Indian Public Holidays

India is a land of religion and festivals. Birthday of God, Goddess, Saint's, advent of a season is celebrated with a great fanfare and are declared holidays. The list of holidays in India is long and constitutes both 'gazetted public holidays' and 'restricted holidays', which means government employees have a choice of any two dates. On public holidays, Government offices and Banks in India are closed. Here is a list of key Holidays in India.

List of key Holidays in India and their description

Muharram (Islamiv New Year)

It is the most sacred day and Muslims observe fasts. It is unlawful to fight during this day. Banks of India don't operate and shuts down this day.

Republic Day

26th January 1950, the constitution of India was formed and India became a sovereign. It's a national holiday and all the banks and their branches win India closes. Republic Day is grandly celebrated in India Gate with fervor and enthusiasm. Parades, dances, colorful celebrations takes place. Republic day date is fixed and is always celebrated on 26th January.

Milad-un-Nabi

The day celebrates the Islamic birth date of Prophet Mohammed's. It's time to remember, observe and learn from the teachings of holy Prophet Mohammed. Banks of India are not operational on this day.

Independence Day

Banks of India and all the public and private sectors close down on 15th August. Flag Hoisting ceremony takes place in Red Fort. Prime Minister pay tribute to the freedom stragglers. The days is the most important day for Indian's from all over across the world. National anthem is sung, cultural programs and patriotic speeches are narrated to mark the importance of the day.

Gandhi Jayanti

The day marks the Birthday of Mahatma, the 'Father of The Nation'. It is celebrated on 2ns of October every year and is officially declared a National Holiday. Prayers and tribute services are held at Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. Programs depicting the life and struggles of Mahatma Gandhi are shown on TV and theaters. Being a national holiday, all th banks of India are also closed.

Id-ul-Fitr

Eid is the most important festival for Muslims across the world and denotes the end of 'Ramadan' i.e. 'The month of fasting'. Devotees break their fast and attend special prayers. On this pious day Muslims cook delicious food, wear new cloths and greet each other.

Dussehra

Dusshera is a popular Hindu festival and marks the end of Devon Rama by Lord Rama. This auspicious day is celebrated with a great fanfare. The effigies of Ravan is burnt and enactment of Lord Rama life takes place.

Diwali

Diwali or 'festival of light' is the most sparkling Hindu Festivity. Diyas and candles are lit, sweets are distributed, everyone wears new clothes, roaring noise and glitter of crackers fill the atmosphere with happiness and jubilation. This auspicious day Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. All the Government offices, schools, banks of India are closed this day.

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhism and first Sikh guru. This sacred day celebrates his birthday in the month of November. Early morning prayers are held and processions carrying the Sikh Flag are carried out.

Note: The above list is not exhaustive and is only of few key holidays in India