May Holidays in 2024

As the temperature begins to rise in May, it is a suitable time to pack your bags and head to the hills for a vacation. However, vacations require prior planning, for which you must be aware of the public holidays in May.

The following table provides the list of gazetted, restricted, and regional holidays in May 2024:

The following table mentions bank holidays in May 2024 as notified by the Reserve Bank of India:

The following are the descriptions of each of the gazetted, restricted, and state-specific holidays in May 2024:

• May Day

Also called International Workers’ Day, many countries celebrate May Day on the first day of this month. This day commemorates the struggles and contributions made by the labour and worker’s movement.

• Maharashtra Day

On May 1, the state of Maharashtra celebrates its foundation day as the bifurcation of the Bombay state took place on this day in 1960. The Bombay state was further bifurcated into Maharashtra and Gujarat. 

• Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti

The birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore falls on the 25th day of Bengali month of Boishakh. India will celebrate the 163rd birth anniversary of Gurudev in 2024.

• Sikkim Statehood Day

On May 16, Sikkim achieved statehood in 1975, becoming the 22nd state of India. In 2024, the Northeastern state will celebrate its 49th Statehood Day. 

• Buddha Purnima

The followers of Buddhism celebrate this festival to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha, the founder of the faith. Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon day of Vaisakh month.

If you wish to celebrate some of these festivals at a tourist destination, you can consider visiting these places:

• Himachal Pradesh

Described as the ‘Destination of all Seasons and all Reasons,’ you can visit Himachal Pradesh to enjoy the beautiful landscape and lush nature. The state also offers activity-based tourism if you are interested in sports and adventure. 

• Mount Abu

It is the perfect destination if you wish to visit green forested hills and undertake a pilgrimage at the majestic Dilwara Jain Temple. Called an oasis in the desert of Rajasthan, you can find yourself close to nature in Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.  

• Meghalaya 

If you want to visit a hill station where beautiful landscapes meet with age-old traditions, plan a trip to Meghalaya. Apart from cherishing stunning landscapes, you can witness the state’s vibrant and diverse culture at numerous events.

• Kashmir

Often called the ‘Paradise on Earth,’ Kashmir is a great place for you to shed all the work stress and relax. Apart from beautiful landscapes, Kashmir offers various opportunities for religious tourism along with retreat activities. 

• Ooty

Udhagamandalam, called Ooty, on the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, is often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of India.’ One of the best tourist attractions there that you cannot afford to miss is the toy train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty.

Here is how you can enjoy a long weekend in May 2024:

• May 22, 2024: Maharana Pratap Jayanti

• May 23, 2024: Buddha Purnima

• May 24, 2024: Take a day off

• May 25, 2025: Take a day off

• May 26, 2024: Sunday

Before planning for a vacation on a long weekend, you must start planning for your finances beforehand. You can opt for a personal loan on Bajaj Markets for your travel requirements and plan a trip that you deserve.