India, with its deep-rooted cultural traditions and spiritual diversity, celebrates a spectrum of festivals throughout the year. These events are not only a reflection of religious faith but also of regional traditions, seasonal changes, and historical milestones. Whether you’re planning a trip, marking your calendar, or just exploring the vibrancy of Indian culture, this Indian festivals month-wise list for 2025 will help you stay updated.
Below is a month-by-month guide of major Hindu festivals, public holidays in India, and other notable observances across communities.
January 2025: Auspicious Beginnings
New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
Lohri – January 13 (Monday)
Makar Sankranti / Pongal – January 14 (Tuesday)
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti – January 17 (Friday)
Republic Day (Public Holiday India) – January 26 (Sunday)
Highlights: January sets the tone with harvest festivals like Makar Sankranti in the north and Pongal in Tamil Nadu. These festivals are rooted in agrarian traditions, celebrating the sun’s transit into Capricorn.
February 2025: Spring Celebrations Begin
Vasant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) – February 2 (Sunday)
Shivaji Jayanti – February 19 (Wednesday)
Highlights: Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and learning. It’s particularly significant in West Bengal and Bihar.
March 2025: Festival of Colors and Devotion
Maha Shivratri – March 1 (Saturday)
Holi – March 13 (Thursday)
Chaitra Navratri Begins – March 30 (Sunday)
Highlights: March bursts with energy. Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Maha Shivratri is a night of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva.
April 2025: Spiritual Renewal and New Beginnings
Ram Navami – April 6 (Sunday)
Mahavir Jayanti – April 10 (Thursday)
Good Friday – April 18 (Friday)
Baisakhi / Vishu / Pohela Boishakh – April 14 (Monday)
Hanuman Jayanti – April 15 (Tuesday)
Highlights: April is rich with public holidays in India across religions. Baisakhi marks the Punjabi New Year and the harvest season. Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti celebrate key figures in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
May 2025: Devotion and Remembrance
Buddha Purnima – May 12 (Monday)
Eid al-Fitr – May 31 (Saturday) (Subject to moon sighting)
Highlights: Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, observed by Muslims across the country.
June 2025: A Quieter Month
No major pan-India festival
Rath Yatra – June 26 (Thursday)
Highlights: June is relatively calm, but Rath Yatra in Odisha brings spiritual fervor with massive processions of Lord Jagannath, attracting millions to Puri.
July 2025: Monsoon and Devotion
Guru Purnima – July 10 (Thursday)
Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) – July 29 (Tuesday) (Subject to moon sighting)
Highlights: Guru Purnima is a day of honoring teachers, both spiritual and academic. Bakrid commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice in obedience to God.
August 2025: Independence and Festivity
Nag Panchami – August 5 (Tuesday)
Raksha Bandhan – August 9 (Saturday)
Independence Day (Public Holiday India) – August 15 (Friday)
Krishna Janmashtami – August 17 (Sunday)
Onam (Thiruvonam) – August 28 (Thursday)
Highlights: August combines patriotism with tradition. Raksha Bandhan celebrates sibling bonds. Onam, the Kerala harvest festival, features boat races, dances, and grand feasts.
September 2025: Strength and Devotion
Ganesh Chaturthi – September 6 (Saturday)
Anant Chaturdashi – September 15 (Monday)
Highlights: Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival celebrating Lord Ganesha’s birth. Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, becomes a cultural hub with massive public installations and immersion processions.
October 2025: Triumph of Good over Evil
Navratri Begins – September 29 and continues through October
Durga Ashtami – October 6 (Monday)
Dussehra / Vijayadashami – October 7 (Tuesday)
Karva Chauth – October 30 (Thursday)
Highlights: Navratri and Dussehra mark the triumph of goddess Durga over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana, respectively. It’s a time of dance, devotion, and dramatized Ramayana performances.
November 2025: Lights and Unity
Diwali (Deepavali) – November 1 (Saturday)
Govardhan Puja – November 2 (Sunday)
Bhai Dooj – November 3 (Monday)
Chhath Puja – November 7 (Friday)
Guru Nanak Jayanti – November 12 (Wednesday)
Highlights: Diwali, one of the most iconic Hindu festivals, signifies the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. The whole country lights up in celebration. Chhath Puja is important in Bihar and Eastern UP.
December 2025: Year-End Reflections
Christmas – December 25 (Thursday)
Highlights: Though not a Hindu festival, Christmas is a nationwide public holiday and is celebrated with joy in various parts of India, especially in Goa, Kerala, and Northeast states.
Why Knowing the Indian Festivals Month-Wise List Matters
Understanding the Indian festivals month-wise list is essential not just for cultural awareness but also for planning travel, business, or religious activities. With many events being public holidays in India, these dates impact everything from office closures to traffic patterns.
FAQs
1. Are all Indian festivals public holidays?
No. While many festivals are celebrated across the country, not all are designated as official public holidays in India. Some are regional holidays or observances.
2. Which is the most celebrated Hindu festival in India?
Diwali is arguably the most widely celebrated Hindu festival, marked by lights, sweets, prayers, and fireworks across the nation.
3. Do festival dates change every year?
Yes, most Indian festivals follow the lunar calendar, which shifts yearly in the Gregorian calendar. Always refer to updated calendars.
4. Why are there so many festivals in India?
India’s religious, regional, and cultural diversity leads to a large number of celebrations. Each community honors different deities, seasons, and legends.
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