Looking for a good time to take a break with your family in 2025? Sometimes, all we need is a long weekend to recharge and spend quality time with our loved ones. So, if you’ve been dreaming of a family vacation, this blog post is for you! Here’s a detailed list of all the long weekends and official holidays in 2025 you can use to plan that perfect getaway.
Table of Contents
January
The start of the year is always special, and it’s the perfect time to plan a vacation and set the tone for the months ahead. Here are the holidays you can make the most of:
1st January – New Year’s Day (R)
What better way to start the year than by spending quality time with your family? New Year’s Day is a public holiday and a great time to begin the year on a refreshing note.
4th & 5th January – Weekend
These weekends are great for a quick getaway. Since it’s a short holiday, you can easily plan a one-day trip or even just a relaxing day at home with your family.
6th January – Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday (R)
Take this religious holiday as a time to unwind and connect with your family. Whether it’s visiting a gurudwara or just staying at home, it’s a good break to enjoy some quiet time together.
14th January – Makar Sankranti/Pongal (R)
Makar Sankranti is one of the major harvest festivals celebrated in India. It’s a perfect time to head out to the countryside or a farm to enjoy the festival with your family.
26th January – Republic Day (G)
Republic Day is not just about watching the parade. It’s a great long weekend to plan a visit to a nearby city or explore the beauty of India’s diverse landscapes.
February
2nd February – Basant Panchami (R)
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a quick trip to a nearby place or just indulge in some traditional festivities with your family.
12th February – Guru Ravidas’s Birthday (R)
Take this day to unwind with your family. Whether it’s a staycation or a short trip, it’s a nice little break.
19th February – Shivaji Jayanti (R)
If you’re in Maharashtra, this is the day to celebrate the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. Visit historic sites or simply spend the day reminiscing the history with your family.
23rd February – Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti (R)
Another day to connect with your family on a spiritual level or take a peaceful holiday somewhere calm and quiet.
26th February – Maha Shivaratri (G)
A day dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can plan a visit to temples, participate in the rituals, or spend the evening with your family, connecting with your spirituality.
March
March is the month where you get to enjoy multiple long weekends due to various festivals. Let’s see the opportunities:
- 13th to 16th March – Holi (G), Holika Dahan (R), Dolyatra (R)
This 4-day weekend is perfect for family trips! Why not plan a colorful escape to a different city, or even stay home and enjoy the festivities together? Holi is always better when celebrated with family and friends. - 28th to 31st March – Jamat-Ul-Vida (R), Id-ul-Fitr (G)
If you celebrate Eid, this is your long weekend! Enjoy the feasts and celebrations or take a peaceful getaway with your family to enjoy the quiet time.
April
April is packed with long weekends, giving you plenty of chances to go on vacation:
- 6th April – Ram Navmi (R)
A festival to celebrate Lord Rama, it’s the perfect time for a temple visit or a family retreat in the mountains. - 10th April – Mahavir Jayanti (G)
A day for reflection, visit Jain temples or spend time with your loved ones, soaking in some culture. - 12th to 15th April – Good Friday and Easter
It’s a religious holiday, and a great time to take a relaxing break with your family. Head to a scenic place for a quiet retreat.
May
May is your month to relax and connect with your inner peace. Use the following days for some quiet family time:
- 9th to 12th May – Guru Rabindranath’s Birthday (R), Buddha Purnima (G)
A perfect long weekend to visit spiritual destinations or enjoy some reflective time together with your family.
June
June doesn’t offer too many holidays, but here’s what you’ve got:
- 7th June – Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) (G)
A religious holiday, this could be a nice day for a quick getaway to spend time with your loved ones, especially if you’re visiting family or taking part in celebrations.
July
6th July – Muharram (G)
A day for quiet reflection, Muharram can be used to either stay home and reflect with your family or go on a small trip.
August
August is full of family holidays! Here are some key dates:
- 15th August – Independence Day (G)
A great day to celebrate with family, perhaps by visiting historical sites or attending public events. - 16th August – Janmashtami (R)
Celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with your family, either by visiting temples or participating in local festivals.
September
September is a month full of holidays and celebrations, perfect for a family vacation:
- 5th September – Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e-Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad) (G)
A peaceful holiday, this day is perfect for unwinding with your family or visiting a nearby religious site. - 27th to 30th September – Dussehra (R)
Dussehra is all about family, traditions, and celebrations. Why not visit a place that celebrates Dussehra in a unique way, like Mysore or Kullu?
October
October is all about Diwali! Here are the key holidays:
- 2nd October – Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday (G)
Visit historical sites related to Gandhi or plan a family trip to explore his legacy. - 18th to 20th October – Diwali (Deepawali) (G), Karva Chauth (R)
Diwali is the best time for family vacations. Whether you’re visiting family or going on a Diwali getaway, this holiday is all about joy and togetherness.
November
November is a month with only a couple of holidays, but you can still plan a quick vacation:
- 5th November – Guru Nanak’s Birthday (G)
Use this day for a short trip to a gurudwara or to spend time with your family, reflecting on the teachings of Guru Nanak. - 25th November – Guru Teg Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day (R)
Another holiday to enjoy a short trip or spend time with family, remembering the sacrifices made for religious freedom.
December
And finally, December gives you the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long year:
- 24th December – Christmas Eve (R)
Plan a family holiday for Christmas, whether it’s a trip to a hill station or just a cozy gathering at home. - 25th December – Christmas Day (G)
Christmas is the best time for family vacations. Whether you’re visiting family or going on a Christmas getaway, this holiday is all about joy and togetherness.
Gazette Holiday and Restricted Holiday
In India, the terms “Gazette Holiday” and “Restricted Holiday” refer to different categories of public holidays.
Gazette Holiday
A Gazette Holiday is a public holiday that is officially declared by the government, and it is published in the official government gazette. These holidays are typically fixed, like national holidays (e.g., Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti) and certain festivals that are recognized by the central or state government. These holidays are mandatory for all government offices, educational institutions, and most private sectors, depending on their policies.
Restricted Holiday
A Restricted Holiday is a holiday that is optional and depends on the employer or organization’s discretion. It is typically a festival or an occasion that is not universally observed but may be significant to certain regions, communities, or groups of employees. Restricted holidays can be availed by employees based on their personal preferences or beliefs, and they are usually limited in number, so an employee may be allowed to take a specific number of such holidays in a year.
Key Differences
- Gazette Holiday: Officially declared and fixed, mandatory for government offices and widely observed.
- Restricted Holiday: Optional, employee-specific, and not mandatory; decided by employers.
The number and nature of these holidays vary depending on the state and the organization’s policies.
With so many holidays and long weekends, 2025 is the perfect year to plan vacations with your family. Whether it’s a long holiday or a quick getaway, make sure to take the time to relax, explore new places, and create memories that last a lifetime. Pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and get ready for an unforgettable year of vacations!
