Public Holidays in India

culture · festivals · India · celebrations

National holidays. India observes Republic Day on January 26 to honor when India became a democratic republic in 1950, and Independence Day on August 15 to celebrate freedom from British rule in 1947.

Religious celebrations. Public holidays include Diwali (the festival of lights), Holi (the festival of colors), Christmas, Eid, and many others because India is home to people of many different faiths.

Two types of holidays. Some holidays are declared by the national government and celebrated across all of India, while others are chosen by individual states based on what's important to their local communities.

Gandhi's birthday. October 2 is a national holiday honoring Mahatma Gandhi, the peaceful leader who helped India gain independence and inspires people worldwide.

Changing dates. Some Indian holidays follow lunar calendars, which means their dates shift around from year to year, unlike holidays like Independence Day that stay on the same date.