May in India brings a variety of festivals and holidays that highlight the country’s rich cultural and spiritual diversity. From religious festivals to regional celebrations, May 2025 is packed with events that showcase the unique traditions and rituals of various communities.
Table of Contents Show
List of Public Holidays in May 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 May | Thu | Maharashtra Day | Maharashtra |
| 1 May | Thu | May Day | Assam, Bihar, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Pondicherry, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Tripura & West Bengal |
| 8 May | Thu | Guru Rabindranath Jayanti | Tripura & West Bengal |
| 12 May | Mon | Buddha Purnima | Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal |
| 16 May | Fri | State Day | Sikkim |
| 26 May | Mon | Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti | Tripura |
| 29 May | Thu | Maharana Pratap Jayanti | Himachal Pradesh, Haryana & Rajasthan |
| 30 May | Fri | Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day | Punjab |
List of Gazetted Holiday in May 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 12 May | Monday | Buddha Purnima/Vesak |
List of Restricted Holiday in May 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 9 May | Friday | Birthday of Rabindranath |
Overview of May 2024 Holidays
- Maharashtra Day (1 May 2025)
- Why it’s celebrated: Maharashtra Day marks the formation of the state of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960, after the division of the Bombay State. It celebrates the cultural identity, history, and progress of Maharashtra.
- Traditions: The day is marked by parades, flag hoisting ceremonies, and cultural programs across the state. Special events are held at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai, and the state’s achievements are highlighted.
- Fun Fact: Maharashtra Day is also observed as Labour Day across India, honoring workers and their contributions to the nation’s economy.
- May Day (1 May 2025)
- Why it’s celebrated: May Day, or International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions and struggles of workers for better conditions and fair wages.
- Traditions: People participate in rallies, parades, and speeches to promote workers’ rights. In India, it’s a public holiday in some states, celebrating labor contributions.
- Fun Fact: May Day originated from the labor strikes in the U.S. in the late 19th century, especially the Haymarket affair in 1886.
- Guru Rabindranath Jayanti (8 May 2025)
- Why it’s celebrated: This day honors Rabindranath Tagore, a celebrated poet and the first non-European Nobel Laureate in Literature.
- Traditions: Celebrations include cultural programs, poetry recitals, and performances of Tagore’s music and dance.
- Fun Fact: Tagore composed “Jana Gana Mana,” the Indian national anthem, highlighting themes of humanity and nature in his works.
- Buddha Purnima (12 May 2025)
- Why it’s celebrated: Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
- Traditions: Devotees visit temples, offer prayers, and participate in meditation sessions. Many people also perform acts of kindness and charity.
- Fun Fact: It is believed that on this day, the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, symbolizing the path to spiritual awakening.
- State Day (16 May 2025)
- Why it’s celebrated: State Day, also known as Maharashtra Day in Maharashtra, marks the formation of the state on May 1, 1960, after the division of the Bombay State.
- Traditions: The day is celebrated with parades, flag hoisting, cultural events, and speeches highlighting the state’s achievements. In Maharashtra, various programs showcase the rich culture and history of the state.
- Fun Fact: State Day is also observed as Labour Day in many parts of India, honoring the contributions of workers and laborers to society.
- Maharana Pratap Jayanti (29 May 2025)
- Why it’s celebrated: Maharana Pratap Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap, a valiant Rajput king known for his bravery and resistance against the Mughal Empire.
- Traditions: Celebrations include rallies, cultural programs, and speeches honoring his legacy. Schools and organizations often organize events to educate people about his life and achievements.
- Fun Fact: Maharana Pratap is famously known for the Battle of Haldighati, where he fought against Akbar’s forces with his loyal army, symbolizing Rajput pride and valor.
Why May 2025 is Special
May 2025 is filled with spiritual and culturally significant festivals that emphasize values like forgiveness, prosperity, and devotion. Each holiday reflects a deep connection to faith, whether it’s through prayer, charity, or rituals. From the calming prayers of Buddha Purnima to the festive spirit of Akshaya Tritiya, May offers a beautiful glimpse into India’s diverse traditions.
FAQs
What is May 01 2025?
May 1, 2025 is a Thursday. While it's not a major holiday in India, it is a significant day in many other countries around the world.
Here are some notable events associated with May 1:
Here are some notable events associated with May 1:
- International Labor Day: This day is celebrated globally to honor workers and their contributions to society. It's often marked by parades, rallies, and celebrations.
- May Day: In some cultures, May 1 is associated with spring festivals and celebrations of nature. It's a time for picnics, outdoor activities, and enjoying the warmer weather.
Are there any significant international events in May 2025?
Yes, May 1, 2025, is International Labor Day, a global celebration honoring workers. There might also be other international events or conferences happening during the month.
What is the weather like in India in May?
May is generally a hot and humid month in most parts of India. However, the weather can vary depending on the region. Hill stations offer cooler temperatures, while coastal areas experience a mix of hot and humid conditions.
Are there any specific safety precautions to keep in mind when traveling to India in May?
While India is generally safe for tourists, it's always a good idea to take basic safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid crowded areas late at night, and follow local customs and etiquette.
