The month of January is full of festivals and holidays. This year, due to big festivals like Makar Sankranti and Pongal, long holidays have been announced across the country. From North India to South India, people are preparing to enjoy this season to the fullest. At some places there is excitement of kite flying and at some places there is excitement of traditional food and decorations.
This year, three important festivals will be celebrated together on January 14 – Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Hazrat Ali’s birthday. Due to these festivals, long holidays have been announced in many states. Let us know in which states how many days of holidays have been declared and how these holidays can be availed.
Public Holidays 2025: Know when the holidays will be
| date | festival/holiday |
| 11 January | Second Saturday (Banks and some government offices closed) |
| 12 January | Sunday (weekly holiday) |
| 13 January | Lohri (holiday in some northern states) |
| 14 January | Makar Sankranti/Pongal (public holiday in many states) |
| 15 january | Thiruvalluvar Day (holiday in Tamil Nadu) |
| 16 January | Uzhavar Thirunal (holiday in Tamil Nadu) |
| 17 January | Additional holidays (in some states) |
Opportunity for long holidays in North India
This time has brought the opportunity of long holidays for the people of North India. In many states, schools, colleges and government offices will remain closed for 4-5 consecutive days. The details of these holidays are as follows:
- January 11 (Saturday): Being the second Saturday, banks and many government offices will remain closed.
- 12 January (Sunday): Weekly holiday.
- January 13 (Monday): Lohri will be celebrated as a holiday in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.
- January 14 (Tuesday): Due to Makar Sankranti, a public holiday has been declared in many states.
In this way people of North India can enjoy a long weekend of four days.
One week long holiday excitement in South India
The festival of Pongal is considered to be the biggest celebration in South India. In states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu, there will be a chance to celebrate holidays for a week.
School Holidays in Telangana
Telangana Government has released the school calendar for 2024-25. According to:
- Holidays have been declared in schools and government offices from 13 to 17 January.
- 11th January is the second Saturday and 12th January is a Sunday.
- On Monday, January 13, state government employees can take one extra day leave.
Pongal Holidays in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu government has declared 6 days holidays on the occasion of Pongal:
- 14 January: Pongal
- 15 January: Thiruvalluvar Day
- 16 January: Uzhavar Thirunal
- January 17: additional holiday
- 18th and 19th January: Saturday-Sunday holiday
With this, the people of South India will be able to celebrate their festivals with great pomp and also enjoy comfort.
Importance and traditions of festivals
Pongal: Farmers’ Thanksgiving Festival
Pongal is the most important festival of South India. This is a festival to express gratitude to the farmers. It is also called “Thai Pongal” and is dedicated to the Sun God. During Pongal:
- Houses are decorated with Kolam (Rangoli).
- Pongal (a type of kheer) is prepared.
- Family and friends eat together.
- New clothes are worn and good wishes are given to each other.
Makar Sankranti: Sun’s Uttarayan journey
Makar Sankranti marks the entry of the Sun into Capricorn. This festival is celebrated with different names all over India. On Makar Sankranti:
- Ganga bath is taken.
- Charity has special importance.
- Consumption of sesame and jaggery is considered auspicious.
- Kite flying is enjoyed.
Making Good Use of Holidays: Family Time and Self-Care
Long holidays give people a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Here are some tips on how to make the most of these holidays:
- Plan a trip: During these holidays you can visit your hometown or any favorite travel destination.
- Family time: This time is ideal for sitting with the family to talk, play games and enjoy festive dishes.
- Moment of relaxation: Taking a break from the hectic life, these holidays will refresh you again.
- Learn new skills: Use the holidays to learn a new hobby or skill.
- Focus on health: Make time for yoga, meditation or exercise.
Office Holidays: Special Tips for Employees
Many companies and government offices will also remain closed during these days. Some special tips for employees:
- Keep your work up-to-date before the holidays.
- Keep deadlines in mind for important projects.
- Make a to-do list for after the holidays.
- Keep checking important emails even when you are away from office.
Disclaimer
This article has been written for general information purposes. Although an effort has been made to keep the information given here accurate, it is still not completely verified. Dates of holidays and festivals may vary from state to state and institution to institution. Please verify official information from your local administration, educational institution or workplace. The author or publisher is not responsible for any damages or consequences caused by the use of the information provided in this article.
