Holidays in September 2025

September marks the end of monsoon making it a great time to plan a vacation. Since there are several holidays in this month, you can easily plan your leaves and trip accordingly. It is also the month when the festivals start in India.

Here is a list of gazetted, restricted, and regional holidays in September 2025:

In addition to the public holidays, here are the bank holidays in September:

Here is the day announced as a gazetted holiday by the Indian Government for September 2025:

Provided below are some restricted you could benefit from in September 2025:

Here are some details about the different holidays in September:

Onam

Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is a vibrant 10-day celebration marked by cultural events, traditional feasts, and community gatherings. It honours the homecoming of King Mahabali, symbolising prosperity and unity. Highlights include the Pookalam (floral rangoli), the famous Vallam Kali (snake boat races), and the grand Onam Sadya, a traditional meal served on banana leaves. August or September is the best time to experience Kerala’s rich cultural heritage during this festival.

Eid-e-Milad

Eid-e-Milad commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Celebrated by Muslims worldwide, it is a day for prayer, charity, and gatherings. In India, processions and special prayers are held, with homes and mosques illuminated in honour of the Prophet’s teachings of compassion and humility. The festival fosters a sense of unity and devotion within the community.

First Day of Durga Puja Festivities

The first day of Durga Puja festivities falls on the auspicious day of Maha Sashthi, or the sixth day of Durga Puja. This day marks the beginning of the main rites and rituals, setting up elaborately decorated pandals. It sets the stage for days of cultural performances, community feasts, and spiritual fervour.

Maha Ashtami

Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja, is one of the most significant days of the festival. Devotees worship the goddess in her fierce form, offering special prayers, including the Sandhi Puja, which marks the transition between Ashtami and Navami. The day is marked by processions, rituals, and vibrant celebrations, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Here are some traditional and unique ways to celebrate various festivals in September

Onam

Traditional Onam celebrations involve decorating homes with Pookalam, a vibrant floral rangoli, and preparing the grand Onam Sadya, a multi-course vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. Families dress in traditional Kerala attire, perform folk dances like Thiruvathira, and participate in temple rituals. A new way to celebrate Onam could be by hosting eco-friendly Pookalam competitions and encouraging the use of locally sourced and biodegradable flowers. Virtual Onam gatherings with friends and family, where everyone cooks and enjoys the Sadya together via video calls, have become a popular modern twist. Another unique idea is to organise small community events to teach children the significance of Onam through storytelling or workshops on making traditional crafts.

Eid-e-Milad

Traditionally, Eid-e-Milad is observed with prayers, sermons about the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, and charitable acts. Processions through local streets and the distribution of food to the needy are central to the day. A unique way to celebrate could include creating interfaith dialogue events to foster understanding and harmony among communities. Modern households can engage children by organising storytelling sessions about the Prophet’s life and values. They can also take part in activities like crafting decorative banners with Islamic calligraphy. Sharing e-greetings and hosting virtual prayer meetings allows for a broader, inclusive celebration while preserving the festival’s spiritual essence.

First Day of Durga Puja Festivities

On the traditional first day of Durga Puja, idols of Goddess Durga are ceremonially installed, and homes and pandals are decorated with flowers and lights. Rituals like Bodhan (welcoming the goddess) set the tone for the upcoming days. A modern take on the festival could involve designing eco-friendly idols and decorations to reduce environmental impact. Community groups can organise online cultural events like dance or music performances, allowing people to participate virtually. Another idea is to host workshops on making traditional Durga Puja sweets or crafting clay idols, helping people connect with their roots creatively.

Maha Ashtami

Traditionally, Maha Ashtami is marked by Sandhi Puja, a pivotal ritual performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami. Devotees visit pandals to offer prayers and partake in bhog, the sacred food distributed to worshippers. Organise storytelling sessions narrating the goddess’s heroic battle against Mahishasura, making the mythological tales more accessible to younger generations. Communities can also host sustainable pandal competitions, focusing on eco-conscious themes. Additionally, bhog distribution among those unable to attend in person can encourage inclusivity.

September is a great month to explore India’s rich cultural and natural diversity. Here’s a simple guide to some top destinations during this time.

Kerala

Kerala is at its vibrant best in September with the Onam festivities. Visitors can join activities like Pookalam (floral rangoli-making), watch classical dance performances, and enjoy the famous Onam Sadya, a traditional vegetarian feast. The Vallam Kali (snake boat race) in Alleppey and Kumarakom is a must-see. Beyond the celebrations, Kerala’s backwaters, houseboat stays, and Ayurvedic treatments offer relaxation and serenity.

West Bengal

In West Bengal, September usually marks the start of Durga Puja preparations. Visitors can visit Kumartuli in Kolkata, where artisans craft various idols of the deities. They can also see innovative pandals (decorative worship spaces) being built. Markets like New Market and Bara Bazar are full of energy, offering Bengali sweets like rasgulla and sandesh. Landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge also showcase the city’s history and culture. 

Ziro Valley

Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is ideal in September, especially during the Ziro Music Festival. This outdoor event features indie music performances surrounded by lush fields and hills. Visitors can also explore the traditions of the Apatani tribe, known for sustainable farming and unique customs. Ziro offers trekking trails, wildlife sanctuaries like Talley Valley, and stunning natural views.

Varanasi

In Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is a peaceful destination during September as the post-monsoon weather improves. The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a highlight, featuring rituals performed on chants and bells. A boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise provides a serene experience. The city’s narrow lanes reveal temples, silk workshops, and eateries serving kachori and Banarasi paan. Nearby, Sarnath adds a historical touch as the site of Buddha’s first sermon.

In September, you get two long weekends to plan a trip without using too many of your paid leaves.

3rd September to 7th September

• Wednesday, 3rd September – Karma Puja

• Thursday, 4th September – Take a day off

• Friday, 5th September – Eid-e-Milad / Onam

• Saturday 6th September – Weekend

• Sunday, 7th September – Weekend

 27th September to 30th September

• Saturday, 27th September – Weekend

• Sunday, 28th September – First Day of Durga Puja Festivities

• Monday, 29th September – Maha Saptami

• Tuesday, 30th September – Maha Ashtami

 

You can take advantage of these long weekends and plan a family outing without using your leaves.

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