Public Holidays and Festivals in India reflect the diversification of Mother India herself.

There are holidays to honor and celebrate many different cultural aspects, religions and belief systems. These include but are not limited to Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Parsee, Sikh, and Secular.

Public holidays are often adhered to on a more regionally structured calendar that reflects the local color of the prevalent culture. This depends largely on the linguistic and religious demographic which can vary greatly from one area to another. Often India’s Government offices are closed in every region on public holidays.

National Holidays

Only Republic Day (26th Jan), Independence Day (15th Aug), and Gandhi’s Birthday (2nd Oct) are nationally observed on the same day.

The Republic Day of India celebrates when the Constitution of India came into force, and this replaced the previous Government of India Act. The main parade, takes place at the Rajpath in New Delhi. However State capitals hold their own celebrations.

The Independence Day commemorates India’s independence from British rule and the becoming of a sovereign nation in 1947. Flag hoisting ceremonies are held nationwide, with the president again taking part in New Delhi where he hoists a flag and makes speeches. India’s diversity is displayed brilliantly where the countries advances in science and technology take a place of honor, and a joint display of the military and armed forces make for an interesting celebration.

Gandhi’s Birthday is the last of the three national holidays celebrated to mark the occasion on October 2, 1869 when he was born. Gandhi is considered the “father of the Nation” and the celebration is to honor his memory and what he did for India, as such liquor is not sold or consumed on this day.

Secular Holidays

New Years Day (1st Jan) aligns with the rest of the world that celebrates it. And while not officially a public holiday is observed widely on a national scale.

Buddhist Holidays

The Buddhist ceremonies of Losar and Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti Are celebrated in India in various States and regions where Buddhism is present.

Losar is a celebration of the Tibetan New Year in India it is celebrated in Sikkim; it is usually in February and is a three day festival. Celebration is usually restricted to family on the first of the three days, and then on the remaining two people visit and exchange gifts. Monasteries are decorated brilliantly and rituals are held to expel evil spirits.

Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti is a celebration of the birth, enlightenment and final death of Buddha. India celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm in Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Delhi, and Sanchi. It is held to coincide with the first full moon of the Taurus, which is in May in common years or June-leap years.

Hindu Holidays

Hindus have many festivals right through-out the year, their culture and religion is teeming with reasons for celebration. From Harvests, the birth of gods, or even the battle of good vs. evil, Hindu Festivals are many and all are celebrated to the fullness of

Christian Holidays

As with much of the rest of the world the Christians in India celebrate Easter (varies between March 22 and April 25) and Christmas (25th December). They are not official Public holidays but are widely observed on a national basis.

Major Festivals

Hindu Festivals

Diwali (between mid October-mid November), Ganesh charturthi (between mid august and mid September), Holi (feb-march), Dussehra (mid October).

Islamic Festivals

Eid ul-Fitr (some time in sept), Eid al-Adha (Nov), Mawlid an-Nabi (Jan-march depending on the moon).

Other Major festivals

Sikh festival for Guru Nanak Ajanta(differs currently November).

Jain holidays of mahavir jayanti (late march to early April).