India is a land of diversity, and nowhere is this more visible than in its festivals and public holidays. With each state celebrating its unique traditions, the festival calendar India 2025 reflects a vibrant mosaic of cultures, beliefs, and historic legacies. Whether you’re planning your vacations, business operations, or school schedules, staying updated with the public holiday list across Indian states is essential.
This comprehensive guide gives you a detailed look at all major national and regional holidays in 2025, including religious festivals, gazetted holidays, and state-specific observances.
National Public Holidays in India – 2025
National holidays are observed throughout the country and apply to government offices, most private companies, and educational institutions.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 26 | Sunday | Republic Day |
| August 15 | Friday | Independence Day |
| October 2 | Thursday | Gandhi Jayanti |
These three days are fixed across all states, forming the backbone of India’s official public holiday list.
Major Festivals Celebrated Across India in 2025
Here are some of the most widely celebrated festivals that appear on almost every festival calendar India 2025:
Holi – March 14 (Friday)
Celebrated predominantly in North India, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It’s a day of colors, community celebrations, and cultural performances.
Eid-ul-Fitr – March 31 (Monday)
Observed by Muslims across the country, Eid-ul-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan. Festivities include prayers, feasting, and acts of charity.
Diwali – October 20 (Monday)
India’s biggest festival, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. It includes lighting lamps, bursting fireworks, and sharing sweets.
Durga Puja – October 1 to October 5 (Wednesday–Sunday)
Celebrated mostly in West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, this multi-day festival honors Goddess Durga and is marked by elaborate pandals and cultural events.
Christmas – December 25 (Thursday)
Observed across all states, especially in Kerala, Goa, and Northeast India, Christmas is a public holiday in many regions and a peak season for travel and celebrations.
State-Wise Public Holiday Calendar 2025
India’s states recognize different holidays based on local culture, language, and traditions. Here’s a snapshot of some key state-specific holidays:
Tamil Nadu
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Pongal – January 14–17
A harvest festival unique to Tamil Nadu, celebrated over four days with traditional feasts and cultural rituals.
Punjab
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Baisakhi – April 14
Marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth. Observed with processions, dancing, and religious prayers.
Kerala
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Onam – September 2 (Tuesday)
A grand harvest celebration including boat races, floral decorations, and the famous Onasadya feast.
Maharashtra
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Gudi Padwa – March 30 (Sunday)
Marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year and is celebrated with flag hoisting and traditional sweets like Puran Poli.
West Bengal
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Poila Boishakh – April 15 (Tuesday)
The Bengali New Year, marked by cultural events, new business beginnings, and festive meals.
For a complete state-wise breakdown, consult your respective state government’s official public holiday list for 2025. Each region typically publishes its calendar in late December of the previous year.
Holidays Falling on Weekends in 2025
A few key holidays fall on weekends in 2025, such as:
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Republic Day (Sunday)
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Gudi Padwa (Sunday)
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Bakrid / Eid al-Adha (Saturday, June 7)
While some states offer compensatory leave, not all businesses or schools follow this uniformly.
How to Use the Festival Calendar for Planning
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Travel Planning: Use the festival calendar India 2025 to align long weekends with your vacation dates, especially around Holi, Diwali, and Eid.
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Business Scheduling: Avoid scheduling major meetings or product launches on public holidays, especially state-specific ones.
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Academic Planning: Schools and universities should align internal schedules and exams around both national and local festivals.
List of Optional Holidays in 2025
Apart from mandatory public holidays, India also recognizes optional or restricted holidays. Employees can often choose a limited number of these as per personal beliefs:
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Mahavir Jayanti – April 10 (Thursday)
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Guru Nanak Jayanti – November 12 (Wednesday)
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Parsi New Year (Navroz) – August 16 (Saturday)
These do not appear on all official calendars but are listed by many organizations under voluntary leave categories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many public holidays are there in India in 2025?
A: Nationally, there are three fixed public holidays. Including religious and regional festivals, the number can range from 20 to 35 depending on the state.
Q2. Where can I find the official public holiday list for my state?
A: Each state government publishes its holiday gazette, typically available on its official website or through employment and education portals.
Q3. Do all Indian companies follow the same holiday calendar?
A: No. While national holidays are mandatory, other holidays vary. Multinational and private firms often issue their own internal calendar based on business needs.
Q4. Can I plan long weekends in 2025?
A: Yes. With some key holidays like Diwali and Eid falling close to weekends, there are several opportunities for long weekend getaways.
Q5. Are school holidays the same as public holidays?
A: Not always. While major festivals are common, school academic calendars may vary and often include additional breaks.
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