Find the complete gazetted holiday list 2025 with dates, days, and significance to plan your year efficiently.
India’s gazetted holidays in 2025 reflect the nation’s unity in diversity, bringing together traditions, faiths, and historic milestones that shape daily life. From national celebrations like Republic Day and Independence Day to Diwali, Eid, and Christmas, these dates carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning for millions across India. Knowing the gazetted holidays for 2025 helps you plan work, travel, and family time while staying connected to the values and heritage each occasion represents.
Here is the complete gazetted holiday list 2025 with dates, days, and short descriptions for each holiday:
Month |
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Description |
January |
26-Jan |
Sunday |
Republic Day |
Marks the adoption of India’s Constitution in 1950 |
February |
26-Feb |
Wednesday |
Maha Shivaratri |
Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva |
March |
14-Mar |
Friday |
Holi |
Festival of colours celebrating joy and unity |
March |
31-Mar |
Monday |
Id-ul-Fitr |
Muslim festival ending the holy month of Ramadan |
April |
10-Apr |
Thursday |
Mahavir Jayanti |
Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, Jain spiritual leader |
April |
18-Apr |
Friday |
Good Friday |
Christian observance of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion |
May |
12-May |
Monday |
Buddha Purnima |
Celebrates birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha |
June |
07-Jun |
Saturday |
Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) |
Muslim festival symbolising sacrifice and faith |
July |
06-Jul |
Sunday |
Muharram |
Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala |
August |
15-Aug |
Friday |
Independence Day |
Celebrates India’s freedom from British rule in 1947 |
August |
16-Aug |
Saturday |
Janmashtami |
Birth anniversary of Lord Krishna |
September |
05-Sep |
Friday |
Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad |
Birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad |
October |
02-Oct |
Thursday |
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti & Dussehra |
Honours Gandhi’s birth and Rama’s victory over Ravana |
October |
20-Oct |
Monday |
Diwali / Deepavali |
Festival of lights symbolising victory of good over evil |
November |
05-Nov |
Wednesday |
Guru Nanak’s Birthday |
Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism |
December |
25-Dec |
Thursday |
Christmas Day |
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ |
Public holidays in India carry deep cultural, religious, and national importance, reflecting the nation’s diversity. Here is the meaning and relevance of each holiday included in the gazetted holidays list:
Republic Day on 26th January honours the adoption of India’s Constitution in 1950. The celebration includes the grand parade at Rajpath in New Delhi, showcasing India’s military strength and cultural heritage. It instils a strong sense of pride and unity among citizens.
Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees fast, chant prayers, and visit temples to seek blessings for health and prosperity. The festival symbolises the triumph of devotion and discipline over worldly desires.
Holi, the festival of colours, marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People celebrate by applying colours, sharing sweets, and dancing in joy. It strengthens bonds between families and communities through love and togetherness.
Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan by Muslims. It begins with prayers at mosques and is followed by festive meals, charity, and exchanging greetings. The day highlights compassion, generosity, and gratitude to God.
Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Devotees engage in charitable activities, prayers, and teachings that promote peace and non-violence. It serves as a reminder of Jain values of truth and compassion.
Good Friday is observed by Christians to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of reflection, prayer, and attending church services. The solemn observance highlights sacrifice, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.
Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Followers gather at monasteries to chant prayers, meditate, and offer alms to monks. The day emphasises peace, compassion, and the path to enlightenment.
Id-ul-Zuha, or Bakrid, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims celebrate by offering prayers, sacrificing animals, and sharing food with the poor. The festival underlines faith, humility, and generosity.
Muharram is a significant observance for Muslims, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Processions and recitations recall his sacrifice at the Battle of Karbala. It represents courage, justice, and standing for truth.
Independence Day on 15th August celebrates India’s freedom from British rule in 1947. The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort, followed by patriotic events across the country. It inspires pride and respect for the nation’s journey.
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most loved deities in Hinduism. Festivities include fasting, devotional singing, and re-enacting Krishna’s childhood stories. The day highlights faith, joy, and divine love.
Milad-un-Nabi, also called Id-e-Milad, marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims commemorate it with prayers, sermons, and community meals. The day stresses compassion, kindness, and living a righteous life.
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October honours the Father of the Nation’s principles of truth and non-violence. Dussehra, celebrated around the same time, signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Together, these days promote morality, justice, and national values.
Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families illuminate their homes with lamps, exchange sweets, and worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. The festival fosters joy, hope, and renewal.
Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Devotees participate in prayers, processions, and community service at Gurudwaras. His teachings inspire equality, humility, and devotion to God.
Christmas on 25th December celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Families attend church services, decorate homes with Christmas trees, and exchange gifts. The festival spreads love, generosity, and the spirit of togetherness.
Gazetted holidays are mandatory public holidays declared by the government, observed nationwide across government offices, banks, and institutions. Restricted holidays are optional, allowing employees to choose from a list. While gazetted holidays ensure uniform observance, restricted holidays provide flexibility based on cultural or religious preferences.
Most gazetted holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day are observed nationwide. However, certain holidays such as Maha Shivaratri or Janmashtami may vary by region, reflecting local culture and traditions. The government issues an official list each year, ensuring clarity for both nationwide and regional observances.
Yes, banks and schools generally follow gazetted holidays as per the government notification. National holidays are strictly observed, while some regional holidays depend on the state. Schools, colleges, and banks align their calendars, accordingly, ensuring consistency for students, employees, and the public across different locations.