As the mid-monsoon season sets in, August is a great time to enjoy vacations with your loved ones or take a solo trip. Planning a trip at this time of the year will give you much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation.
August has various regional, national and holidays. Let us look at the list of holidays that fall in August 2024.
Here are all the holidays you can get in August 2024.
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Celebrated in |
3rd August 2024 |
Saturday |
Karkidaka Vavu |
Kerala |
9th August 2024 |
Friday |
Adivasi Divas |
Various Indian states |
13th August 2024 |
Tuesday |
Patriot's Day |
Manipur |
15th August 2024 |
Thursday |
Parsi New Year |
Gujarat and Maharashtra |
15th August 2024 |
Thursday |
Independence Day |
All states of India |
16th August 2024 |
Friday |
De Jure Transfer Day |
Puducherry |
19th August 2024 |
Monday |
Raksha Bandhan |
All states of India |
26th August 2024 |
Monday |
Janmashtami |
All states of India |
Note that the banks will remain closed on the following days.
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Celebrated in |
10th August 2024 |
Saturday |
2nd Saturday |
All States of India |
15th August 2024 |
Thursday |
Parsi New Year / Independence Day |
All States of India |
19th August 2024 |
Monday |
Raksha Bandhan |
All States of India |
24th August 2024 |
Saturday |
4th Saturday |
All States of India |
26th August 2024 |
Monday |
Janmashtami |
All States of India |
Here is a quick review of the significance of a few festivals observed in August 2024.
Karkidaka Vavu, or Vavu Bali, is a Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala to pay respect to the ancestors. On this day, people perform rituals under the guidance of a priest on the banks of the river shore or at temples to seek the blessings of their ancestors.
The United Nations declared 9th August as ‘International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples’ to recognise the perseverance of tribal communities in the country. This day is marked to honour approximately 104 million tribal people among the Indian population and recognise the challenges they face.
This is a regional holiday in Manipur to remember all those who became martyred in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.
Also called Navroz, this day marks the beginning of the Iranian calendar. Parsis celebrate this festival by exchanging sweets, visiting fire temples referred to as the Agiary, and having festive meals.
On 15th August 1947, India gained Independence from British rule. On this day, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the Red Fort and unfurls the flag. People across India celebrate the day by organising patriotic events.
While the East India Company ruled the majority of the Indian subcontinent, some parts of India were under European rule. So, Pondicherry celebrates Independence from French rule in August as De Jure Transfer Day.
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is to celebrate the relationship between siblings. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi to their brother's hand, and the brothers vow to protect them in return.
Raksha Bandhan is a public holiday in many Northern states of India, such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, etc.
On 26th August 2024, Krishna Janmashtami will denote the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna as per the Hindu calendar. On this day, people prepare a feast for Lord Krishna, sing devotional songs and dance until midnight.
Now that you know the exact dates of holidays in August 2024, here are a few places you can visit.
Goa, India's smallest state, is a favourite vacation spot for many beach lovers. Many beautiful beaches and historic churches can be found there. You can also engage in other water sports including scuba diving, banana riding, and parasailing.
One of the most well-known hill stations in the nation is Darjeeling. Since it is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, the climate is very nice in August. Along with taking in Darjeeling's serenity, you can also engage in a number of exciting activities like boating, rock climbing, and trekking. If you ever find yourself in Darjeeling, make sure to check out the Japanese Temple, Rock Garden, and Tiger Hill, which are some of the main tourist destinations.
One of the most visited tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh is Khajuraho, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Khajuraho, there are many historic temples. One of the best types of art in the world is thought to be the carvings on the temple walls. Additionally, Khajuraho's charming weather makes it one of the best places to visit in August.
Jaipur, also referred to as the "Pink City of Rajasthan," is well-known for its historical landmarks, including the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer fort, etc. While in Rajasthan, you can participate in a variety of activities like camel riding, camping and paragliding in addition to sightseeing.
If you plan to visit Maharashtra, there are endless activities you can enjoy. You can take a tour of Film City, which is one of the most popular activities. A few prominent places to visit include UNESCO heritage sites, such as Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, hill stations like Matheran and Lonavala, and many other tourist attractions.
The culture in Uttar Pradesh is extremely versatile, with a mix of Hindu and Mughal history. A trip to Uttar Pradesh is incomplete without a visit to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. When you visit in August, you can also celebrate Janmashtami in Mathura, Vrindavan or Dwarka.
In August, you get three long weekends:
9th August – Friday: Adivasi Divas
10th August – Saturday: 2nd Saturday
11th August 2024 – Sunday
15th August – Thursday: Independence Day
16th August – Friday: Take a day off
17th August – Saturday: Weekend
18th August – Sunday: Weekend
19th August – Monday: Raksha Bandhan
24th August – Saturday: 4th Saturday
25th August – Sunday: Weekend
26th August – Monday: Janmashtami
Knowing these holiday dates well in advance helps you plan your vacation itinerary for a family outing or a vacation with your friends. If you need funds to finance your trip, simply apply for a travel loan on Bajaj Markets.