day of Hanukkah	Observance
27 Dec	Saturday	Guru Govind Singh Jayanti	Restricted Holiday
31 Dec	Wednesday	New Year's Eve	Observance

Gazetted Holidays in India in 2025

A holiday that is officially declared by the government in the official gazette, also known as the government gazette, is referred to as a gazetted holiday. Put another way, the government and other public institutions across the nation recognize and honor it as a public holiday.

Date	Name	Type
			26 Jan	Sunday	Republic Day	Gazetted Holiday
26 Feb	Wednesday	Maha Shivaratri/Shivaratri	Gazetted Holiday
14 Mar	Friday	Holi	Gazetted Holiday
31 Mar	Monday	Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar (Tentative Date)	Gazetted Holiday
6 Apr	Sunday	Rama Navami	Gazetted Holiday
10 Apr	Thursday	Mahavir Jayanti	Gazetted Holiday
18 Apr	Friday	Good Friday	Gazetted Holiday
12 May	Monday	Buddha Purnima/Vesak	Gazetted Holiday
7 Jun	Saturday	Bakrid/Eid ul-Adha (Tentative Date)	Gazetted Holiday
6 Jul	Sunday	Muharram/Ashura (Tentative Date)	Gazetted Holiday
15 Aug	Friday	Independence Day	Gazetted Holiday
16 Aug	Saturday	Janmashtami	Gazetted Holiday
5 Sep	Friday	Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad (Tentative Date)	Gazetted Holiday
2 Oct	Thursday	Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti	Gazetted Holiday
2 Oct	Thursday	Dussehra	Gazetted Holiday
20 Oct	Monday	Diwali/Deepavali	Gazetted Holiday
5 Nov	Wednesday	Guru Nanak Jayanti	Gazetted Holiday
25 Dec	Thursday	Christmas	Gazetted Holiday

Non-Gazetted/Restricted Holidays in India in 2025

A restricted holiday is one that is voluntary and up to the employees to take or not. It is not required and is a form of paid leave. An employee is only permitted to take a certain number of restricted holidays during a fiscal year.

Date	Name	Type
			1 Jan	Wednesday	New Year's Day	Restricted Holiday
13 Jan	Monday	Lohri	Restricted Holiday
14 Jan	Tuesday	Pongal	Restricted Holiday
14 Jan	Tuesday	Makar Sankranti	Restricted Holiday
14 Jan	Tuesday	Hazarat Ali's Birthday	Restricted Holiday
2 Feb	Sunday	Vasant Panchami	Restricted Holiday
12 Feb	Wednesday	Guru Ravidas Jayanti	Restricted Holiday
19 Feb	Wednesday	Shivaji Jayanti	Restricted Holiday
23 Feb	Sunday	Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti	Restricted Holiday
13 Mar	Thursday	Holika Dahana	Restricted Holiday
14 Mar	Friday	Dolyatra	Restricted Holiday
30 Mar	Sunday	Chaitra Sukhladi	Restricted Holiday
30 Mar	Sunday	Ugadi	Restricted Holiday
30 Mar	Sunday	Gudi Padwa	Restricted Holiday
31 Mar	Monday	Jamat Ul-Vida (Tentative Date)	Restricted Holiday
14 Apr	Monday	Vaisakhi	Restricted Holiday
20 Apr	Sunday	Easter Day	Restricted Holiday
9 May	Friday	Birthday of Rabindranath	Restricted Holiday
27 Jun	Friday	Rath Yatra	Restricted Holiday
9 Aug	Saturday	Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)	Restricted Holiday
15 Aug	Friday	Janmashtami (Smarta)	Restricted Holiday
15 Aug	Friday	Parsi New Year	Restricted Holiday
27 Aug	Wednesday	Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayaka Chaturthi	Restricted Holiday
5 Sep	Friday	Onam	Restricted Holiday
29 Sep	Monday	Maha Saptami	Restricted Holiday
30 Sep	Tuesday	Maha Ashtami	Restricted Holiday
1 Oct	Wednesday	Maha Navami	Restricted Holiday
7 Oct	Tuesday	Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti	Restricted Holiday
10 Oct	Friday	Karaka Chaturthi (Karva Chauth)	Restricted Holiday
20 Oct	Monday	Naraka Chaturdasi	Restricted Holiday
22 Oct	Wednesday	Govardhan Puja	Restricted Holiday
23 Oct	Thursday	Bhai Duj	Restricted Holiday
27 Oct	Monday	Chhat Puja (Pratihar Sashthi/Surya Sashthi)	Restricted Holiday
5 Nov	Wednesday	Guru Nanak Jayanti	Gazetted Holiday
24 Nov	Monday	Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day	Restricted Holiday
24 Dec	Wednesday	Christmas Eve	Restricted Holiday
27 Dec	Saturday	Guru Govind Singh Jayanti	Restricted Holiday

Top 10 Major Religious Holidays in India in 2025

Eid al-Fitr

1. Makar Sankranti/Pongal - January 14, 2025 (Tuesday)

A harvest festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. People fly kites, prepare special foods, and exchange sweets.

2. Maha Shivaratri - February 26, 2025 (Wednesday)

A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by fasting, night-long vigils, and devotional worship.

3. Holi - March 17, 2025 (Monday)

The festival of colors, celebrated with vibrant colors, music, and dance, signifying the victory of good over evil.

4. Good Friday - April 18, 2025 (Friday)

Observed by Christians to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with church services and prayers.

5. Eid al-Fitr - April 22, 2025 (Tuesday)

Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Celebrations include communal prayers, feasting, and charity.

6. Raksha Bandhan - August 9, 2025 (Saturday)

A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists.

7. Ganesh Chaturthi - August 29, 2025 (Friday)

Ganesh Chaturthi

Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, with grand processions and idol immersion ceremonies.

8. Durga Puja/Dussehra - October 1-4, 2025 (Wednesday-Saturday)

Durga Puja honors the goddess Durga, while Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Festivities include worship, processions, and cultural performances.

9. Diwali - October 29, 2025 (Wednesday)

The festival of lights, celebrated with oil lamps, fireworks, and family gatherings, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

10. Christmas - December 25, 2025 (Thursday)

Celebrated by Christians worldwide to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, with festive decorations, church services, and gift-giving.

National/Regional Public Holidays in India 2025: Date and Celebrations

New Year's Day - January 1

New Year's Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated worldwide, including in India. It is a public holiday and is often marked by gatherings, parties, and cultural events. Many people take this time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the new one. Major cities in India, like Mumbai and Delhi, host grand celebrations with fireworks, music, and dance, while others prefer a quieter day spent with family and friends.

Lohri - January 13 (Punjab and Haryana)

Lohri is a popular winter festival celebrated predominantly in Punjab and Haryana. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. Traditionally, Lohri celebrates the harvest of sugarcane and is associated with the Punjabi folk hero Dulla Bhatti. The festival features bonfires, around which people gather to sing folk songs, dance Bhangra and Gidda, and offer sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewri to the flames. It symbolizes a time of joy and communal harmony.

Makar Sankranti - January 14

Makar Sankranti is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India, marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). It signifies the end of winter and the onset of longer, warmer days. The festival is known for its diverse regional names and customs, such as kite flying in Gujarat, Ganga Snan (holy dip) in Uttar Pradesh, and Pithla Bhakri (a special meal) in Maharashtra. It is a time for community feasts, prayers, and flying kites to celebrate the sun's journey northward.

Republic Day - January 26

Republic Day

Numerous people across the nation celebrate Indian Republic Day, which is a legal holiday every January 26. People should remember that India's constitution went into effect on January 26, 1950. This was the last step in the country's journey to becoming an independent republic.

On Republic Day, everyone gets a day off. People in general have the day off, and most schools and businesses are closed.

It will be on a Sunday in 2025, so some businesses may decide to keep their Sunday hours.

People in India put in a lot of work to plan events and celebrations for Republic Day. A lot of military parades happen in New Delhi and the capitals of the other states. The parades have people from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as traditional dance groups.

In New Delhi, there is a big parade. To start the event, India's prime minister puts a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to remember the soldiers who died protecting their country. India's president leads the military salute at the parade in New Delhi. In state capitals, the military salute is led by the governor of that state. On Republic Day, the president's main guest is a head of state from another country.

People in the armed forces and regular people are both given awards and medals for bravery. The military then flies over the parade area and drops rose petals on the people watching. Kids from schools also dance and sing patriotic songs as part of the parade. People in the Armed Forces also show off motorcycle rides. A "fly past" by fighter planes of the Indian Air Force marks the end of the parade. The planes fly past the dais and salute the president. It looks like the Indian flag is made of smoke trails from these.

India Republic Day (26/1): Best Wishes, Quotes And Messages

Maha Shivaratri/Shivaratri Day - February 26

The Hindu god Shiva is one of the three main gods in Hindu mythology.

An annual celebration known as Maha Shivratri is held in honor of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction.

In celebration, many fast for the entire day and spend the entire night awake. They also sing devotional songs known as bhajans and chant hymns.

Maha Shivaratri, also known as Shivaratri, is a holiday. People in general have the day off, and most schools and businesses are closed.

Maha Shivratri Day: Date & Time, History, How Celebrate, Rituals

Holi - March 14

The Hindu festival of colors, Holi, represents the end of winter and the brilliant colors of springtime to come. The Hindu calendar states that it starts on Phalguna's full moon night. That would be March 25, 2024.

Holi is a holiday for everyone. People in general have the day off, and most schools and businesses are closed.

People celebrate Holi as a celebration of Lord Krishna, who used to be a jokester and would fling water and colored powder at village girls. In addition, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. The celebration also represents gratitude for the bountiful harvest of the season.

Dolyatra - March 14

Dolyatra, also known as Dol Purnima or Dol Jatra, is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. It coincides with Holi, the festival of colors, and marks the arrival of spring. On this day, idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed on decorated palanquins and taken out in processions. Devotees throw colored powders (abir) and sing devotional songs. The festival represents the divine love of Radha and Krishna and the joy of spring's arrival.

Ugadi / Gudi Padwa - March 30 (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana)

Ugadi, celebrated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, and Gudi Padwa, observed in Maharashtra, marks the New Year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. It signifies the arrival of spring and the start of a new agricultural cycle. Traditions include preparing special dishes like Ugadi Pachadi and Puran Poli, decorating homes with mango leaves and rangoli, and performing religious rituals. The day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures and is filled with festive joy and cultural performances.

Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar - March 31

Eid ul Fitr is a time to share great food with family and friends

The Festival of Breaking the Fast, also known as Eid-ul-Fitr, is a significant Islamic holiday that Muslims everywhere observe. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

The day begins with communal prayers at mosques, followed by feasting and festive gatherings. Families and friends exchange gifts, and special dishes like biryani, sheer khurma, and kebabs are prepared. It is a time for charity, gratitude, and strengthening communal bonds.

It is a public holiday on Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar. People in general have the day off, and most schools and businesses are closed.

Rama Navami - April 6

Rama Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Rama on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Caitra, which usually falls in March or April.

Celebrated on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Caitra, which typically falls in March or April, Rama Navami (also known as Ram Navami, Ramanavami, or Sri Rama Navami) is a Hindu holiday honoring the birth of Rama. Rama, the seventh incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, is thought to be the first son of King Dasaratha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya.

Rama Navami is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

Mahavir Jayanti - April 22, Friday

On the thirteenth day of the rising moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra, people celebrate the birth of Lord Mahavira, also known as Mahavir Jayanti. For the Jains, it is a significant holiday.

Since it's a public holiday in India, government offices and schools are closed.

Baisakhi - April 13 (Punjab)

Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is a harvest festival celebrated predominantly in Punjab. It commemorates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Farmers rejoice and thank God for the bountiful harvest and pray for prosperity in the coming year. The festival is marked by vibrant Bhangra and Gidda dances, fairs, and community processions. It is also a significant day for Sikhs who visit Gurdwaras for prayers and partake in Langar (community meal).

Good Friday - April 18

Good Friday

In India, Good Friday is a gazetted holiday. It honors the last moments of Jesus' life as they are recorded in the Christian Bible, as well as his crucifixion and death. It is a public holiday on Good Friday. The majority of businesses and schools are closed, and most people have the day off.

Labour Day - May 01

There are a variety of activities to commemorate the day, including marches, parades, and speeches by political and labor leaders. Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is celebrated on May 1 in many countries, including India. It honors the contributions and struggles of workers and the labor movement.

There are a variety of activities to commemorate the day, including marches, parades, and speeches by political and labor leaders.

It is a public holiday in some states, and the focus is on workers' rights, fair labor practices, and improving working conditions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the workforce in the nation's development.

Workers' Day (Labour Day): History, Meaning, Celebrations, Wish and Quotes

Buddha Purnima/Vesak - May 12

Buddha Purnima/Vesak is a Public Holiday in India

The Buddhist holiday of Vesak (also known as Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima) commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.

It is observed as a gazetted holiday in India and occurs on the day of the full moon in April or May.

Vesak, or Buddha Purnima, is a public holiday. The majority of businesses and schools are closed, and most people have the day off.

Bakrid/Eid ul-Adha (Tentative Date) - June 7

Bakrid is one of the most anticipated dates in the calendar for the sizable Muslim community in India. It includes great food, prayer, and sacrifice.

It is a public holiday on Bakrid. The majority of businesses and schools are closed, and most people have the day off.

Indian Muslims number more than 200 million, and Bakrid is one of the holiest days of the year for them.

There will probably be a lot of people wearing their best clothes in Indian cities today. They will be praying, wishing each other "Happy Eid," and having a good time.

In some parts of cities with big Muslim populations, like Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, or Mumbai, food stands selling Bakrid treats line the streets.

People with their families walk around the streets and eat or buy small gifts for each other. People of all faiths and backgrounds usually come to this part of the festival.

Rath Yatra - June 27

Rath Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, celebrated in Puri, Odisha. It involves a grand procession where the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are placed on elaborately decorated chariots and pulled through the streets by devotees. Millions of pilgrims attend the festival, which serves as a symbol of Lord Jagannath's annual journey to his birthplace. The atmosphere is charged with devotion, music, and dance, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the event.

Muharram/Ashura (Tentative Date) - July 6

In India, Muharram, also known as Muharrum, is a gazetted holiday that signifies the beginning of the Islamic year.

In Islam, Muharram is the first month of the year. On the ninth and tenth or tenth and eleventh days of the month, some Muslims fast during the day. They may also go to special prayer meetings in homes or mosques.

Different Muslim groups celebrate this holiday in different ways. For some Muslims, Muharram is a time of mourning because it marks the end of the Battle of Karbala. Even though Muharram is mostly an Islamic holiday, people of other religions can also observe or take part in the activities in India during this time.

India has declared the tenth day of Muharram a holiday, so all banks, post offices, and government buildings are closed that day. Some Islamic stores, businesses, and other groups may be closed or have shorter hours. If you want to use public transportation that day, you might need to call the local transportation authority to find out when the buses are running.

Large prayer gatherings, parades, and marches may make it hard for people to get around. This is especially true in parts of India where most of the people are Muslims.

Raksha Bandhan- August 09

Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a traditional Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a decorative thread (rakhi) around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love and protection. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and often give gifts. Family gatherings, festive meals, and the exchange of sweets all mark the festival. It emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the duty of siblings to support each other.

Independence Day - August 15

August 15 is the day on which Indian Independence Day is always observed. It's India's National Day. There is a public holiday called 'I-Day' that commemorates the date of India's independence in 1947.

India celebrates Independence Day with great enthusiasm, and it ranks highly among the public holidays observed there. On August 15, 1947, India gained independence and seceded from British rule. In India, sales of alcohol are prohibited on this holiday, which is known as "dry day."

Janmashtami - August 16

Janmashtami in India

The Hindu holiday Janmashtami is also a government-approved holiday in many parts of India.

In some places, it may be called Gokulashtami or Sreekrishna Jayanthi. The Hindu calendar says that Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravana or Bhadra. Every three years, there is a leap month in the Hindu calendar.

It is observed on the eighth day of Bhadrava, the Hindu month that falls in August or September.

In India, is a Gazetted holiday in Bihar, Chandigarah, Chattisgarah, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Miizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

In Tamil Nadu, this holiday is known as Sri Krishna Jayanti.

Janmashtami is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

Vinayaka Chaturthi - August 27

Vinayaka Chaturthi, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and prosperity. The festival lasts for ten days, starting with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals. Devotees perform rituals, chant prayers, and offer sweets like modaks to the deity. On the final day, the idols are taken in grand processions to water bodies for immersion, symbolizing Ganesha's return to his celestial abode. It is a time of joy, community gatherings, and cultural activities.

Onam - August 29 (Kerala)

Onam is a major annual festival in Kerala, celebrating the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It is a harvest festival that features elaborate feasts (Onam Sadya), intricate flower arrangements (Pookalam), traditional dance styles like Kathakali and Thiruvathira, and boat races (Vallam Kali). The festival spans ten days, with the final day, Thiruvonam, being the most significant. Onam reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and is a time for family reunions, community events, and celebrating the state's agrarian traditions.

Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad (Tentative Date) - September 5

Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad

On Milad un-Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, or Mohammad, many Muslims in India celebrate.

Milad un-Nabi is a gazetted holiday in India that goes by many names, including Nabi Day, Mawlid, the Prophet's birthday, and Muhammad's birthday.

It is a public holiday on Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad. The majority of businesses and schools are closed, and most people have the day off.

Large prayer meetings, parades and marches may cause local disruption to traffic. This is particularly true of areas of India with a predominantly Muslim population.

Gandhi Jayanti - October 2

Gandhi Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Observed on October 2, it is a national holiday in India. The day is marked by prayer services, commemorative ceremonies, and tributes at Gandhi's memorial, Raj Ghat, in New Delhi.

Educational institutions and government offices often hold events highlighting Gandhi's contributions to the Indian independence movement and his principles of non-violence and truth. It is a day to reflect on his legacy and promote peace and harmony.

It is Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, so the government, post offices, and banks are all closed. Some stores and other businesses and groups may be closed or have shorter hours. If you want to use public transportation that day, you might need to call the local transportation authority to find out when the buses are running.

In India, a lot of people celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. Some events are:

All over India, people are holding prayer services, memorials, and tributes.

There will be art shows and essay contests.

By giving awards to projects that encourage a peaceful way of life.

The showing of movies and readings from books about Mahatma Gandhi's life and work.

A lot of people sing Gandhi's favorite devotional song, Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram. A lot of statues of Mahatma Gandhi in India have flower garlands or bunches of flowers on them. On October 2, some people also don't eat meat or drink alcohol.

Dussehra / Dasara - October 2

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India, marking the victory of good over evil. It commemorates Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana and the triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The festival includes various cultural performances, processions, and the burning of effigies of Ravana, signifying the eradication of evil. It is a time of joyous celebrations, with fairs, feasts, and community gatherings, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness.

Diwali/Deepavali - October 21

Diwali or Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across India and by Indian communities worldwide. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

This is the day that all Indian government buildings, post offices, and banks are closed. Some stores and other businesses and groups may be closed or have shorter hours. Transportation is usually not affected because a lot of people in the area travel for religious events. People who want to use public transportation on that day should check with the local transportation authorities to find out when the buses and trains run.

Celebrations include lighting oil lamps (diyas), bursting fireworks, decorating homes with rangoli, and exchanging sweets and gifts. The festival spans five days, with the main day, Lakshmi Puja, dedicated to worshiping the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Diwali is a time of joy, prosperity, and family reunions.

Guru Nanak Jayanti - November 5

Nanak Ji jayanti is celebrated to mark the anniversary of their first Sikh Guru who played an important role in shaping and strengthening the Sikh community

November will mark the celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Purab, Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav, and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti. As the festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Sikhism's founder, Guru Nanak, it holds great significance for Sikhs.

Guru Govind Singh Jayanti is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

It is common for large processions to go through markets in India on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. People sing devotional songs during the procession and share sweets and a cold drink or a sharbat among the adults and children. There are also special prayer gatherings that are held at places of worship known as Gurudwaras.

Historical lectures are conducted and poems recited as part of praising the Guru on his birthday. Special dishes that are unique to this occasion are prepared and served during the festivities.

Children's Day - November 14

Children's Day, also known as Bal Diwas, honors Jawaharlal Nehru, the nation's first prime minister, on November 14, his birthday. Since this is not a public holiday in India, businesses and educational institutions are open as usual. To celebrate the day with the students, the majority of schools and educational institutions actually plan enjoyable activities.

Top 500+ Meaningful Wishes, Quotes and Messages for Kids Of All Ages

Christmas - December 25

Christmas Day, observed on December 25 every year, is a time when many Christians in India commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. In states with a high concentration of Christians, the festivities are most noticeable. In India, Christmas Day is a gazetted holiday. It is a public holiday on Christmas. The majority of businesses and schools are closed, and most people have the day off.

Conclusion

These holidays not only provide a break from the routine but also allow Indians to come together and celebrate their diverse cultures and traditions.

Each state in India has its own unique set of regional holidays, reflecting its cultural richness. Whether it's a national holiday observed across the country or a regional festival celebrated with local customs, these holidays are an integral part of India's social and cultural fabric.

Plan your year ahead and make the most of these joyous occasions in 2025!

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