Indian Public Holidays
Understanding Indian public holidays is essential for effective project planning and maintaining smooth collaboration with your Indian team members. India celebrates a diverse mix of national, religious, and regional holidays throughout the year.
National Public Holidays 2025
Here are the nationwide public holidays observed across India in 2025:
| Date | Day | Holiday | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 26 | Sunday | Republic Day | Commemorates India’s Constitution adoption |
| March 14 | Friday | Holi | Festival of colors, spring celebration |
| March 31 | Monday | Eid ul-Fitr* | End of Ramadan (Islamic month of fasting) |
| April 10 | Thursday | Mahavir Jayanti | Birth of Lord Mahavir (Jain festival) |
| April 14 | Monday | Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti | Birth anniversary of Constitution architect |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance of Jesus’s crucifixion |
| May 12 | Monday | Buddha Purnima | Birth of Lord Buddha |
| June 7 | Saturday | Eid ul-Adha* | Festival of Sacrifice (Islamic) |
| July 6 | Sunday | Eid Milad-un-Nabi* | Prophet Muhammad’s birthday |
| August 15 | Friday | Independence Day | India’s independence from British rule |
| August 27 | Wednesday | Janmashtami | Birth of Lord Krishna |
| October 2 | Thursday | Gandhi Jayanti | Birth of Mahatma Gandhi |
| October 2 | Thursday | Dussehra | Victory of good over evil |
| October 21 | Tuesday | Diwali | Festival of lights |
| November 5 | Wednesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Birth of first Sikh Guru |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas | Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth |
Note: *Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and dates may vary by 1-2 days based on moon sighting. Regional variations may also apply.
National Public Holidays 2026
Planning ahead? Here are the nationwide public holidays for 2026:
| Date | Day | Holiday | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day | Commemorates India’s Constitution adoption |
| March 4 | Wednesday | Holi | Festival of colors, spring celebration |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid ul-Fitr* | End of Ramadan (Islamic month of fasting) |
| March 30 | Monday | Mahavir Jayanti | Birth of Lord Mahavir (Jain festival) |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance of Jesus’s crucifixion |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti | Birth anniversary of Constitution architect |
| May 1 | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Birth of Lord Buddha |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid ul-Adha* | Festival of Sacrifice (Islamic) |
| June 26 | Friday | Eid Milad-un-Nabi* | Prophet Muhammad’s birthday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | India’s independence from British rule |
| August 16 | Sunday | Janmashtami | Birth of Lord Krishna |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti | Birth of Mahatma Gandhi |
| October 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra | Victory of good over evil |
| November 8 | Sunday | Diwali | Festival of lights |
| November 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Birth of first Sikh Guru |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas | Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth |
Note: *Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and dates are approximate. Regional variations may also apply.
Understanding the Indian Holiday Calendar
Secular National Holidays
India observes three major secular national holidays that are celebrated across the entire country:
Republic Day (January 26)
- Celebrates the adoption of India’s Constitution in 1950
- Grand parade in New Delhi showcasing military and cultural heritage
- Offices and businesses remain closed nationwide
Independence Day (August 15)
- Commemorates India’s independence from British rule in 1947
- Flag hoisting ceremonies at government offices and schools
- Nationwide holiday with patriotic celebrations
Gandhi Jayanti (October 2)
- Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, “Father of the Nation”
- Also International Day of Non-Violence
- Solemn observance with prayer meetings and tributes
Religious and Cultural Festivals
India’s diverse religious landscape means holidays span multiple faiths:
Hindu Festivals:
- Holi - Festival of colors marking spring’s arrival
- Dussehra - Celebrates victory of good over evil
- Diwali - Festival of lights, most widely celebrated
- Janmashtami - Birth of Lord Krishna
Islamic Festivals:
- Eid ul-Fitr - End of Ramadan fasting month
- Eid ul-Adha - Festival of sacrifice
- Eid Milad-un-Nabi - Prophet Muhammad’s birthday
Other Faiths:
- Mahavir Jayanti - Jain festival
- Buddha Purnima - Buddhist celebration
- Guru Nanak Jayanti - Sikh festival
- Good Friday & Christmas - Christian observances
Regional Holiday Variations
Important to know: While the tables above show nationwide holidays, many states and regions observe additional local festivals and holidays:
State-Specific Holidays:
- Maharashtra - Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year)
- Kerala - Onam (harvest festival)
- West Bengal - Durga Puja (major Bengali festival, 4-5 days)
- Tamil Nadu - Pongal (harvest festival)
- Punjab - Baisakhi (Punjabi New Year)
What this means for you:
- Your team members may take additional days off based on their state
- Some festivals like Durga Puja involve multi-day celebrations
- Check with your team about their specific regional holidays
Planning Around Indian Holidays
Major Impact Periods
Certain times of the year see extended breaks and reduced availability:
Diwali Season (Late October/Early November)
- Often combined with Dussehra for 10-15 day breaks
- Most significant holiday period in India
- Many professionals take extended vacation
Year-End Period (December 24-January 2)
- Christmas and New Year combine for extended breaks
- Lower work activity across industries
Holi Week (March)
- Weekend often extended with festival day
- Celebrations can affect 2-3 days
Working with Your Team
Communication:
- Ask your team about upcoming festivals they’ll observe
- Understand which holidays are most important to them
- Respect that team members disconnect during major festivals
Contract clarity:
- Define which holidays are observed in the employment contract
- Clarify availability expectations during Indian holidays
- Regional holidays may be taken as personal leave days
Cultural Awareness
Understanding the cultural significance of these holidays strengthens your working relationship with Indian team members. A simple festival greeting or showing genuine interest in their celebrations goes a long way in building rapport and mutual respect.
Quick Reference: Festival Significance
Understanding what festivals mean helps you appreciate their importance to your team members:
Diwali (Festival of Lights):
- Symbolizes victory of light over darkness, good over evil
- Families clean homes, light lamps, exchange gifts
- Similar importance to Christmas in Western cultures
- Multi-day celebration with most emphasis on main day
Holi (Festival of Colors):
- Celebrates spring’s arrival and triumph of good
- Known for vibrant color powder celebrations
- Forgiveness and renewal of relationships
- Generally a fun, joyous occasion
Eid ul-Fitr:
- Marks end of Ramadan month of fasting
- Community prayers, feasting, charity giving
- Important for Muslim team members
- Emphasis on family gatherings
Dussehra/Diwali Connection:
- Often celebrated 20 days apart
- Many take extended 2-week vacation combining both
- Particularly significant in North India
- Peak travel and celebration season
For specific questions about your team’s holiday schedule, have an open conversation early in your working relationship to align expectations and show respect for their cultural celebrations.