Holidays in August 2025

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 and national holidays. Let us look at the list of holidays for August 2025.

Here are all the holidays you can get in August 2025.

Note that the banks will remain closed on the following days. 

Here is a list of public holidays categorised as ‘gazetted’ as issued by the government of India:

Some restricted holidays which you can opt for in August 2025 are as follows:

Here is a quick review of the significance of a few festivals observed in August 2025. 

Friendship Day

A global celebration of camaraderie, Friendship Day is a chance to cherish the bonds of friendship. People exchange friendship bands, cards, and gifts or spend time with friends to honour their connection. Social gatherings and heartfelt messages often mark this day.

Raksha Bandhan 

A cherished Indian festival celebrating the bond between siblings, Raksha Bandhan involves sisters tying a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brother's wrists, symbolising protection and care. Brothers, in turn, offer gifts and pledge to safeguard their sisters. Families come together to celebrate with traditional sweets and rituals.

Independence Day 

India's Independence Day is a national holiday commemorating the country’s freedom from British rule in 1947. Flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and patriotic displays take place across the country. It’s a day of reflection on India’s journey as a sovereign nation and a time to honour its freedom fighters.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

This day focuses on promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous communities worldwide. Celebrations include cultural events, exhibitions, and discussions about preserving indigenous languages, traditions, and heritage. It’s an opportunity to learn about the contributions of indigenous peoples to global diversity.

Parsi New Year

This festival, celebrated by the Parsi community, marks the beginning of the new year in the Zoroastrian calendar. Families clean and decorate their homes, prepare special meals, and visit fire temples for prayers. It’s a day of renewal, feasting, and joy, embodying the spirit of harmony and gratitude.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami is a grand celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth. He is considered to be one of Hinduism’s most revered deities. Devotees observe fasting, sing devotional songs, and re-enact scenes from Krishna’s life. Temples are decorated and various ceremonies are held in honour of Lord Krishna. Also, the ‘Dahi Handi’ tradition adds a festive element. Herein, participants form human pyramids to reach a certain and break open a pot of curd. 

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha. He is considered to be a remover of obstacles as well as the deity of wisdom. Homes and public spaces are decorated with Ganesha idols, and prayers are offered during the 10-day festival. It concludes with a grand procession, where the idols are immersed in water, symbolising Ganesha's return to his heavenly abode.

Here are some great ways in which you can celebrate various festivals and occasions in August:

Friendship Day

Spend quality time with your friends by organising a small gathering, exchanging thoughtful gifts or friendship bands, and reminiscing about shared memories. You can also plan an outing or participate in fun group activities to strengthen your bond.

Raksha Bandhan

Celebrate the sibling bond by performing the traditional rakhi-tying ritual, followed by a family meal with festive delicacies. Exchange gifts or heartfelt messages to make the occasion special. Even if you’re apart, connect virtually to honour this cherished tradition.

Independence Day

Show your patriotism by attending flag-hoisting ceremonies, watching cultural performances, or participating in community clean-up drives. Spend the day reflecting on India’s history and contributions, and engage children with educational activities about the nation’s freedom struggle.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Join workshops, exhibitions, or events highlighting indigenous cultures. Support indigenous artisans by purchasing handmade goods or learning about their traditions and challenges. Spread awareness on social media to amplify their voices.

Parsi New Year

Zoroastrians can celebrate the new year by visiting a fire temple for prayers. You can prepare traditional Parsi dishes such as Patra ni Machhi, Chicken Farcha, Parsi Sev and more. Spend the day with family, exchanging goodwill and blessings, and embracing the spirit of renewal.

Janmashtami

Participate in temple activities or watch a ‘Dahi Handi’ event in your locality. Decorate your home with Krishna-themed items, and enjoy preparing and sharing festive sweets like kheer and makhan. Spend the evening singing devotional songs or narrating Krishna’s stories to children.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Welcome Lord Ganesha into your home by decorating a designated space with flowers and an idol of Ganesha. Perform daily prayers and offer sweets like modaks. Join public celebrations or participate in eco-friendly idol immersion ceremonies to conclude the festival responsibly.

 

By incorporating these simple yet meaningful activities, you can make each holiday more memorable and enriching.

August is a fantastic time to travel in India, with destinations offering unique cultural events and vibrant festivities. Here are some of the best places to visit this month:

Mathura & Vrindavan

Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura and Vrindavan host grand celebrations for Janmashtami. Devotees gather to sing devotional songs, perform dances, and re-enact episodes from Krishna's life. The Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is the epicentre of the festivities, providing a spiritual and joyous experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere filled with devotion and energy.

Alleppey

August is the perfect time to visit Alleppey, as the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race brings the backwaters to life. This thrilling event features teams rowing traditional snake boats in a spirited competition on Punnamda Lake. The festive atmosphere, with cheering crowds and cultural performances, makes it an unforgettable experience. Beyond the race, visitors can explore Alleppey’s serene backwaters on a houseboat, soak in the lush green surroundings, and savour authentic Kerala cuisine, making it an ideal destination for an August getaway.

Jaipur

Jaipur adds a royal touch to your vacation with historic locations you can visit like the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and more. Places like the Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, and Nahargarh Fort, each offer a glimpse into the grandeur of Rajasthan’s regal past. Stroll through the vibrant bazaars of Johari and Bapu markets, where traditional jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts await. Witness the city's rich heritage through cultural performances, folk music, and art exhibitions that bring its history to life. 

Pune

Pune offers a perfect blend of cultural vibrancy and historical charm, making it an ideal destination to explore in any season. Visitors can delve into the city’s rich history by visiting landmarks like the Aga Khan Palace, a symbol of India’s freedom struggle, and Shaniwar Wada, known for its Maratha heritage. Pune also hosts various cultural events, local fairs, and festivals throughout the year, adding a lively and festive atmosphere to the city. From exploring bustling markets to indulging in Maharashtrian cuisine, Pune promises an enriching and memorable experience.

In August 2025, you can enjoy the following long weekends:

9th August to 11th August

• Saturday, 9th August – Raksha Bandhan
  

• Sunday, 10th August – Weekend
  

• Monday, 11th August – Ayyankali Jayanthi 

13th August to 17th August

• Wednesday, 13th August – Patriot’s Day
  

• Thursday, 14th August – Take the day off
  

• Friday, 15th August – Independence Day / Parsi New Year  / Janmashtami (Smarta)
  

• Saturday, 16th August – Janmashtami / De Jure Transfer Day
  

• Sunday, 17th August – Weekend

27th August to 31st August

• Wednesday, 27th August – Ganesh Chaturthi
  

• Thursday, 28th August – Nuakhai
  

• Friday, 29th August – Take a day off
  

• Saturday, 30th August – Weekend
  

• Sunday, 31st August – Weekend
  
  

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.