Early planning, particularly for vacation days, provides a host of advantages. Firstly, it allows individuals to capitalise on long weekends, optimising the use of limited leisure time. Secondly, it ensures that individuals can secure desired travel accommodations and make reservations well in advance, avoiding last-minute inconveniences.
The list of holidays in India in January 2024 serves as a valuable compass, guiding individuals towards strategically utilising their time for rest and rejuvenation. Early understanding of holidays lets individuals curate experiences aligned with aspirations, fostering a fulfilling start to the year.
Read along to learn about the list of holidays in January 2024.
In the month of January, there are a host of public and national holidays with each state having its own regional holidays as well.
Listed below are some of the public holidays:
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Celebrated In |
1st January 2024 |
Monday |
New Year’s Day |
Across the country |
14th January 2024 |
Sunday |
Makar Sankranti |
Several states |
15th January 2024 |
Monday |
Pongal |
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu |
26th January 2024 |
Friday |
Republic Day |
Across the country |
31st January 2024 |
Wednesday |
Me-Dam-Me-Phi |
Assam |
During festive seasons, it’s important to keep in mind that banks may be closed during certain public, regional, and national holidays.
Following is the list of bank holidays in January 2024:
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Celebrated in |
1st January 2024 |
Monday |
New Year's Day |
Across the country |
11th January 2024 |
Thursday |
Missionary Day |
Mizoram |
12th January 2024 |
Friday |
Swami Vivekanand Jayanti |
West Bengal |
14th January 2024 |
Sunday |
Makar Sankranti |
Several states |
15th January 2024 |
Monday |
Magh Bihu / Pongal |
Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry |
17th January 2024 |
Wednesday |
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti |
Haryana, Rajasthan |
23rd January 2024 |
Tuesday |
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti |
Several states |
26th January 2024 |
Friday |
Republic Day |
Across the country |
31st January 2024 |
Wednesday |
Me-Dam-Me-Phi |
Assam |
Here are the descriptions of holidays in January 2024 in India:
Every year, New Year falls on the first day of January. The celebrations on this holiday vary across cultures. On this holiday, people generally light fireworks at the stroke of midnight to celebrate the start of the new year.
This day is perceived and celebrated in honour of Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai. He was born on 2nd January 1878, and is recognised as the founder of the Nair Service Society.
This day is marked as the first day of the sun's movement away from the Tropic of Capricorn. People celebrate the day with social festivities like bonfires, dances, colourful decorations, kite flying, and feasts.
This festival is an auspicious day for tea tribes of Assam and celebrated in rural regions of West Bengal. People worship Goddess Tusu, the Goddess of agriculture.
This day is marked in honour of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birthday. On this day, people across the country remember his struggle and fight for India’s freedom.
It is considered an auspicious festival by the Ahom people to show respect and pay homage to their departed ancestors. This festival ensures unity, thereby developing the feeling of mutual understanding and brotherhood among each other.
This day marks the end of the harvesting season and is celebrated with bonfires and feasts. Conventional Assamese games are organised in rural areas to enhance the happiness of celebration.
Pongal is a harvest festival that marks the onset of Uttarayan, the sun’s journey towards the north. People celebrate the festival by drawing Kolam, swinging, and preparing delicious Pongal.
Here are some places that you can visit during the holidays in January 2024:
The charm of this city and the special Republic Day celebration attract tourists from across the country. You can explore Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Parliament House and more. In addition, you can quickly plan a short trip to Delhi to explore different markets, places, and delicious street foods.
Widely known as the skiing destination of India, Auli’s snow-covered natural landscape makes it an ideal place to visit during January. It also had popular hill towns with multiple ski resorts amidst ranges of the Himalayas.
Known as the pink city of India, Jaipur’s weather is usually cool between the months of November and February. You can explore some of the old forts and palaces to see exquisite architecture. In addition, you could visit various markets and enjoy local Rajasthani souvenirs to take home.
Here is the list of long weekend public holidays in January 2024:
Saturday, 30 December – Weekend
Sunday, 31 December – Weekend/New Year’s Eve
Monday, 1 January - New Year’s Day
Saturday, 13 January – Weekend
Sunday, 14 January – Weekend
Monday, 15 January – Pongal
Friday, 26 January - Republic Day
Saturday, 27 January – Weekend
Sunday, 28 January – Weekend
Now that you have the list of holidays in January 2024, you can easily pre-plan your vacations.
However, if your vacation funds seem low, you could always apply for a personal loan for travel from top lenders available on Bajaj Markets. These funding options will help you meet travel expenses and enjoy trips without any financial strain.