India Public Holidays 2024 Calendar Information

India has 28 states and 8 union territories, and each of these regions is home to diverse cultures. Each state in India celebrates its unique festivals, while some holidays are observed across the nation. Trip.com has sorted out the list of public holidays for you to refer to. The list of public holidays in India below will help you plan your trips in advance and maximize your vacations in 2024.

Republic Day is India’s national holiday and it is celebrated in India on January 26 with great grandeur and pride. Every year, the celebrations of the holiday feature spectacular military and cultural pageantry.

This day celebrates the anniversary of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on 26th January, 1950. Usually, Indians will fly their tricolor flag and sing songs like ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Jan Gan Man’, as well as play tribute to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in a bid to gain the freedom of India.

Holi is a festival marking the last full-moon day of the lunar month, and it celebrates the beginning of spring and the victory of good over evil. Based on a Hindu legend, the festival has a significant cultural influence on India.

The festival is celebrated in different ways across the country, the most noted one being in Mathura. In this city, the festival lasts for 16 days, and is primarily played with flowers.

Good Friday is a Christian feast that honors the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible.

Christians believe that all of their sins were forgiven as a result of his death. In fact, humanity was spared from the wrath of God the father thanks to Christ's sacrifice for their well-being. Thus, Christians commemorate this sacrificial offering on Good Friday.

Id-ul-Fitr, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is an Islamic festival marking the end of the fasting of Ramadan. The Eid ul Fitr celebrations in India share some similarities with those of the rest of the world, however there are some minor differences.

The religious rituals remain the same while the food and treats are uniquely Indian.

Ram Navami is a significant Hindu festival celebrating on the ninth day of Chaitra month (the first month in the Hindu lunar calendar). It falls on April 17 in 2024.

The festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. On this day, people usually visit temples to seek blessings on this day. Although the festival is celebrated all over the country, the major celebrations take place at Ayodhya, Bhadrachalam, Rameswaram, and Sitamarhi.

Mahavir Jayanti

April 21(Sunday)

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated 13 days after the waxing (rising) half of the Hindu month of Caitra, which usually takes place in late March or early April in the Gregorian calendar. And it’s regarded as the most significant religious holiday in Jainism.

The festival honors the birth of Mahavira, the Buddha’s contemporary and the 24th and final Tirthankara. In 2024, the festival falls on April 21.

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the followers of Buddhism all over the world.

This auspicious day marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and is celebrated by Buddhist sects with much fervour.

The event takes place on Purnima, the first full moon day of Vaisakha, a month in Hinduism that corresponds to April or May in the Gregorian calendar. In the year 2024, Buddha Purnima will be commemorated on Monday, June 17.

Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is celebrates on June 29 and 30. It falls on Thursday and Friday. It’s an Islamic holiday that is celebrated in India and other areas of the world with large Muslim populations.

This important holiday in India is a day of reverence and respect. It is also an excellent opportunity for Indian Muslims to enjoy a day off from work and to bond with their friends and family members.

Muharram refers to the first month of the Islamic Calendar. Muharram is celebrated as New Year’s Day among the Muslim community all over the world.

The holiday is solemn and people pray and spend much of the day in holy locations. Usually, they will meet family and friends and exchange conversation and sweets. Many will choose multiple days round Muharram to mourn and fasting while there is no pomp and show during the holiday.

The Independence Day in India is celebrated on August 15 every year in honor of the birthday of the nation. On August 15, 1947, India achieved its independence from British rule and became a sovereign nation.

The day is observed with great enthusiasm across India.

Janmashtami is a traditional Hindu holiday that celebrates the first earthly appearance, or the birth, of the god Krishna. It is a holiday that brings spiritual renewal and the celebration of new beginnings and a fresh new year.

Janmashtami is one of the most vibrant holidays in Hinduism and is celebrated in honor of the birth of one of the most loved deities.

Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Ganesh Sankathara or Sankathara Chaturthi among Hindus. Hindus celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on the fourth day following the new moon that occurs in the month of Bhadrapada.

In India Hindu months, there are two Chaturthi Tithis in each lunar month. Purnima during Purnimaasi or Krishna Paksha is known as Sankashti Chaturthi and during Amavasya during Shukla Paksha as Vinayaka Chaturthi. Fasting is considered to be strict and only fruits, roots like potatoes etc, and vegetable products should be consumed.

Eid e Milad, also known as Mawlid and Milad un Nabi, celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. The holiday also honors Muhammad’s life and teachings. It is observed on the 12th day of Rabi-ul Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar

Mahatma Gandhi is a great political and spiritual leader in India who is known for leading the nationalist movement against the British rule of India with nonviolent means. This holiday celebrates the birthday of the “Father of the Nation”.

Source: Baatcheet Films/ unsplash

Dussehra is an important Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

Diwali's date is determined by the India calendar and changes every year, ranging from October to November. It is observed on the 15th day of the 8th month (the month of Kartik) in India's calendar. The day is an Amavasya or 'new moon day'.

In 2024, the holiday falls on October 31.

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a holiday that celebrates the birthday of Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. It is also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsau.

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a time for happiness and fun, but the festival also brings attention to the teachings of Guru Nanak. This holiday starts on the full moon day during the month of Katak. Since lunar calendars fluctuate each year, Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated during October or November on the Gregorian calendar. This year, it falls on November 15.

Christmas is a Christian festival which is celebrated for honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated all over India.