As 2025 draws near, it’s the perfect time to start planning your holidays and breaks. Whether you’re looking to travel, relax at home, or celebrate important occasions, understanding India’s holiday calendar will help you make the most of your year. With a combination of national holidays, regional festivals, and long weekends, there are plenty of opportunities to take time off and recharge.
Key Dates to Mark in Your Calendar
India’s holiday calendar for 2025 offers a diverse mix of holidays, ensuring that there is something for everyone. From national celebrations like Republic Day to regional festivals such as Pongal, these holidays offer a chance to take a break from your routine and enjoy some leisure time.
January 2025 kicks off the year with New Year’s Day on January 1. Other key holidays in January include Republic Day on January 26.
February 2025 includes Vasant Panchami on February 2 and Maha Shivaratri on February 26, offering both spiritual and cultural significance.
March 2025 brings in Holi on March 14, a festival of colors and joy. The month also includes several other regional holidays, including Chaitra Sukhladi and Ugadi on March 30.
April 2025 sees significant holidays like Mahavir Jayanti on April 10 and Good Friday on April 18, both of which offer a chance for reflection and relaxation.
Special Long Weekends and Regional Celebrations
One of the highlights of the 2025 holiday calendar is the opportunity for long weekends, especially around key festivals like Diwali in October. Diwali falls on October 20, and with several holidays around it, it becomes an ideal time for celebrations and family gatherings.
Independence Day on August 15 also falls on a Friday, creating a long weekend perfect for travel or relaxation. Similarly, Christmas on December 25, a Friday, ensures a festive end to the year.
Making the Most of Your Holidays
With these holidays, you can plan vacations, spend time with loved ones, or simply take a break from work. Having a clear idea of when the holidays fall allows you to balance your work and leisure time efficiently. Keep in mind regional variations, as certain holidays may differ depending on your location.
| Month | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1 Jan (Wednesday) | New Year’s Day | Restricted Holiday |
| 6 Jan (Monday) | Guru Govind Singh Jayanti | Restricted Holiday | |
| 14 Jan (Tuesday) | Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Hazarat Ali’s Birthday | Restricted Holidays | |
| 26 Jan (Sunday) | Republic Day | Gazetted Holiday | |
| February | 2 Feb (Sunday) | Vasant Panchami | Restricted Holiday |
| 12 Feb (Wednesday) | Guru Ravidas Jayanti | Restricted Holiday | |
| 19 Feb (Wednesday) | Shivaji Jayanti | Restricted Holiday | |
| 26 Feb (Wednesday) | Maha Shivaratri | Gazetted Holiday | |
| March | 13 Mar (Thursday) | Holika Dahana | Restricted Holiday |
| 14 Mar (Friday) | Holi, Dolyatra | Gazetted and Restricted Holidays | |
| 28 Mar (Friday) | Jamat Ul-Vida (Tentative Date) | Restricted Holiday | |
| 30 Mar (Sunday) | Chaitra Sukhladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa | Restricted Holidays | |
| 31 Mar (Monday) | Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitr (Tentative Date) | Gazetted Holiday | |
| April | 6 Apr (Sunday) | Rama Navami | Restricted Holiday |
| 10 Apr (Thursday) | Mahavir Jayanti | Gazetted Holiday | |
| 18 Apr (Friday) | Good Friday | Gazetted Holiday | |
| May | 12 May (Monday) | Buddha Purnima/Vesak | Gazetted Holiday |
| June | 7 Jun (Saturday) | Bakrid/Eid ul-Adha (Tentative Date) | Gazetted Holiday |
| July | 6 Jul (Sunday) | Muharram/Ashura (Tentative Date) | Gazetted Holiday |
| August | 9 Aug (Saturday) | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) | Restricted Holiday |
| 15 Aug (Friday) | Independence Day, Janmashtami (Smarta), Parsi New Year | Gazetted and Restricted Holidays | |
| 16 Aug (Saturday) | Janmashtami | Gazetted Holiday | |
| 27 Aug (Wednesday) | Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayaka Chaturthi | Restricted Holiday | |
| September | 5 Sep (Friday) | Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad, Onam (Tentative Date) | Gazetted and Restricted Holidays |
| 29 Sep (Monday) | Maha Saptami | Restricted Holiday | |
| 30 Sep (Tuesday) | Maha Ashtami | Restricted Holiday | |
| October | 1 Oct (Wednesday) | Maha Navami | Restricted Holiday |
| 2 Oct (Thursday) | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra | Gazetted Holidays | |
| 7 Oct (Tuesday) | Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti | Restricted Holiday | |
| 10 Oct (Friday) | Karaka Chaturthi (Karva Chauth) | Restricted Holiday | |
| 20 Oct (Monday) | Naraka Chaturdasi, Diwali/Deepavali | Restricted and Gazetted Holidays | |
| 22 Oct (Wednesday) | Govardhan Puja | Restricted Holiday | |
| 23 Oct (Thursday) | Bhai Duj | Restricted Holiday | |
| November | 5 Nov (Wednesday) | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Gazetted Holiday |
| 24 Nov (Monday) | Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day | Restricted Holiday | |
| December | 24 Dec (Wednesday) | Christmas Eve | Restricted Holiday |
| 25 Dec (Thursday) | Christmas | Gazetted Holiday |
Conclusion
India’s 2025 holiday calendar is packed with opportunities to take time off and enjoy various cultural celebrations. By planning ahead, you can maximize your breaks and create memorable moments throughout the year.
