What are the 10 public holidays in India

India observes three national holidays that are mandatory public holidays across the entire country: Republic Day (January 26), celebrating the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950; Independence Day (August 15), commemorating freedom from British rule in 1947; and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), honoring Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. Beyond these national holidays, India recognizes numerous gazetted holidays for religious and cultural festivals, though their observance varies by state, religion, and region. Commonly observed gazetted holidays include Diwali (the festival of lights), Holi (the festival of colors), Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha (Islamic festivals), Christmas (December 25), Mahavir Jayanti (Jain festival), Buddha Purnima (Buddhist festival), Guru Nanak Jayanti (Sikh festival), Dussehra/Vijayadashami, and Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday). Each state government can declare additional regional holidays based on local festivals and cultural significance.

The exact list of public holidays differs significantly across states—for example, Maharashtra celebrates Gudi Padwa as a major holiday, Kerala observes Onam, West Bengal emphasizes Durga Puja, and Tamil Nadu marks Pongal. Central government offices typically observe around 15-17 gazetted holidays per year, combining national holidays, major festivals, and optional holidays that employees can choose based on their religious preferences. This flexible system reflects India's secular character and religious diversity, allowing communities to celebrate their important festivals while maintaining national unity. Schools, banks, and government offices close on these holidays, though essential services continue operating, and private sector holiday policies vary by organization.