Public Holiday Announced for Holi: Schools, Colleges, and Offices to Remain Close:- A three-day public holiday has been declared in many parts of India for the Holi festival. As per the official calendar released on December 17, 2024, there will be holidays on March 13, 14, and 15.
- March 13 (Thursday): Holiday for Holika Dahan
- March 14 (Friday): Holiday for Holi celebrations
- March 15 (Saturday): Holiday in some regions where Holi will be observed on this day
Additionally, March 16 (Sunday) is a regular weekly holiday, meaning many institutions will remain closed for four consecutive days.
This announcement applies to schools, colleges, government offices, and private workplaces, ensuring that people can enjoy the festival without work-related commitments.
Why is There a Holiday on March 15?
While most of India will celebrate Holi on March 14, some regions follow a different tradition and will observe Holi on March 15. In these areas, an additional restricted holiday has been declared.
Government employees can avail this holiday under the restricted leave system. According to the rules, employees are allowed to take two restricted holidays per year from a designated list. If they want to take leave on March 15, it will count as one of their restricted holidays.
Since March 16 is a Sunday, government offices, schools, and many private organizations will remain closed, providing a long weekend for Holi celebrations.
The Significance of Holi
Holi is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the arrival of spring and is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalgun. The festival is filled with colors, music, and joyous gatherings.
Religious and Mythological Importance
Holi has deep roots in Hindu mythology, particularly in the legend of Prahlad and Holika.
- The Story of Holika Dahan: According to mythology, King Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon king, wanted everyone to worship him instead of Lord Vishnu. However, his son Prahlad was a devoted follower of Vishnu. Furious at Prahlad’s disobedience, Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister Holika to burn Prahlad in a fire. Holika had a magical shawl that protected her from fire, but when she sat with Prahlad in the flames, the shawl flew off her and covered Prahlad instead. As a result, Holika was burnt, and Prahlad was saved. This event is symbolized by the Holika Dahan bonfire, which takes place a day before Holi.
- The Love of Radha and Krishna: Holi is also celebrated in remembrance of the playful and divine love of Radha and Krishna. Lord Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was worried that Radha, who was fair-skinned, wouldn’t accept him. His mother, Yashoda, advised him to apply color to Radha’s face to see if she would still love him. Krishna playfully did so, and the tradition of applying colors during Holi began.
How is Holi Celebrated?
Holi is celebrated in two phases:
- Holika Dahan (March 13, 2025) – People gather around bonfires in the evening and perform rituals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This is an important tradition in many parts of North India.
- Rangwali Holi (March 14 and 15, 2025) – The next day is filled with colors, music, dance, and festive foods. People throw gulal (colored powder) at each other, splash water, and celebrate with family and friends. Delicious sweets like gujiya, malpua, and thandai are prepared and shared.
Public Holiday Schedule for Holi 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday Description |
|---|---|---|
| March 13 | Thursday | Holika Dahan Holiday |
| March 14 | Friday | Holi Festival (Main Celebration) |
| March 15 | Saturday | Restricted Holiday in Some Regions |
| March 16 | Sunday | Regular Weekly Holiday |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will all offices and schools remain closed on these days?
Yes, most schools, colleges, and government offices will be closed on March 13 and 14 for Holika Dahan and Holi. Some private offices may also declare a holiday.
2. Why is Holi celebrated on different days in different places?
Holi is celebrated according to regional traditions. In most places, March 14 is the main day of Holi, but in some regions, it is observed on March 15.
3. Can government employees take leave on March 15?
Yes, but March 15 is a restricted holiday, meaning government employees need to apply for leave if they want to take the day off.
4. Will there be any transport or business restrictions during Holi?
Public transport services may run on a reduced schedule, and many markets and businesses will remain closed or operate for limited hours on March 14 and 15.
5. What are some traditional Holi foods?
Holi celebrations are incomplete without delicious sweets and drinks like:
- Gujiya – A sweet dumpling filled with khoya and dry fruits
- Malpua – A deep-fried pancake soaked in sugar syrup
- Thandai – A refreshing drink made with milk, nuts, and spices
6. Is Holi celebrated outside India?
Yes, Holi is celebrated in many other countries, including Nepal, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, especially in areas with large Indian communities.
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Final Thoughts
With a three-day public holiday for Holi, people will have ample time to celebrate with family and friends. The extended holiday, combined with a Sunday on March 16, will allow people to enjoy the festival without worrying about work or school commitments.
Whether you celebrate with colors, bonfires, sweets, or music, Holi is a time for joy, togetherness, and the spirit of festivity. As the festival approaches, people across India are preparing for vibrant and memorable celebrations.
A three-day public holiday has been declared in many parts of India for the Holi festival. As per the official calendar released on December 17, 2024, there will be holidays on March 13, 14, and 15.
- March 13 (Thursday): Holiday for Holika Dahan
- March 14 (Friday): Holiday for Holi celebrations
- March 15 (Saturday): Holiday in some regions where Holi will be observed on this day
Additionally, March 16 (Sunday) is a regular weekly holiday, meaning many institutions will remain closed for four consecutive days.
This announcement applies to schools, colleges, government offices, and private workplaces, ensuring that people can enjoy the festival without work-related commitments.
Why is There a Holiday on March 15?
While most of India will celebrate Holi on March 14, some regions follow a different tradition and will observe Holi on March 15. In these areas, an additional restricted holiday has been declared.
Government employees can avail this holiday under the restricted leave system. According to the rules, employees are allowed to take two restricted holidays per year from a designated list. If they want to take leave on March 15, it will count as one of their restricted holidays.
Since March 16 is a Sunday, government offices, schools, and many private organizations will remain closed, providing a long weekend for Holi celebrations.
The Significance of Holi
Holi is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the arrival of spring and is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalgun. The festival is filled with colors, music, and joyous gatherings.
Religious and Mythological Importance
Holi has deep roots in Hindu mythology, particularly in the legend of Prahlad and Holika.
- The Story of Holika Dahan: According to mythology, King Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon king, wanted everyone to worship him instead of Lord Vishnu. However, his son Prahlad was a devoted follower of Vishnu. Furious at Prahlad’s disobedience, Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister Holika to burn Prahlad in a fire. Holika had a magical shawl that protected her from fire, but when she sat with Prahlad in the flames, the shawl flew off her and covered Prahlad instead. As a result, Holika was burnt, and Prahlad was saved. This event is symbolized by the Holika Dahan bonfire, which takes place a day before Holi.
- The Love of Radha and Krishna: Holi is also celebrated in remembrance of the playful and divine love of Radha and Krishna. Lord Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was worried that Radha, who was fair-skinned, wouldn’t accept him. His mother, Yashoda, advised him to apply color to Radha’s face to see if she would still love him. Krishna playfully did so, and the tradition of applying colors during Holi began.
How is Holi Celebrated?
Holi is celebrated in two phases:
- Holika Dahan (March 13, 2025) – People gather around bonfires in the evening and perform rituals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This is an important tradition in many parts of North India.
- Rangwali Holi (March 14 and 15, 2025) – The next day is filled with colors, music, dance, and festive foods. People throw gulal (colored powder) at each other, splash water, and celebrate with family and friends. Delicious sweets like gujiya, malpua, and thandai are prepared and shared.
Public Holiday Schedule for Holi 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday Description |
|---|---|---|
| March 13 | Thursday | Holika Dahan Holiday |
| March 14 | Friday | Holi Festival (Main Celebration) |
| March 15 | Saturday | Restricted Holiday in Some Regions |
| March 16 | Sunday | Regular Weekly Holiday |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will all offices and schools remain closed on these days?
Yes, most schools, colleges, and government offices will be closed on March 13 and 14 for Holika Dahan and Holi. Some private offices may also declare a holiday.
2. Why is Holi celebrated on different days in different places?
Holi is celebrated according to regional traditions. In most places, March 14 is the main day of Holi, but in some regions, it is observed on March 15.
3. Can government employees take leave on March 15?
Yes, but March 15 is a restricted holiday, meaning government employees need to apply for leave if they want to take the day off.
4. Will there be any transport or business restrictions during Holi?
Public transport services may run on a reduced schedule, and many markets and businesses will remain closed or operate for limited hours on March 14 and 15.
5. What are some traditional Holi foods?
Holi celebrations are incomplete without delicious sweets and drinks like:
- Gujiya – A sweet dumpling filled with khoya and dry fruits
- Malpua – A deep-fried pancake soaked in sugar syrup
- Thandai – A refreshing drink made with milk, nuts, and spices
6. Is Holi celebrated outside India?
Yes, Holi is celebrated in many other countries, including Nepal, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, especially in areas with large Indian communities.
Final Thoughts
With a three-day public holiday for Holi, people will have ample time to celebrate with family and friends. The extended holiday, combined with a Sunday on March 16, will allow people to enjoy the festival without worrying about work or school commitments.
Whether you celebrate with colors, bonfires, sweets, or music, Holi is a time for joy, togetherness, and the spirit of festivity. As the festival approaches, people across India are preparing for vibrant and memorable celebrations.
