Holidays in February 2020 & 2019

In the second month of the year i.e., February, there are lesser number of days as compared to the other months. With a number of festivals falling in the month, the number of working days comes down further. Given this fact, we all look forward to the holidays in this month. Here, we have compiled a list of holidays that fall in the month of February 2020.

List of Holidays in February 2020

In February 2020 while there aren’t any national holidays, India celebrates a number of regional public holidays. Listed below are the public holidays that will be celebrated in the month of February 2020:

Note: Guru Ravidas Birthday will be celebrated on February 9, which falls on a Sunday.

Bank Holidays in February 2020

In addition to the regular bank holidays i.e., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of a month, banks operational in the country will remain closed on the days listed below in the month of February 2020.

Note: Check the government gazette to authenticate the dates.

Description of Holidays in February 2020

• Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti: The holiday commemorates the birthday of the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh. On the occasion, prayers for prosperity are offered in the gurudwaras and large processions are taken out on the roads. As part of the festival, special dishes are prepared and served.
• Lui-Ngai-Ni: This is a seed-sowing festival. The festival marks the start of the year for the Naga people. During the festival, many Naga tribes converge at one designated place and showcase their rich cultural heritage. After Hornbill festival, it is the second major inter-tribe Naga festival.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: The holiday is in honour of great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was born on this day. The day is celebrated with a lot of fervour. People take out several processions on the occasion and dress up like the great ruler.
• Arunachal Statehood Day: The day is celebrated to mark Arunachal Pradesh becoming a state of the country. On the day, huge celebrations take place in the state. As part of the festival, the national flag in unfurled by the Governor who then takes the salute from the Guards of Honour. State awards, Chief minister’s Excellence award in Civil Service, and Dorjee Khandu Memorial Award are also awarded on the day.
• Mizoram State Day: The day marks Mizoram becoming the 23rd state of the country. Huge celebrations take place in the state on this day.
• Maha Shivratri: A Hindu festival Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the new moon day of Maagha month as per the Hindu calendar. On the occasion, people fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
• Losar: The festival is celebrated on the first day of the lunisolar Tibetan calendar. It is a new year festival.

Now that the month of February is going to be even shorter with the number of working days further decreased by public and bank holidays, get planning on your next big vacation!

There are many festival holidays in February 2019. All the Indian states have declared festival holidays that fall in the month of February 2019. Being the second month of the year, February is the only month to have less than 30 days. In leap years, the month has 29 days. It has 30 days in common years.

List of Holidays in February 2019

India celebrates many regional public holidays in February 2019.

List of Monthly Holidays

Bank Holidays in February 2019

The following table outlines bank holidays in February 2019:

The regular bank holidays are observed during the 2nd Saturday and the 4th Saturday of the month for the entire country. In February 2019, the regular bank holidays are on 9 February 2019 and 23 February 2019. The list of bank holidays in India is important if you need banking services on a particular date or are in need of it on a frequent basis.

Vasant Panchami - The festival of Vasant Panchami is a festival which is celebrated across India. It is the festival which marks the arrival of Spring and the people celebrating it wear yellow coloured clothes to signify the colour of the season. Also known as Basant Panchami, it is mainly celebrated in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Orissa, West Bengal and Tripura and is a public holiday in the mentioned states.

Lu-Ngai-Ni - Predominantly celebrated in the state of Manipur, Lu-Ngai-Ni is a festival which marks the sowing of seeds. During this festival, a number of tribes of Nagaland come together and showcase their culture and heritage. Lu-Ngai-Ni is celebrated to please the gods of crop and to pray for the well-being of the people.

Guru Ravidas Birthday - The birthday of Guru Ravidas, who was a poet and ‘mystic’ born in Uttar Pradesh, is celebrated on a full moon day during the month of Magh. It is mainly observed in the state of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.

Mizoram State Day - This day marks the separation of Mizoram from being a part of Assam to being recognised as a Union Territory and soon after, being officially recognised as the 23rd state of India. People in Mizoram recognises this day as the date of foundation of their state and is a state holiday.

Statehood Day - Like many other current states, Arunachal Pradesh was also a part of Assam until the 20th of January, 1972 when it was declared a Union Territory. On the 20th of February, 1987 Arunachal Pradesh was given the recognition of a ‘state’ and this day marks its foundation. This day is a state holiday in Arunachal Pradesh.

Destinations in India that help you planning a relaxing holidays

Places to visit in February 2019

Goa: The land of sea, backwaters, churches and picturesque landscapes, Goa is much more than the restaurants, clubs and partying. February makes Goa an ideal location to visit in February as it is comparatively cooler compared to the summer months of April and May. Visit Fort Aguada, the different beaches of North and South Goa and the beautiful churches in the city.

Mumbai: Contrary to the popular belief, Mumbai has a more pleasant climate in the month of February giving you a perfect chance to explore the city in all its glory. It is a fast-paced city that never sleeps. Places you should visit in Mumbai are Gateway of India, shopping in Fashion Street, and Juhu Beach.

Agra: One of the best places to visit in February is Agra. Home to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Agra hosts the Taj Mahotsav which is a festival celebrated in February at the Taj Mahal. Exploring different cultures, food and the historical monuments is what makes Agra worth a visit.

Puri: A coastal town in Orissa, Puri is famously known for the Rath Yatra, an annual festival celebrated in grandeur. Also famous for its beaches and temples, Puri is known as the ‘Spiritual Capital of Odisha’.

Kaziranga National Park: One of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in the country and also the world, Kaziranga is located in the state of Assam and February is the ideal month to visit because of the climate. Home to the one-horned Rhino and the Royal Bengal Tiger amongst other animals, this national park is a delight for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.

Udaipur: The city of Udaipur in Rajasthan is known for its lakes, heritage, and buildings. February serves as the perfect month to visit this city as Fateh Sagar and Lake Pichola are open for a boat rides on sunkissed waters.

Varanasi: Formerly known as Benares, Varanasi is one of the most religiously inclined cities in India. Home to the Ganges, the city as a whole offers prayers to the river in the evenings which is a sight to see for tourists all over the country and abroad. During February, Varanasi celebrates Maha Shivaratri offering prayers to Lord Shiva.

Ooty: Ooty is one of the India’s biggest hill stations. It could be crowded during its peak seasons. The destination offers a mix of busy streets of India, expansive gardens, vivid green tea estates and British-era bungalows.

Jaipur: Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. It is a royal city. Its streets are a combination of the present and the past.

Shillong: Shillong, a hill station, is the capital city of Meghalaya. Sweet falls, Elephant falls and the Spread Eagle falls are the major tourist points to visit. The people staying nearby the place can plan a 1-2 day trip.