India observes a diverse range of festivals that showcase its rich tapestry of religions, cultures, and regional variations. Holidays in the country are classified into several categories, including public holidays, national holidays, and bank holidays. In 2025, a notable portion of public holidays will coincide with weekends, with six holidays occurring on Saturdays or Sundays.
Key holidays that fall on Sundays include Republic Day (January 26), Ram Navami (April 6), and Moharram (July 6). On Saturdays, Bakrid (June 7), Raksha Bandhan (August 9), and Janmashtami (August 16) are scheduled. Meanwhile, significant holidays such as Eid-ul-Fitr (March 31), Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti (April 14), Buddha Purnima (May 12), and Diwali (October 20) will take place on Mondays, providing opportunities for long weekends.
Certain holidays will lead to extended breaks for those who work a five-day week. For instance, Holika Dahan on Thursday, March 13, and Holi on Friday, March 14, followed by the weekend, will result in a four-day holiday. Similarly, Independence Day will be observed on a Friday, and Janmashtami (August 16) falls on a Saturday, creating another long weekend.
The festive season in October will also offer extended breaks. Dussehra Mahanavami will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 1, followed by Gandhi Jayanti on Thursday, October 2, and Vijayadashami. During the Diwali week, holidays will be on October 20 (Diwali), October 22 (Govardhan Puja), and October 23 (Bhaiya Dooj/Chitragupta Jayanti), leaving only October 21 as a working day.
Other notable holidays in 2025 include Hazrat Ali’s birthday (January 14), Mahashivratri (February 26), Mahavir Jayanti (April 10), Guru Nanak Jayanti/Kartik Purnima (November 5), and Christmas (December 25). Out of the 31 restricted holidays next year, five will occur on Fridays, four on Saturdays, and four on Sundays.