India, a land of diversity and rich cultural heritage, has always been synonymous with vibrant celebrations and joyous festivals. The year 2015 was no exception, the country commemorated a number of events that are deeply symbolic to its people both historically and culturally. Let us take a closer look at the public holiday schedule that influenced the India people's way of life in that year.
India's public holidays serve as pillars that uphold the nation's diverse cultural heritage while unifying its people in shared celebrations.
Every Indian public holiday symbolizes a unique facet of its multicultural society. From Independence Day's celebration of freedom to Republic Day's remembrance of the Constitution, these events foster a strong sense of patriotism and national pride. Flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural events underscore the shared identity of being Indian, surpassing regional, linguistic, and religious distinctions.
Festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and others mark moments of religious significance for various communities. They become opportunities for individuals to understand, appreciate, and partake in the diverse customs and traditions of fellow citizens. In essence, these holidays celebrate not just individual faiths but the spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect.
There are many holidays and festivals in India
The following table provides a list of India's national public holidays for 2015. Use it to plan your upcoming trip:
Date | Day | Holiday name | Holiday type |
January 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Restricted holiday |
January 4 | Sunday | Milad un-Nabi and Id-e-Milad |
Gazetted holiday |
January 5 | Monday | Guru Govind Singh Jayanti | Restricted holiday |
January 15 | Thursday | Pongal | Restricted holiday |
January 22 | Thursday | Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Campaign Launch Day | Observance |
January 24 | Saturday | Vasant Panchami | Restricted holiday |
January 26 | Monday | Republic Day | Gazetted holiday |
February 3 | Tuesday | Guru Ravidas Jayanti | Restricted holiday |
February 14 | Saturday | Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Restricted holiday |
February 14 | Saturday | Valentine's Day | Observance |
February 17 | Tuesday | Maha Shivaratri and Shivaratri | Gazetted holiday |
February 19 | Thursday | Shivaji Jayanti | Restricted holiday |
February 19 | Thursday | Chinese New Year | Observance |
March 5 | Thursday | Holika Dahana | Restricted holiday |
March 6 | Friday | Dolyatra | Restricted holiday |
March 20 | Friday | March equinox | Season change |
March 21 | Saturday | Chaitra Sukhladi | Restricted holiday |
March 28 | Saturday | Rama Navami | Gazetted holiday |
April 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday | Observance, Christian |
April 2 | Thursday | Mahavir Jayanti | Gazetted holiday |
April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Gazetted holiday |
April 4 | Saturday | First day of Passover | Observance |
April 5 | Sunday | Easter Day | Restricted holiday |
April 14 | Tuesday | Vaisakhi | Restricted holiday |
April 14 | Tuesday | Ambedkar Jayanti | Observance |
April 15 | Wednesday | Mesadi and Vaisakhadi | Restricted holiday |
May 1 | Friday | May Day | Observance |
May 3 | Sunday | Hazarat Ali's Birthday | Restricted holiday |
May 4 | Monday | Buddha Purnima and Vesak | Gazetted holiday |
May 9 | Saturday | Birthday of Ravindranath | Restricted holiday |
May 10 | Sunday | Mother's Day | Observance |
June 21 | Sunday | Father's Day | Observance |
June 21 | Sunday | June Solstice | Season change |
July 17 | Friday | Jamat Ul-Vida | Restricted holiday |
July 18 | Saturday | Rath Yatra | Restricted holiday |
July 19 | Sunday | Ramzan Id and Eid-ul-Fitar |
Muslim, common local holidays |
August 2 | Sunday | Friendship Day | Observance |
August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | Gazetted holiday |
August 15 | Saturday | Thanksgiving Day | Observance |
August 18 | Tuesday | Parsi New Year | Restricted holiday |
August 28 | Friday | Onam | Restricted holiday |
August 29 | Saturday | Raksha Bandhan(Rakhi) | Restricted holiday |
September 5 | Saturday | Janmashtami | Gazetted holiday |
September 17 | Thursday | Ganesh Chaturthi and Vinayaka Chaturthi | Restricted holiday |
September 23 | Wednesday | September equinox | Season |
September 25 | Friday | Bakr Id and Eid ul-Adha |
Gazetted holiday |
October 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | Gazetted holiday |
October 20 | Tuesday | Maha Saptami | Restricted holiday |
October 21 | Wednesday | Maha Ashtami | Restricted holiday |
October 22 | Thursday | Dussehra (Maha Navami) |
Gazetted holiday |
October 24 | Saturday | Muharram and Ashura | Gazetted holiday |
October 27 | Tuesday | Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti | Restricted holiday |
October 30 | Friday | Karaka Chaturthi(Karva Chauth) | Restricted holiday |
October 31 | Saturday | Halloween | Observance |
November 10 | Tuesday | Naraka Chaturdasi | Restricted holiday |
November 11 | Wednesday | Diwali and Deepavali | Gazetted holiday |
November 12 | Thursday | Govardhan Puja | Restricted holiday |
November 13 | Friday | Bhai Duj | Restricted holiday |
November 17 | Tuesday | Chhat Puja (Pratihar Sashthi and Surya Sashthi) | Restricted holiday |
November 24 | Tuesday | Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day | Restricted holiday |
November 25 | Wednesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Gazetted holiday |
December 7 | Monday | First day of Hanukkah | Observance |
December 14 | Monday | Last day of Hanukkah | Observance |
December 22 | Tuesday | December Solstice | Season change |
December 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve | Restricted holiday |
December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Gazetted holiday |
December 31 | Thursday | New Year's Eve | Observance, Christian |
As India moved forward, these celebrations stood as a testament to the nation's cultural vibrancy, reinforcing the importance of heritage, unity, and joyous celebrations in the lives of its people.
The holidays in India during 2015 were more than just celebrations; they were a testament to the country's rich cultural tapestry, the spirit of unity among its diverse communities, and a reflection of its ethos of harmony and celebration.
Travelers seeking to experience these vibrant celebrations can apply for an India eVisa to partake in the nation's cultural tapestry firsthand.
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