Guide to Long Weekends in 2024 to Plan Your Perfect Getaways

We all crave a break from our busy schedules, and what better way to recharge than during a long weekend? Fortunately, in 2024, India is gifting us several long weekends—perfect for planning mini-vacations, quick getaways, or simply a chance to relax at home. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a beach holiday, a mountain retreat, or an adventure-packed trip, these long weekends give you the perfect excuse to explore. Let’s dive into the long weekends in India for 2024 so you can plan your holidays in advance!

List of Long Weekends in 2024

List Festivals Fall During Long Weekends

Long Weekends in January

1. New Year’s Weekend (1st January): Kick off 2024 with a fresh start by celebrating New Year’s Eve over the weekend. Whether you’re looking to party in Goa or enjoy a peaceful retreat in the mountains, this weekend offers the perfect break.

2. Lohri Weekend (13th January): Lohri is a fun festival celebrated in January, especially in Punjab, India. People gather around a big bonfire, sing songs, and dance to celebrate the harvest. They throw sweets and popcorn into the fire to thank the sun for good crops and enjoy delicious food together.

3. Republic Day Weekend (26th January): Extend your Republic Day celebration by taking a weekend trip to explore the cultural heritage of India. Destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra are perfect for history buffs.

Long Weekends in March

4. Maha Shivratri Weekend (8th March): Maha Shivratri is a special festival for Hindus that honors Lord Shiva. People fast, pray, and visit temples at night to show their love for Shiva. It is a time for devotion and celebration, as families come together to mark this important day.

5. Holi Weekend (25th March): Holi brings colors and joy! Combine the festival with the weekend to either enjoy the celebrations in places like Mathura and Vrindavan or escape to a serene destination to unwind.

6. Good Friday Weekend (29th March): The Good Friday long weekend is ideal for planning a peaceful retreat or indulging in cultural activities. Consider visiting spiritual places or enjoy the onset of summer in hill stations like Manali or Ooty.

Long Weekends in May

7. Buddha Purnima Weekend (23rd May): Buddha Purnima is a special day that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It is usually observed in April or May. People visit temples, meditate, and do good deeds to honor Buddha’s teachings of peace and kindness.

Long Weekends in June

8. Bakri Eid Weekend (17th June): Bakri Eid is an important festival for Muslims that celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to show his love for God. Families gather to pray, share meals, and give to those in need. People also often sacrifice a goat or sheep, sharing the meat with family and friends.

Long Weekends in August

9. Independence Day Weekend (15th August): This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a 4-day break. You can explore coastal towns, trek in the Himalayas, or even just relax at home.

10. Janmashthami Weekend (26th August): Janmashtami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is a very important figure in Hinduism. People decorate their homes, sing songs, and dance to celebrate. Many also fast and visit temples to offer prayers and sweets to honor Krishna’s birthday.

Long Weekends in September

11. Ganesh Chaturthi Weekend (7th September): Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. People make beautiful statues of Ganesha, decorate their homes, and offer sweets to him. The festival lasts for several days, and at the end, the statues are taken to a river or sea for immersion.

12. Eid Milad Un Nabi Weekend (16th September): Eid Milad Un Nabi is a special festival that celebrates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. People go to mosques to pray, listen to stories about his life, and share food with family and friends. It is a time for love, kindness, and helping those in need.

Long Weekends in October

13. Dussehra Weekend (12th October): Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil. Combine this auspicious festival with a weekend trip to witness traditional Dussehra celebrations in places like Mysore or Kullu.

14. Diwali Weekend (31st October): Diwali is a time for family, lights, and celebration. This weekend is perfect for visiting relatives or even planning a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Long Weekends in November

15. Guru Nanak Jayanti Weekend (15th November): Guru Nanak Jayanti is a festival that celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. People go to gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to pray, sing songs, and share food with everyone. This day reminds us to be kind, honest, and to help others.