In 2025, several of India’s public holidays coincide with weekends, affecting the traditional observance of these significant days. Notably, Republic Day on January 26, Ram Navami on April 6, and Moharram on July 27 all fall on Sundays. Additionally, Bakrid (June 7), Raksha Bandhan (August 9), and Janmashtami (August 16) occur on Saturdays.
Republic Day- January 26 (Sunday)
- Celebrated to honor the adoption of the Indian constitution in 1950, Republic Day is marked by grand parades, cultural displays, and patriotic events across the country.
Ram Navami- April 6 (Sunday)
- Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Bhagwan Raam, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Devotees observe prayers, bhajans, and processions on this sacred day.
Baishakhi - April 13 (Sunday)
- A harvest festival widely celebrated in Punjab, Baisakhi marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year and commemorates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699.
Eid al-Adha (Bakrid)- June 7 (Saturday)
- Also known as the ‘festival of sacrifice,’ Bakrid is one of the most significant Islamic festivals.
Muharram - July 27 (Sunday)
- Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is observed in remembrance of the martyrdom of Iman Hussain at the Battle of Karbala.
Raksha Bandhan - August 9 (Saturday)
- A festival symbolizing the bond between brothers and sisters, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by tying a sacred thread (Rakhi) on the brother’s wrist, symbolizing love and protection.
Janmashtami- August 16 (Saturday)
- A festival celebrated all over Bharat to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Shri Krishna.
The alignment has sparked discussion among citizens and policymakers about the implications for public celebrations and the potential loss of additional days off work. Traditionally, when a public holiday falls on weekends, the opportunity for extended family gatherings, travel, or rest diminishes, leading to calls for compensatory leave on the following weekends.
However, the Indian government has not announced any compensatory holiday for these dates. This decision aligns with standard practice, as compensatory holidays are typically not granted when public holidays coincide with weekends. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pension has released the official list of holidays for 2025, which does not include additional days off for holidays falling on weekends.
Despite this, the 2025 calendar offers several long weekends due to other holidays. For instance, Holi falls on Friday, March 14, creating a three-day weekend. Independence Day on Friday, August 15, also results in a long weekend. Additionally, Diwali on Monday, October 20, provides an extended break for celebrations.
Employers and educational institutions are encouraged to communicate holiday schedules clearly to avoid confusion. Employees and students should plan accordingly, considering that not all public holidays will result in extended time off.
Altogether, while some of India's public holidays in 2025 fall on weekends, reducing the number of standalone days off, the year still presents opportunities for extended breaks during other festive periods. Individuals are advised to plan their activities and vacations by the official holiday calendar.