Public Holidays 2020

Public holidays, also known as national or legal holidays, are the days when offices, schools, institutes etc remain shut and people stay at home with their families to enjoy the holiday. Other than the usual one day in the week i.e. Sunday, public holidays are usually days of religious or national significance. Festivals like Diwali are celebrated all over the country with same zeal and enthusiasm. While some festivals are celebrated only in a particular region for e.g. Bihu, Onam etc. The government does not announce holiday for all the religious events, but only the prominent ones which are given below. So, what are you waiting for? Go through the table, check when there’s a long weekend or a possibility to go outstation and spend time with your loved ones.

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Public Holidays 2020 January 2020

February 2020

March 2020

April 2020

May 2020

June 2020

July 2020

August 2020

September 2020

October 2020

November 2020

December 2020

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The details mentioned in the above table are strictly as per the National calendar for the year 2020. However, any changes announced officially can make the dates mismatch. Stay tuned on AstroCAMP for latest updates and most accurate information.

Indian Holiday System: The Mechanism

When you are not aware of a holiday, be it because of a sudden situation, or just because you forgot to check your calendar, you feel anxious as your tasks will remain pending, that too for no good reason. Those who work in companies functioning across the globe, especially can relate to this situation. India is a land of festivals. Different cultures, religions, and regions give way to a place where everyday is a fast or a festival. Though, government has kept it very clear that only certain holidays are national holidays and rest regional. And that you can only close the offices on days decided by the government. Hereby, a holiday in South may be a working day in the North. Let’s now discuss which are the different types of holidays available and where they apply.

• National Holidays

As the name suggests, the holidays which aim at celebrating the special days related to the country are National Holiday s. For example, Independence day (August 15), Republic day (January 26), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 02). These holidays are crucial to patriots but all the government offices remain closed on these days. Celebrations of such holidays includes hoisting of Flag, parade etc.

• Public Holidays

As the name suggests, the holidays which are applicable to the masses are called Public holidays. For example, Diwali is a Public Holiday and so is Holi. There are total 14 days in the year which are days when almost every region, be it under any government or following any religion, offers a holiday to the employees. The rule applies to both government and private firms. Though, some companies (generally which follow the MNC system) may not remain shut or can provide compensatory leaves for the holidays.

The 14 Public Holiday s are - Republic Day , Independence Day , Gandhi Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, Christmas Day , Dussehra, Diwali (Deepavali), Good Friday, Guru Nanak's Birthday, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha (Bakrid), Muharram and Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Id-e-Milad).

• State Public Holidays

Public holidays which are celebrated only in specific regions or by certain religions are counted as State Public holidays. There are 29 states in India. If we go by making the holidays specific to a state apply to the whole nation, it would result in loss of time and resources. Parsi new year is a holiday in Maharashtra, but not in Delhi. Tamil Nadu itself alone has 24 public holidays.

• Restricted Holidays (Optional Holidays)

To allow people living in different states celebrate their own festivals, a flexible number of days is offered by the organizations as holidays. For instance, in Punjab the birthdays of the Gurus are celebrated with great pomp and show, and it is a holiday in the state of Punjab. However, outside the state the same days are normal working days. If a Sikh person is living in Chennai and he wishes to celebrate festivals that belong to their religion, he can apply for a holiday while the offices will run in regular manner.

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• Ad Hoc Holidays

In case of the demise of a public leader or a special situation arising in the nation, which even could lead to a strike (bandh) or curfew, the area affected calls for an off.

Though, the holidays declared by the government are based on criterias mentioned above, there are other days which become a holiday on their own. When the cricket fans decide to cheer their team, the offices are generally empty or filled with distracted employees who find Cricket to be a religion. The holiday mechanism is designed, so as to keep the nation’s economy functioning.

How Different Governments Make The List Of Holiday s?

1. Central Government

16 holidays in total are decided by the central government in an year. This includes three compulsory national holidays - Republic day, Independence day and Gandhi Jayanti. The rest 13 holidays are decided by the governing body considering different occasions.

2. Union Territory Administrations

Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed them the same right to choose between the thirteen and observe the 3 mandatory holidays in regions under administrative control.

3. For Overseas

Government employees working outside India also are eligible for 11 holidays in an year. These include 3 national holidays, along with these public holidays - Diwali, Milad-Un-Nabi or Id-E-Milad, Mahavir Jayanti, Idu'l Fitr, Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami), Guru Nanak's Birthday, and Christmas. Restricted holidays also apply to them but under a criteria that only two such holidays can be opted for.

Holidays are dear to all. Everyone enjoys holidays provided you are not sick and thus availing a day off. We wish you always enjoy your holidays with your loved ones. For more updates, keep following AstroCAMP.