Public & National Holidays in India

India is a country with an extremely rich history and tradition. It is culturally very diverse, housing a lot of religious and ethnic communities. In the previous century, India was divided into three different parts (India, Pakistan & Bangladesh). However, it still has the second highest population in the world and is the seventh largest country in terms of area.

Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti are the three national holidays in India. Different states and regions in the country have different public holidays depending on the prevalent religious and linguistic demographics. Therefore, local custom plays an important role in public holidays in different provinces.

Instructions

  • 1

    Holidays in January


    26th - Republic Day

    On January 26, 1950, the constitution of India came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act 1935. Hence January 26 is observed as Republic Day every year.

  • 2

    Holidays in August


    15th - Independence Day

    Independence Day is observed throughout the country on August 15 as India got independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. The country got freedom as a result of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, led by the Indian National Congress. At the time of freedom, India was divided into two parts, India and Pakistan, on religious lines. Partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties throughout the region, which makes it a day of remembrance as well.

  • 3

    Holidays in October


    2nd - Gandhi Jayanti

    Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated all across the country on October 2 to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. Gandhi was an ambassador of non-violence and played an influential role in the politics of the region in the first half of the twentieth century.

    On June 15, 2007, The United Nations’ General Assembly adopted a resolution, declaring October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence.

  • 4

    Religious Holidays


    India has a majority of Hindus, who celebrate Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, Dussehra and some other festivals. Public holidays are announced on these occasions every year.

    There is a huge population of Muslims living in India, who are given holidays on Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Eid Milad an-Nabi and Muharram.

    Christians enjoy public holidays on Christmas and Good Friday; whereas Sikh festivals such as Guru Nanak Gurupurab are also celebrated in some parts of the country.  Other religious minorities also get holidays according to their traditions and customs.

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