List of Holidays in 2018 – Government, Bank and Public Holidays in India

India is popular for many aspects around the globe. The country, being a culturally fervent and diverse society, celebrates various holidays and festivals. Indian holidays and festivals are often chaotic, colorful, loud and intense. India is the most populous democracy in the world and the second most populous country.

Being a secular country, approximately 80% of population follows Hinduism followed by Christianity 2%, Islam 13%, Buddhism 1% and Jainism 0.5% and other minorities such as Zoroastrianism and Judaism. If you an Indian and looking for the list of Indian holidays including public holidays, bank holidays, government holidays and festival holidays, this page is tremendously useful for you.

National Holidays in India 2018

India has three national holidays: 1) 26 January 2) 15 August and 3) 02 October. The country celebrates Republic Day on 26 January every year. Republic Day respects the date on which the Indian Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950 substituting the Indian Government Act. Yearly, Independence Day is celebrated on 15 August as an Indian national holiday honoring the independence of the country from the United Kingdom on 14 August 1947. On 02 October every year, India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti to honour the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.

Government Holidays in India 2018

The state and central governments normally announce the list of government holidays on a yearly basis. Government holidays are of two types: 1) gazetted holidays and 2) restricted holidays. In addition, local holidays are declared at the district level.

Central Government Holidays in India 2018

On behalf of Government of India, the Ministry of Personnel declares a list of holidays applicable to central government offices during the respective year.

Bank Holidays in India 2018

The following table lists the bank holidays in India.

Popular Hindu Festival Holidays in India 2018

The Hindus throughout the country festival a huge number of festivals. The festivals of Hindu have one or more of periodic, mythological and religious importance. The symbolism utilised and attached, the observance of the festival and the intensity and style of celebration differs from region to region within the nation.

Popular Islamic Festival Holidays in India 2018

Popular Sikh Holidays in India 2018

Popular Christian Holidays in India 2018

Popular Buddhist Holidays in India 2018

Popular Jain Holidays in India 2018

10 Popular Festivals of India 2018

India, the second most popular country in the world, has many religions, festivals and customs. A majority of festivals across the country are common among all communities. The 10 biggest festivals of the country include Diwali, Holi, Maha Shivaratri, Ramadan, Raksha Bandhan, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Krishna Janmastami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Baisakhi.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is normally celebrated in the month of October or November every year. It is a 5-day Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Diwali, in North India, is celebrated to honor the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after beating Ravana.

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is normally celebrated in the month of March every year. During this festival, people burn figurines, light beacons and drench each other with water billons and water.

Maha Shivatri means the night of Lord Shiva. Devotees across the country flock to Shiva temples and offer Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva. Extensive dancing and singing takes place to make people stay awake all night.

Ramadan is the month of fasting for the Islamic community. During the month, Muslims refrain from drinking, eating and smoking. The festival is intended to teach the community of Islam about humility, patience and spirituality to God.

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the love, bond and affection between sisters and brothers. The festival is usually celebrated in the month of August every year. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi on the wrist of brothers.

Navaratri is celebrated for nine days with three each dedicated to worship of Ma Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, Ma Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge and Ma Durga, the Goddess of Valor.

Dussehra, a Hindu festival, celebrates the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana. The festival also signifies the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur. Mysore is the famous destination to celebrate this festival with friends and families.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival, marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh or Lord Ganapati. The festival is celebrated by the worshippers of Lord Shiva and the worshipers of Lord Vishnu. Baisakhi, a primordial harvest festival, celebrates the New Year for the Sikh community.

List of 2018 State-wise Holidays

With over a billion people, India is one of the most populous countries in the world. Hence, one can see many cultures, religions, and languages in this country. India is blessed with many festivals as all faiths are embraced in this land.

Festivals are celebrated differently in various parts of India depending on the place, faith, and other factors. Currently, there are 29 states and 7 union territories in India. If you are looking for a list of state-wise holidays in India for the year 2018, read on.

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