Most Popular Festivals & Holidays in India in April

Photo: Lexagent

1. Odisha Day (ओडिशा दिवस) - Apr 1st, 2021

Odisha Day is celebrated as a regional public holiday on April 1st in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Also known as Utkal Divas or Utkala Dibasa, this day commemorates the formation of the state as a separate province in 1936.

Odisha Day is celebrated throughout the state, with competitions organized by local politicians, such as firework competitions, as cited by Office Holidays.

Photo: NDTV

2. Bank Holiday (बैंक अवकाश) - Apr 1st, 2021

Banks across India will remain closed for 14 days in the month of April, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holidays calendar. Out of these 14 days, eight holidays are on account of various festivals and the bank closing day (April 1) while the rest are regular holidays including four Sundays and two Saturdays.

Photo: The Financial Express

3. Good Friday (गुड फ्राइडे) - Apr 2nd, 2021

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

Many Christians in India attend special church services or pray on Good Friday. Some people also fast or abstain from meat on this day. Many Christians hold parades or open-air plays to portray the last days and hours of Jesus' life in some areas of India, reported Time and Date.

Photo: India Today

Good Friday is a day of sadness, in which churches are empty and dark. Services are held in the afternoon. Many churches have a bitter drink prepared from leaves, vinegar, and other ingredients. This drink is for everyone to taste after the service.

4. Easter (ईस्टर) - Apr 4th, 2021

Photo: Vantican News

Easter Day is an optional holiday. Employment and holiday laws in India allow employees to choose a limited number of holidays from a list of optional holidays. Some employees may choose to take the day off on this day, however, most offices and businesses remain open.

5. Kalashtami (कालाष्टमी) - Apr 4th, 2021

6. Sheetala Ashtami (शीतला अष्टमी) - Apr 4th, 2021

7. Papmochani Ekadashi (पापमोचिनी एकादशी) - Apr 7th, 2021

8. Pradosh Vrat (प्रदोष व्रत) - Apr 9th, 2021

9. Masik Shivaratri (मासिक शिवरात्रि) - Apr 10th, 2021

10. Month of Ramadan (रमज़ान का महीना) - Apr 12th, 2021

Photo: Oneindia

Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar / Hijri Calendar. The length of the Month varies between 29 and 30 days depending on the sighting of the Shawwal Moon which leads to the much-awaited Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal. Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and during this holy month, Al-Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.). The word ‘Ramadan’ comes from the Arabic word ‘Ramad / Ramida’ which means scorching heat or drought. So the word Ramadan means abstinence from eating and/or drinking anything from dawn till dusk.

Ramadan 2021 is expected to begin on Monday, April 12, 2021 (according to Saudi Arabia) and will end on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Eid al Fitr 2021 is expected to be celebrated on Thursday, May 13, 2021. This is the tentative date as the actual date of commencement of Ramadan 2021 is subject to the sighting of the moon.

11. Chaitra Amavasya (चैत्र अमावस्या) - Apr 12th, 2021

READ MORE: Major Festivals in India Throughout 12 Months

12. Ugadi (उगादी) - Apr 13th, 2021

Ugadi, also known as Yugadi and Samvatsaradi, is the New Year holiday celebrated by the Kannada and Telugu communities in India. It's an official public holiday in several Indian states with a considerable Telugu/Kannada population and in Mauritius, Any Day Guide cites.

Photo: Utsavpedia

Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra, the first month of the year in the Hindu calendar. It falls on a different day every year because the Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar while the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar. The name of the holiday is derived from the Sanskrit expression that means “the beginning of a new age”.

Ugadi is one of the most auspicious days for Kannadigas and Telugus who begin to prepare for the festival a week ahead, cleaning their houses and shopping for new clothes. One of the most important and well-known traditions is cooking a special dish called Ugadi panchadi.

13. Telugu New Year (तेलुगु नया साल) - Apr 13th, 2021

14. Vaisakhi (बैसाखी ) - Apr 13th, 2021

Photo: Times of India

This regional Indian holiday is celebrated on 13 or 14 April each year. Also spelled Baisakhi, the holiday is one of the most important festivals for Sikhs and is marked by the millions of Sikhs in India and around the world.

Vaisakhi is an ancient spring harvest festival that has been observed in the Punjab region for many centuries. It became closely associated with Sikhism at the end of the 17th century, when Guru Gobind Singh, leader of the Sikhs, chose the date of the festival to create the highest order that can reached by Sikhs, known as the Khalsa Panth.

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh summoned Sikhs from across India to the city of Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. There, in front of the massed crowds, he adorned five Sikhs with the distinguishing Khalsa identity of a Saint Soldier.

15. Bohag Bihu (बोहाग बिहू या भोगली बिहू) - Apr 13th, 2021

Photo: The Quint

Bohag Bihu is a regional public holiday celebrated in the Indian state of Assam on April 14th each year. Several days of public holidays may be declared depending on what day of the week it falls on and it is also sometimes a public holiday in the neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Also known as Rongali Bihu, this is the national festival of Assam, one of the most beautiful states of India, famed for its tea gardens, green forests and the Brahmaputra river.

16. Chandra Darshan (चंद्र दर्शन) - Apr 13th, 2021

17. Ramadan Fasting Starts (रमजान का उपवास) - Apr 13th, 2021

18. Navratri Day 1 - Goddess Shailputri (मां शैलपुत्री - पहले दिन) - Apr 13th, 2021

Photo: OKTelugu

1st day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri. Ghatasthapana and Shailputri puja is performed on this day. She is the first form of the nine incarnation Goddess Durga. Maa Shailputri is also known as Bhavani, Parvati, and Hemavati. She is known to be the earthly essence. So, Navratri day 1 is dedicated to Maa Shailputri Puja. In 2021, Chaitra Navratri starts from Tuesday, 13 April, as cited by Rgyan.

19. Chaitra Navratri, Ugadi, Ghatasthapana, Gudi Padwa (चैत्र नवरात्रि घट स्थापना) - Apr 13th, 2021

20. Tamil New Year (तमिल नव वर्ष) - Apr 14th, 2021

21. Vishu (विषु त्यौहार) - Apr 14th, 2021

Photo: eSamskriti

Vishu is a regional public holiday in the southern Indian state of Kerala on April 14th or 15th each year, the first day of the Tulu calendar.

This is an important festival celebrated with much fanfare and energy in all parts of Kerala. It is considered a festival of light and fireworks.

22. Bengali New Year (पोहेला बैशाख ) - Apr 14th, 2021

Bengali New Year, also known as 'Pohela Boishakh' is the first day in the Bengali calendar. Poila means ‘first’ and Boishakh is the first month of the Bengali calendar Mughal Emperor Akbar introduced the Bengali calendar in 1556 (Gregorian calendar) to make the collection of land tax easier in 'Subah Bangla', much of which is now in Bangladesh.

As it is based on a solar calendar it occurs on April 14th in the Gregorian calendar each year. It is a public holiday in Bangladesh and in India, it is a public holiday in several states and may be celebrated by Bengali communities elsewhere in India.

It may be observed on April 15th in India, as April 14th is already a holiday in many states for Dr Ambedkar Jayanti.

It is celebrated at the time as many other new years in the region. It is marked by the sun moving from Pieces to Aries. This is an ancient festival and when it was first observed, the movement of the sun into Aries would have been closer to the Vernal Equinox which marks the arrival of spring in the northern hemisphere. The dates of these events differ today due to the wobble of the earth on its axis over a 25,000 cycle - known as a procession.

23. Navratri Day 2 - Goddess Brahmacharini (मां ब्रह्मचारिणी - दूसरे दिन) - Apr 14th, 2021

Photo: Youtube

The second day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Brahmacharini- the 2nd form of NavDurga. After the Kushmanda form, Goddess Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati. In this form, the Goddess Parvati was a great Sati. She did severe penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. She performed hard austerity and due to which she was called Brahmacharini, Aparna and Uma, India Today cites.

This year the second day of Shardiya Navratri will fall on October 18. Goddess Brahmacharini is depicted as walking on the bare feet. She has two hands, carrying Jap Mala in the right hand and Kamandal in the left hand.

24. Himachal Day (हिमाचल दिवस) - Apr 15th, 2021

25. Navratri Day 3 - Goddess Chandraghanta (मां चंद्रघंटा - तीसरे दिन) - Apr 15th, 2021

Photo: Youtube

The 3rd day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of the Goddess Adi Shakti. On this day the Chandraghanta avatar of NavaDurga is worshiped. Chandraghanta Devi is called the Goddess of spiritual and internal power. In 2021, Chaitra Navratri day 3 (Tritiya) falls on Thursday, 15 April and Shardiya Navratri Tritiya falls on Saturday, 09 October 2021.

26. Rohini Vrat (रोहिणी व्रत) - Apr 16th, 2021

27. Navratri Day 4 - Goddess Kushmanda (मां कूष्माण्डा - चौथे दिन ) - Apr 16th, 2021

Photo: Youtube

Navratri 4th day is dedicated to worship of Maa Kushmanda - The fourth form of the NavaDurga. Kushmanda symbolizes as Ku means little, Ushma means energy and Anda means cosmic egg. Here the whole universe is represented as a cosmic egg and the Devi is believed to end the darkness with her divine smile. Maa Kushmanda has eight hands; because of that, she is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi. In 2021, Chaitra Navratri day 4 (Chaturthi) falls on Friday, 16 April; and Shardiya Navratri Chaturthi falls on Saturday, 09 October 2021.

28. Navratri Day 5 - Goddess Skandamata (मां स्‍कंदमाता - पांचवें दिन) - Apr 17th, 2021

Photo: Youtube

On the 5th day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Skandamata form of Goddess Durga. Skandamata is the Mother of Lord Karthikeya or Skanda. Skandamata is seen mounted on a lion carrying her divine child Karthikeya or Skanda. Hence she appears blissful and highly benevolent too. Those who worship Skandamata also get the blessings of Skanda seated on her lap. Those who worship Skandamata are blessed with fame, wealth, and prosperity, according to the Times of India.

29. Shasti (शास्ति) - Apr 18th, 2021

30. Navratri Day 6 - Goddess Katyayini (मां कात्यायनी - छठा दिन) - Apr 18th, 2021

Photo: Youtube

Navratri 6th day or Shasthi tithi is dedicated to the worship of Maa Katyayani - the 6th form of the NavaDurga. She is also referred to as the warrior goddess. A girl facing issues for fixing a marriage can pray Maa Katyayani to obtain a happy and smooth marriage life. She ensures harmony and peace in married life. It is also believed that worshiping her on Navratri can help eradicate all the negative effects of planets in horoscope.

In 2021, Chaitra Navratri day 6 (Shasthi) falls on Sunday, 18 April; and Shardiya Navratri Shasthi falls on Monday, 11 October 2021.

31. Navratri Day 7 - Goddess Kalaratri (कालरात्रि देवी - सातवें दिन) - Apr 19th, 2021

Photo: Youtube

Navratri 7th Day (Maha Saptami) observes the worship of Goddess Kalaratri as well as Goddess Saraswati. This day people also arrange the Utsava Puja. On Navratri day 7; Navagraha puja is also performed. Maa Kalaratri is considered to be the most ferocious avatar of NavDurga and is known for destroying ignorance and removing darkness from the universe. In 2021, Chaitra Navratri day 7 (Saptami) falls on Monday, 19 April; and Shardiya Navratri Saptami falls on Tuesday, 12 October 2021.

32. Durga Ashtami Vrat (दुर्गा अष्टमी व्रत) - Apr 20th, 2021

33. Navratri Day 8 - Mahagauri (महागौरी - आठवें दिन) - Apr 20th, 2021

Photo: Youtube

The 8th day of Navratri falls in the Maha Ashtami Tithi dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahagauri and Kanya puja. She is known as the 8th and most beautiful form of NavaDurga. Sandhi Puja is also observed in many regions of India. It is believed that she is the most beautiful and glows very brightly. That’s the reason her name is Gauri. She is the Goddess who denotes peace and endurance.

It is said that worshiping her will clean the devotee's heart and make him pious. This puja is performed during Ashwin Shukla Ashtami. In 2021, Chaitra Navratri day 8 (Ashtami) falls on Tuesday, 20 April; and Shardiya Navratri Ashtami falls on Wednesday, 13 October 2021.

34. Ram Navami (राम नवमी तथा राम जन्म) - Apr 21st, 2021

Photo: Adotrip

Ram Navami is a Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya.

It is celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra month (the first month in the Hindu lunar calendar). It marks the culmination of the spring festival of Vasanta Navratri (Chaitra Navratri) which begins on Ugadi.

Ram Navami is a gazetted holiday in several Indian states but may be celebrated on different days.

35. Navratri Day 9 - Goddess Siddhidatri (माँ सिद्धिदात्री - नौवां दिन ) - Apr 21st, 2021

Photo: Youtube

The 9th day of Navratri which falls in the Maha Navami Tithi observes the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri, the 9th form of NavDurga. On Maha Navami, Maa Durga is worshipped as Mahisasura Mardini which means the Annihilator of the Buffalo Demon. It is believed that on Maha Navami day Durga killed the demon Mahishasura. In 2021, Chaitra Navratri day 9 (Maha Navami) falls on Wednesday, 21 April; and Shardiya Navratri Navami falls on Thursday, 14 October 2021.

36. Ram Navami (राम नवमी) - Apr 21st, 2021

37. Kamada Ekadashi (कामदा एकादशी) - Apr 23rd, 2021

38. Pradosh Vrat (प्रदोष व्रत) - Apr 24th, 2021

39. Mahavir Jayanti (महावीर जयन्ती) - Apr 25th, 2021

Photo: Office Holidays

Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious holiday in Jainism. This is a gazetted holiday which means that government offices and most businesses are closed.

The holiday is celebrated on the 13th day of the waxing (rising) half of Hindu month of Caitra which usually occurs in either late March or early April in the Gregorian calendar.

Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Mahavira, a contemporary of the Buddha, and the 24th and last Tirthankara (great sages).

40. Hanuman Jayanti (हनुमान जयंती) - Apr 27th, 2021

Photo: India Today

Hanuman Jayanti is a very significant day for the devotees of Lord Hanuman. It is believed that Bajrang Bali is also known as Vanara God, was born on this day and Hanuman Jayanti is observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman every year.

There is no consensus on the exact day of Hanuman Jayanti in Hindu calendar. Hence, devotees observe Hanuman Jayanti during a different time of the year according to their regional beliefs and the type of calendar being followed.

However, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on full moon day during Chaitra month is the most popular one.

41. Chaitra Purnima Vrat (चैत्र पूर्णिमा व्रत) - Apr 27th, 2021

42. Sankashti Chaturthi (संकष्टी चतुर्थी) - Apr 30th, 2021

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