In India, there are several holidays celebrated throughout the year. The holiday calendar includes both religious and secular observances. Here are some of the major holidays celebrated in India.
A circular issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has declared 17 Gazetted Holidays and 31 Restricted Holidays.
List of Gazetted Holidays in 2024:
Occasion
Date
Day
Republic Day
January 26
Friday
Holi
March 25
Monday
Good Friday
March 29
Friday
Id-ul-Fitr
April 11
Thursday
Ram Navmi
April 17
Wednesday
Mahavir Jayanti
April 21
Sunday
Buddha Purnima
May 23
Thursday
Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)
June 17
Monday
Muharram
July 17
Wednesday
Independence Day / Parsi New Year’s Day / Nauraj
August 15
Thursday
Janamashtami (Vaishnva)
August 26
Monday
Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e-Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad)
Independence Day / Parsi New Year’s Day / Nauraj (Gazetted)
August 15
Thursday
Rakshabandhan
August 19
Monday
Janamashtami (Vaishnva) (Gazetted)
August 26
Monday
List of public holidays in September 2024
Occasion
Date
Day
Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi
September 7
Saturday
Onam or Thiru Onam Day
September 15
Sunday
Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e-Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad) (Gazetted)
September 16
Monday
List of public holidays in October 2024
Occasion
Date
Day
Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday (Gazetted)
October 2
Wednesday
Dussehra (Maha Saptami)
October 10
Thursday
Dussehra (Maha Ashtami) / Dussehra (Maha Navmi)
October 11
Friday
Dussehra (Gazetted)
October 12
Saturday
Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday
October 17
Thursday
Karaka Chaturthi (Karva Chouth)
October 20
Sunday
Diwali (Gazetted)
October 31
Thursday
List of public holidays in November 2024
Occasion
Date
Day
Govardhan Puja
November 2
Saturday
Bhai Duj
November 3
Sunday
Pratihar Sashthi or Surya Sashthi (Chhat Puja)
November 7
Thursday
Guru Nanak’s Birthday (Gazetted)
November 15
Friday
Guru Teg Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day
November 24
Sunday
List of public holidays in December 2024
Occasion
Date
Day
Christmas Eve
December 24
Tuesday
Christmas (Gazetted) . December 25Wednesday
Republic Day (January 26): Celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. It is marked by a grand parade in the capital, New Delhi.
Holi (March): Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with vibrant colored powders, water balloons, and festive gatherings.
Good Friday (April): Observed by Christians to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Eid al-Fitr (Date varies): Celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
Independence Day (August 15): Marks India’s independence from British rule in 1947. It is celebrated with flag hoisting, patriotic events, and cultural programs.
Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September): Honors Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, with elaborate public and private celebrations, including the immersion of clay idols in water.
Diwali (October/November): Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It involves lighting lamps, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals.
Christmas (December 25): Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed with church services, feasts, and the exchange of gifts.
New Year’s Eve (December 31): The last day of the year is often celebrated with parties, fireworks, and various events across the country.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more regional and cultural festivals celebrated in different parts of India. The dates of some holidays, such as Diwali and Eid al-Fitr, vary each year based on the lunar calendar. It’s always a good idea to check a local calendar for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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