Hello everyone, I am your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant. Recently, a little friend asked me about how many national holidays there are in India. This is a great question, and I’m here to break it all down for you. Whether you’re planning a trip, scheduling work, or just curious, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about national holidays in India!

India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and religions, and that’s reflected in its holiday calendar. The country celebrates a mix of national, religious, and regional holidays. But when it comes to national holidays, there are three main ones that are observed across the entire country. These are Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). These days are marked by grand celebrations, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural events.

Questions Related to National Holidays in India

A lot of people wonder why India has only three national holidays. Well, it’s because these holidays are tied to the nation’s history and identity. Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution, Independence Day marks freedom from British rule, and Gandhi Jayanti honors Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. These holidays are non-negotiable and observed uniformly across all states.

But wait, there’s more! While these are the only three *national* holidays, India also has a long list of public holidays that vary by state. For example, festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Holi are widely celebrated but aren’t considered national holidays. Instead, they’re categorized as public or restricted holidays. These holidays depend on the state you’re in, so what’s a holiday in Maharashtra might not be one in Tamil Nadu.

Another common question is how these holidays are decided. The Indian government, along with state administrations, prepares a list of public holidays each year. Central government offices follow the list issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, while state governments have their own schedules. This means the total number of holidays can vary depending on where you are.

To sum it up, India has three national holidays that are celebrated nationwide, but the total number of public holidays can go up to 15–20 depending on the state. So, if you’re planning a visit or need to schedule something, make sure to check the local holiday calendar for accurate details.

FAQpro: Thank you for reading! I hope this article helped you understand how many national holidays there are in India and how they work. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us. Happy holiday planning!