Public Holidays in India, also known as Government Holidays, consist of a variety of cultural, nationalistic, and religious holidays that are legislated in India at the union or state levels.
Being a culturally diverse country, there are many festivals celebrated in various regions across the country. There are only three national holidays declared by the Government of India: Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August) and Gandhi Jayanti (2 October). Apart from this, certain holidays which are celebrated nationally are declared centrally by the Union Government. Additionally, various state governments and union territories designate additional holidays on local festivals or days of importance as holidays as per section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
National holidays are mandatory holidays declared by the Government of India which is applicable for all states and union territories of India.
In addition to the three fixed national holidays, the Union Government of India declares additional days as holidays which are largely followed by central government offices and affiliates. In addition to designated fixed holidays, few other days are designated optional from which select number of days can be chosen according to individual convenience.
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Each year, central and state governments release lists of gazetted and restricted holidays. Comprehensive compiled lists are available online.
In addition to the above, various state governments and union territories designate additional holidays on local festivals or days of importance as holidays as per section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
Banks have specific holidays according to the various states or union territories in addition to every second and fourth Saturdays of the month. 1st April of every year is also a national bank holiday in India for annual closing of accounts as it is the first day of financial year. Schools, colleges and other educational institutions have specific term holidays according to the state or board.