Festivals of all major religions are public holidays in India. Government offices, markets and tourist attractions are usually closed and streets may be filled with festive crowds or religious processions. Secular events of national importance are also celebrated as public holidays. Each state of India has different regional festivals, which may also be observed as public holidays. A list of the public holidays observed by the central government is given below.
Please note Muslim holidays listed are tentative dates. The actual date may vary according to the lunar calendar.
India Public Holidays 2005
Oct 2 2005: Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday (Secular functions are held to commemorate the birth anniversary of the father of the nation)
Oct 12 2005: Vijaya Dasami/Dussera (Hindu festival that marks the victory of good over evil. Giant effigies of the demon Ravana are set alight amidst a carnival atmosphere.)
Nov 1 2005: Diwali (Hindu festival of lights - celebrated by bursting fireworks and lighting lamps and candles)
Nov 3-5 2005: Eid ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan - Muslims celebrate the end of a month of ritual Fasting)
Nov 26 2005: Guru Nanak's Birthday (Sikhs celebrate the birth anniversary of the founder of their religion)
Dec 25 2005: Christmas Day (Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ)
India Public Holidays 2006
Jan 10 2006: Id-ul-Zuha / Bakrid (Feast of the Sacrifice - Muslim holy day commemorating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac)
Jan 26 2006: Republic Day. (India became a republic in 1950. Commemorated by parades in every state capital, including a grand parade down Rajpath in New Delhi, where the President of India takes the salute.)
Jan 31: Muharram (Islamic New Year)
Feb 26 2006: Mahavir Jayanthi. (Jains celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahavira, their religious leader)
Mar 15 2006: Holi (A festival of colors. Across India people drench each other in colored powder and water to celebrate the coming of spring.)
Apr 6 2006: Ram Navami. (Hindu religious festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Ram)
Apr 11 2006: Milad-Un-Nabi. (Muslims across India observe the day of their Prophet's Birth)
Apr 14 2006: Good Friday. (Christians across India commemorate Christ's crucifixion)
May 13 2006: Buddha Purnima. (Buddhists celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha)
Aug 15 2006: Independence Day. (Indians celebrate their Independence by hoisting the national flag at ceremonial events)
Sep 2 2006: Vijaya Dasami/Dussera (Hindu festival that marks the victory of good over evil. Giant effigies of the demon Ravana are set alight amidst a carnival atmosphere.)
Oct 2 2006: Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday (Secular functions are held to commemorate the birth anniversary of the father of the nation.
Oct 21 2006: Diwali. (Hindu festival of lights - celebrated by bursting fireworks and lighting lamps and candles)
Oct 22-24 2006: Eid ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan - Muslims celebrate the end of a month of ritual fasting)
Nov 26 2006: Guru Nanak's Birthday (Sikhs celebrate the birth anniversary of the founder of their religion)
Dec 25 2006: Christmas Day (Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ)
