2025 Public Holidays in India

List of public holidays in India in 2025

India, a country of vibrant culture and rich history, celebrates a myriad of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays commemorate significant events, festivals, and national heroes, providing opportunities for citizens to reflect on their shared heritage and pay tribute to their traditions. As we look ahead to 2025, let us delve into the exciting and diverse calendar of public holidays that await us.

The year begins with a joyous celebration of Lohri, a harvest festival observed primarily in North India. This festival marks the end of winter and welcomes the longer days of spring. F bonfires are lit, traditional songs are sung, and people exchange sweets and gifts. Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution and is a day of national pride. Parades and cultural performances are held across the country, showcasing the unity and diversity of India.

As the year progresses, we encounter a host of festivals that reflect India’s spiritual and cultural diversity. Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in March, marking the victory of good over evil. People of all ages engage in riotous color throwing, symbolizing the renewal of life and the triumph of joy. Diwali, the festival of lights, is another major celebration that occurs in October or November. During Diwali, homes and streets are adorned with colorful lights, and fireworks illuminate the night sky, signifying the victory of light over darkness.

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st every year in India. It is a national holiday and a day of great celebration. People all over the country come together to celebrate the new year with family and friends. On this day, people exchange gifts, eat special foods, and watch fireworks.

The day is also marked by religious ceremonies and prayers. Hindus visit temples to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, the god of beginnings, and seek his blessings for the new year. Muslims attend special prayers at mosques, while Christians go to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

New Year’s Day is a time for reflection and renewal. It is a day to look back on the past year and to set goals for the year ahead. It is also a day to celebrate the bonds of family and friendship.

New Year’s Day Celebrations

New Year’s Day is celebrated in a variety of ways in India. Some of the most common celebrations include:

Celebration	Description
Fireworks	Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Day in India. People of all ages enjoy watching the colorful displays in the sky.
Gifts	Exchanging gifts is another popular way to celebrate New Year’s Day in India. People give gifts to their family, friends, and loved ones.
Special foods	Special foods are prepared on New Year’s Day in India. These foods vary depending on the region of the country, but some of the most common dishes include sweets, samosas, and biryani.
Religious ceremonies	Religious ceremonies are an important part of New Year’s Day celebrations in India. Hindus visit temples to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, while Muslims attend special prayers at mosques.

Republic Day

Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 every year in India. It is one of the three national holidays in India, along with Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti. Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian constitution on January 26, 1950, which replaced the Government of India Act of 1935 and made India a republic.

The main Republic Day celebration takes place in New Delhi, the capital of India. The President of India hoists the national flag and delivers a speech from the Red Fort. The parade showcases the military might of India and features contingents from all the three branches of the armed forces, as well as paramilitary forces and cultural troupes from various states of India.

Here is a detailed schedule of the Republic Day parade:

Time	Event
8:00 AM	Arrival of the President of India at the Red Fort
8:30 AM	Hoisting of the national flag and national anthem
8:40 AM	Speech by the President of India
9:00 AM	Commencement of the parade
11:00 AM	End of the parade

The Republic Day parade is a symbolic representation of India’s unity and diversity. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India’s independence and a celebration of the progress that India has made since it became a republic.

Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri, also known as the “Great Night of Shiva,” is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Phagun (February-March). This festival holds immense religious and spiritual significance for Hindus worldwide and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in the Hindu pantheon.

Significance and Rituals

Mahashivratri symbolizes the wedding night of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this auspicious night, devotees engage in various religious practices to seek Shiva’s blessings and grace. These practices include fasting, staying awake throughout the night (Jagran), and offering prayers and offerings to Lord Shiva.

Celebrations and Observances

Mahashivratri is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva witness a surge of devotees who perform rituals, chant mantras, and offer Bilva leaves and sacred water (Abhishekam) to the deity. Some devotees also undertake arduous pilgrimages to holy sites associated with Lord Shiva, such as Varanasi and Haridwar.

Table of Key Information

Mahashivratri 2025	Date
	February 18, 2025
Significance	Wedding night of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Religious Practices	Fasting, staying awake, prayers, and offerings to Lord Shiva
Celebrations	Temple visits, rituals, chanting mantras, offering Bilva leaves and Abhishekam

Holi

Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colors,” is one of India’s most vibrant and joyous festivals. Celebrated annually in March, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The festival is associated with the legend of Holika and Prahlad, in which a demoness named Holika is burned to ashes while a young boy named Prahlad survives unscathed, symbolizing the victory of righteousness.

Holi celebrations involve colorful powder and water, known as “gulal” and “pichkari,” respectively. People gather in the streets, throwing colored powder at each other and showering each other with water. The festival is a time for laughter, dancing, and feasts, bringing people together from all walks of life.

In addition to the traditional Holi celebrations, various regions of India have their own unique rituals and traditions associated with the festival. For example:

In Vrindavan and Mathura, Holi is celebrated with great fervor and grandeur. The festival lasts for several days and includes performances of traditional dances and songs, as well as a grand procession known as the “Lathmar Holi,” where women playfully beat men with sticks.

Region	Unique Holi Rituals
Punjab	Lohri bonfire and the consumption of sweets made with jaggery
West Bengal	Basanta Utsav, featuring cultural performances and the worship of Goddess Saraswati
Odisha	Dola Purnima, where people play with colored water and offer prayers to Lord Jagannath
South India	Kaman Panchami, a festival dedicated to Lord Krishna and featuring colorful processions and folk dances

Holi is a festival that embodies the spirit of joy, unity, and the renewal of life. It is a time for people to come together, forget their differences, and celebrate the beauty of diversity.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. In India, Good Friday is a public holiday, and it is observed by Christians and non-Christians alike.

The date of Good Friday changes from year to year, as it is based on the date of Easter, which falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. In 2025, Good Friday will be observed on Friday, April 18th.

On Good Friday, churches hold special services to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Some people also fast or abstain from eating meat on Good Friday.

Customs and traditions

Attend special church services
Fast or abstain from eating meat
Read the Bible or other religious texts
Pray and meditate on the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ
Participate in processions or other religious events

Good Friday is a day of mourning and reflection for Christians, but it is also a day of hope and anticipation. The resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Independence Day

India’s Independence Day is celebrated on August 15th every year to commemorate the country’s independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. India had been under British rule for over 200 years before it gained independence. The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi’s non-violent civil disobedience movement, known as Satyagraha, helped India achieve independence without bloodshed.

Significance

Independence Day is a national holiday in India, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotism. The day is marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and fireworks displays. People also visit historical monuments and pay tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.

Celebrations

The main Independence Day celebration is held in New Delhi, the capital of India. The Prime Minister of India hoists the Indian flag at the Red Fort and delivers a speech to the nation. The speech usually focuses on the country’s progress, challenges, and future aspirations.

Patriotic fervor

Independence Day is a day of great patriotic fervor in India. People wear the colors of the Indian flag, sing patriotic songs, and participate in cultural events. The day is also marked by a sense of unity and brotherhood among Indians.

Historical importance

Independence Day is a reminder of India’s long and arduous struggle for freedom. It is a day to celebrate the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and to reflect on the importance of freedom and democracy.

National pride

Independence Day is a day of national pride for Indians. It is a day to celebrate the country’s achievements and progress. It is also a day to reaffirm our commitment to building a strong and prosperous India.

Official observances

In addition to the official celebrations in New Delhi, Independence Day is also observed in all the states and union territories of India. State governments organize their own flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural events. Schools and colleges also organize special programs to commemorate the day.

Cultural significance

Independence Day has a deep cultural significance in India. It is a day to celebrate the country’s diverse culture and traditions. People from all walks of life come together to participate in the celebrations.

Economic impact

Independence Day has a positive economic impact on India. The day generates revenue for the tourism industry as people travel to different parts of the country to participate in the celebrations. The day also provides a boost to the retail sector as people buy flags, patriotic clothing, and other items.

Year	Date	Day
2025	August 15th	Friday

Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most important festivals in India. It is celebrated every year on the day of Amavasya (new moon) in the Hindu month of Kartika. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across India, with people lighting up their homes, exchanging gifts, and bursting firecrackers.

Diwali Puja

Diwali puja is an important part of the Diwali celebrations. The puja is performed to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Ganesh, the god of wisdom and remover of obstacles. People worship the deities by offering them flowers, fruits, sweets, and other offerings.

Significance of Diwali

Diwali has a deep significance in Hinduism. The festival is said to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama by lighting up their homes with diyas (earthen lamps).

Diwali Sweets

Diwali is a time for indulging in delicious sweets. Some of the most popular Diwali sweets include:

Laddu
Jalebi
Gulab jamun
Kaju katli
Motichoor laddu

Diwali Gifts

People exchange gifts on Diwali as a gesture of love and goodwill. Some of the popular Diwali gifts include:

Clothes
Jewelry
Sweets
Dry fruits
Gift vouchers

Diwali Firecrackers

Firecrackers are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. People burst firecrackers to mark the victory of good over evil and to create a festive atmosphere. However, it is important to use firecrackers safely and responsibly.

Diwali in Different Parts of India

Diwali is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. In North India, the festival is known as Deepavali and is celebrated with great pomp and show. In South India, the festival is known as Diwali or Deepavali and is celebrated with more traditional rituals.

Diwali Dates 2025

The following table shows the dates of Diwali in 2025:

Day	Date
Amavasya (New Moon)	November 12, 2025
Diwali Puja	November 14, 2025

Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed on December 25 and is a public holiday in India. While primarily celebrated by the Christian community, Christmas festivities often transcend religious boundaries and bring people from different backgrounds together.

Apart from religious traditions and church services, Christmas in India has gradually evolved into a time of festivity, gift-giving, and family gatherings. The days leading up to Christmas witness a festive atmosphere with markets, malls, and streets adorned with Christmas lights, decorations, and music.

Christmas Celebrations

Christmas celebrations in India vary across different regions and communities. In areas with a significant Christian population, there are typically elaborate church services, special prayers, and processions. Families gather for traditional Christmas meals, exchange gifts, and sing carols.

In recent years, Christmas has also become a popular time for travel and tourism. Many people choose to spend the holiday in hill stations or travel to popular tourist destinations for a festive getaway.

Christmas Traditions and Symbols

Christmas is associated with several traditions and symbols, including:

Santa Claus: A mythical figure dressed in red and white who is said to deliver gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Tree: An evergreen tree decorated with lights, ornaments, and gifts, representing the spirit of Christmas.
Manger: A stable or crib where Jesus Christ is believed to have been born, typically displayed in homes or churches.
Star of Bethlehem: A bright star that is said to have guided the Wise Men to the manger where Jesus was born.

Christmas Greetings

Common Christmas greetings in India include:

English	Hindi
Merry Christmas	क्रिसमस की शुभकामनाएं (Krismas Ki Shubhkamnayen)
Happy Holidays	छुट्टियों का आनंद लें (Chuttiyon Ka Anand Lein)
Season’s Greetings	शुभकामनाएं (Shubhkamnayen)

India Public Holidays 2025

The Government of India has declared a total of 16 public holidays in 2025. These holidays include national, religious, and regional festivals. The list of public holidays for 2025 is as follows:

Republic Day – January 26
Maha Shivaratri – February 18
Holi – March 8
Good Friday – March 28
Ambedkar Jayanti – April 14
May Day – May 1
Eid-ul-Fitr – May 25 (subject to the sighting of the moon)
Independence Day – August 15
Ganesh Chaturthi – September 18
Dusshera – October 21
Diwali – November 13
Guru Nanak Gurpurab – November 27
Christmas – December 25