10 Unmissable Festivals in the 2025 Indian Calendar

10 Unmissable Festivals in the 2025 Indian Calendar

Embark on an extraordinary journey through time with the India Calendar 2025, a captivating compendium that unveils the rich tapestry of India’s diverse traditions and vibrant culture. This comprehensive calendar serves as a gateway to a year filled with festivities, auspicious occasions, and remarkable events that have shaped the nation’s history and heritage. Delve into the intricacies of India’s unique calendar system, where each month holds a special significance, from the joyous celebrations of Diwali to the solemn observance of Holi. As you navigate through the pages of this calendar, you will discover a treasure trove of knowledge, insights, and fascinating stories that will ignite your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for India’s timeless heritage.

Beyond its practical utility, the India Calendar 2025 is also an artistic masterpiece. Adorned with stunning visuals that capture the essence of India’s vibrant culture, this calendar is a visual feast for the eyes. Each month features a captivating photograph or illustration that showcases the country’s natural beauty, architectural wonders, and the vibrant spirit of its people. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, this calendar is a visual journey that transports you to the heart of India’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

The India Calendar 2025 is not just a mere timekeeping device; it is an invaluable resource that connects you to the rhythms of Indian life. By delving into its pages, you will gain a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse festivals, traditions, and customs. Whether you are a resident of India, a traveler seeking to immerse yourself in its culture, or simply someone with a keen interest in world cultures, this calendar is an indispensable companion. As you turn each page, you will be greeted by a wealth of information that will enrich your knowledge and deepen your appreciation for the vibrant tapestry that is India.

India’s National Holidays in 2025

India is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. Its national holidays reflect the country’s history, culture, and religious beliefs. In 2025, India will observe the following national holidays:

Date Holiday Significance
January 26 Republic Day Commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950.
February 15 Mahashivratri A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.
March 8 International Women’s Day Celebrates the achievements of women and promotes gender equality.
March 22 Holi A Hindu festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil.
April 10 Good Friday A Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
April 14 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti Birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
May 1 Maharashtra Day Celebrates the formation of the state of Maharashtra.
May 6 Eid al-Fitr A Muslim festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
August 15 Independence Day Commemorates India’s independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
September 23 Sarva Pitru Amavasya A Hindu festival dedicated to ancestors.
October 2 Gandhi Jayanti Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian independence movement.
October 4 Dussehra A Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil.
October 29 Diwali A Hindu festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
November 1 Karnataka Rajyotsava Celebrates the formation of the state of Karnataka.
December 25 Christmas A Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Regional and State-Specific Holidays in India 2025

India is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and its festivals and holidays reflect this diversity. In addition to the national holidays observed throughout the country, each state and region has its own unique set of holidays that are celebrated with great fervor.

State-Specific Holidays


Each state in India has its own unique set of holidays, which are typically based on the region’s history, culture, and religious traditions. For example, the state of Kerala celebrates Onam, a harvest festival, while the state of Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal, a festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season.

State Holiday Date in 2025
Andhra Pradesh Ugadi March 26
Assam Rongali Bihu April 14-16
Bihar Chhath Puja November 8
Goa Goa Liberation Day December 19
Gujarat Navratri October 17
Haryana Guru Nanak Jayanti November 17
Himachal Pradesh Lohri January 13
Karnataka Makar Sankranti January 15
Kerala Onam September 8
Madhya Pradesh Holi March 8
Maharashtra Ganesh Chaturthi September 17
Manipur Sangai Festival November 21
Meghalaya Meghalaya Day January 21
Mizoram Chapchar Kut December 1
Nagaland Hornbill Festival December 1
Odisha Raja Parba June 15
Punjab Baisakhi April 14
Rajasthan Teej August 23
Sikkim Losar February 21
Tamil Nadu Pongal January 14
Telangana Bathukamma October 3
Tripura Kharchi Puja November 1
Uttar Pradesh Ram Navami April 2
Uttarakhand Kumbh Mela April 12
West Bengal Durga Puja October 22

Important Hindu Festivals in the 2025 Calendar

Hindu festivals celebrate religious events and significant moments in Hindu mythology. Here are some key festivals to note in 2025:

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. This festival is celebrated with bonfires, feasts, and kite flying. It falls on 14th January 2025.

Pongal

Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in South India. It is dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya. Festivities include cooking a special rice dish called pongal, decorating homes with kolam designs, and offering prayers to the sun.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This festival is marked by devotees fasting, staying up all night in prayer, and offering water and flowers to Shiva lingams (cylindrical representations of Lord Shiva).

Festival Date in 2025
Pongal 15th January
Maha Shivaratri 1st March
Holi 8th March
Gudi Padwa 22nd March
Ram Navami 31st March
Akshaya Tritiya 15th April
Krishna Janmashtami 12th August
Ganesh Chaturthi 1st September
Dussehra 18th October
Diwali 14th November

Muslim Observances in the 2025 Indian Calendar

1. Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. In 2025, Ramadan will begin on April 23 and end on May 23.

2. Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a three-day festival that marks the end of Ramadan. It is a time of celebration and feasting, and it is also a time to give thanks to Allah for the blessings of the past month.

3. Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is a four-day festival that is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of sacrifice and pilgrimage, and it is also a time to remember the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, to Allah.

4. Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and it is a time of mourning and remembrance. It is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein, was martyred at the Battle of Karbala. The tenth day of Muharram is known as Ashura, and it is a day of special mourning for Shia Muslims.

Date Event
April 23 Ramadan Begins
May 23 Ramadan Ends
May 24 Eid al-Fitr
July 10 Eid al-Adha
August 19 Muharram Begins
August 28 Ashura

Christian Holidays in the 2025 Indian Calendar

Good Friday 2025

Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians on the Friday before Easter.

Easter Sunday 2025

Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar.

Christmas Day 2025

Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated on December 25th.

Boxing Day 2025

A public holiday in India, traditionally celebrated on December 26th as a day of rest and festivities.

New Year’s Day 2026

Observed on January 1st, marks the beginning of the new year and is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and parades.

Additional Christian Holidays in 2025

Here are some other notable Christian holidays observed in India in 2025:

Holiday Date
Epiphany January 6th
Ascension Day May 29th
Pentecost June 8th
Trinity Sunday June 15th
Corpus Christi June 19th

Sikh Festivals in the 2025 Indian Calendar

The Sikh calendar follows the Nanakshahi calendar, which is based on the solar year and has 365 days divided into 12 months. Sikh festivals are celebrated on specific dates according to the Nanakshahi calendar.

Baisakhi

Baisakhi is one of the most important Sikh festivals, celebrated on the first day of the month of Baisakh (mid-April). It marks the beginning of the Sikh new year and commemorates the founding of the Khalsa, the Sikh brotherhood, in 1699.

Maghi

Maghi is celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh (mid-January). It is associated with the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s 40 Sikhs, known as the “Forty Martyrs.” Sikhs celebrate Maghi by taking a dip in holy rivers and performing religious rituals.

Hola Mohalla

Held on the day after Holi (late February/early March), Hola Mohalla is a martial arts festival that celebrates the military tradition of the Sikhs. It features mock battles, swordsmanship demonstrations, and other displays of physical prowess.

Gurpurab (Guru Nanak Jayanti)

Gurpurab is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Kartik (late October/early November). Sikhs visit gurdwaras, read from the Guru Granth Sahib, and participate in special religious ceremonies.

Vaisakhi (Baisakhi)

Vaisakhi is the most important Sikh festival, celebrated on the first day of the month of Vaisakh (mid-April). It commemorates the founding of the Khalsa, the Sikh brotherhood, in 1699. Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi by attending religious services, participating in parades, and sharing meals with family and friends.

Bandi Chhor Divas

Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated on the new moon day of the month of Kartik (late October/early November). It commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, from prison in 1619. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas by lighting lamps and fireworks, and by visiting gurdwaras.

Festival Date in 2025
Baisakhi April 14
Maghi January 14
Hola Mohalla March 11
Gurpurab (Guru Nanak Jayanti) November 12
Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) April 14
Bandi Chhor Divas October 26

Jain Religious Dates in the 2025 Indian Calendar

The Jain community adheres to a unique set of religious festivals and observances based on the Jain calendar. In 2025, several key Jain holidays will occur throughout the Gregorian year:

Mahavira Jayanti (March 31st)

This festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last tirthankara (enlightened being) in Jainism. It is celebrated with prayers, rituals, and special feasts.

Akshaya Tritiya (April 26th)

Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious day considered sacred to all Jain sects. It is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune, and many individuals engage in charitable acts.

Mahavir Nirvana Divas (November 13th)

This festival commemorates the attainment of moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth) by Lord Mahavira. It is a time for introspection and spiritual reflection.

Paryushan Parva (August 18th – 26th)

Paryushan Parva is a ten-day period of fasting, meditation, and introspection. It is the most important religious observance for Jains, and it culminates in the breaking of the fast on Samvatsari (August 26th).

Anant Chaturdashi (September 14th)

This festival marks the end of the four-month monsoon season. Jains gather at temples to worship Anantnath, the fourteenth tirthankara, and partake in special rituals.

Diwali (October 24th)

Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, holds significance for Jains as well. They celebrate the same day as Hindus, observing it as the day when the sixth tirthankara, Padmaprabha, attained moksha.

Vijaya Dashami (October 28th)

Vijaya Dashami, also known as Dussehra, commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. Jains celebrate the day as the birth anniversary of Parsvanatha, the twenty-third tirthankara.

Parsi Holidays in the 2025 Indian Calendar

Navroz (Nouruz)

The Parsi New Year is celebrated on March 21st. It marks the beginning of spring and is a time for reflection and renewal.

Jashan-e-Mehragan

This festival commemorates the defeat of the evil king Zahhak and is celebrated on September 23rd.

Patet

Patet is a day of repentance and forgiveness. It falls on the 10th day of the Parsi month of Adar.

Maha Shivratri

This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated on February 18th.

Holi

Holi is a festival of colors that celebrates the arrival of spring. It falls on March 8th.

Diwali

Diwali is a festival of lights that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It falls on November 14th.

Christmas

Christmas is a Christian festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It falls on December 25th.

Additional Parsi Holidays

In addition to the main Parsi holidays, there are a number of other religious and cultural observances that are celebrated throughout the year. These include:

Holiday Date
Jashan-e-Bahman February 1st
Jashan-e-Mordad August 22nd
Jashan-e-Shahrivar September 22nd
Jashan-e-Mehr October 26th
Jashan-e-Adar December 23rd

Buddhist Holidays in the 2025 Indian Calendar

Makarasankranti

Makarasankranti, a festival that marks the beginning of spring, is celebrated on January 14, 2025. On this day, devotees take holy dips in rivers and offer prayers to the sun god, Surya.

Republic Day

Republic Day, a national holiday commemorating the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, falls on January 26, 2025. It is celebrated with grand parades and cultural events across the country.

Holi

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is observed on March 8, 2025. People of all ages smear colored powder and water on each other, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated on March 17, 2025. Devotees offer prayers and perform special rituals throughout the night.

Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year, falls on March 23, 2025. It is celebrated by erecting colorful banners (gudis) outside homes and visiting temples for blessings.

Ugadi

Ugadi, the Telugu and Kannada New Year, is observed on March 23, 2025. It marks the beginning of a new year and is celebrated with feasts and traditional rituals.

Good Friday

Good Friday, a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is observed on March 28, 2025. Churches hold special services and processions to mark the occasion.

Easter

Easter, a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, falls on March 30, 2025. It is a joyous occasion marked by feasts, egg hunts, and church services.

Ambedkar Jayanti

Ambedkar Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, is observed on April 14, 2025. It is a national holiday commemorating his contributions to the nation.

India’s Annual Festival and Event Calendar

Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most important festivals in India. It is celebrated in October or November and marks the victory of good over evil. Diwali is a time for family and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy fireworks.

Holi

Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated in March or April. Holi is a time for people to come together and forgive each other’s past mistakes. It is a time to celebrate springtime and new beginnings.

Dusshera

Dusshera, the festival of victory, is celebrated in September or October. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Dusshera is a time for people to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, the festival of the sun, is celebrated in January. It marks the beginning of the spring season. Makar Sankranti is a time for people to come together and celebrate the harvest.

Pongal

Pongal, the harvest festival, is celebrated in January or February. Pongal is a time for people to give thanks for the harvest and pray for a good year ahead.

Shivaratri

Shivaratri, the festival of Shiva, is celebrated in February or March. Shivaratri is a time for people to worship Lord Shiva and pray for his blessings.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival of Ganesh, is celebrated in August or September. Ganesh Chaturthi is a time for people to worship Lord Ganesh and pray for his blessings.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami, the festival of Krishna, is celebrated in August or September. Janmashtami is a time for people to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.

Navratri

Navratri, the festival of nine nights, is celebrated in September or October. Navratri is a time for people to worship the goddess Durga and pray for her blessings.

Christmas

Christmas, the festival of the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated in December. Christmas is a time for people to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Multifaceted Calendar of India 2025

The Indian calendar, a complex and diverse system, is a testament to the country’s rich cultural tapestry. The year 2025 presents a unique alignment of various calendars, offering a glimpse into the myriad traditions and beliefs that coexist in India.

The Hindu calendar, widely used in religious and cultural contexts, begins on March 22, 2025, marking the start of the year 2082. This lunisolar calendar, which combines lunar and solar cycles, features festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra, each carrying deep significance in Hindu mythology and folklore.

The Gregorian calendar, adopted for civil purposes, aligns with the Western calendar and begins on January 1, 2025. This calendar follows a solar cycle and is commonly used for international business, travel, and official affairs.

Beyond these two primary calendars, India also observes several regional and community-specific calendars. The Vikram Samvat, a solar calendar prevalent in Northern India, begins on April 14, 2025, marking the start of the year 2082. The Bengali calendar, used in West Bengal and Bangladesh, begins on April 15, 2025, commemorating the year 1432.

The coexistence of these calendars in India reflects the country’s vibrant cultural diversity and the interconnectedness of its many traditions. While the Gregorian calendar may dominate for official purposes, the Hindu, Vikram Samvat, and Bengali calendars continue to play an integral role in shaping the sociocultural fabric of India.

People Also Ask About India Calendar 2025

When does the Hindu calendar start in 2025?

The Hindu calendar begins on March 22, 2025, marking the start of the year 2082.

Is there a leap day in the Indian calendar in 2025?

No, the Indian calendar does not have leap days.

What is the significance of the Vikram Samvat calendar?

The Vikram Samvat calendar is used for historical dating and is based on the legendary king Vikramaditya’s coronation in 57 BCE.

Which calendar is used for official purposes in India?

The Gregorian calendar is used for official purposes in India.