August holds a special place in the Indian calendar. It’s a month where national pride, religious devotion, and community celebrations converge beautifully.
From Independence Day to Raksha Bandhan to Parsi New Year, the August holidays 2025 offer more than just days off—they represent our shared history, culture, and aspirations.
This blog contains the full list of holidays in August 2025, including government holidays, bank holidays, regional observances, and important international days. Whether you’re planning family trips, attending ceremonies, or managing your finances, knowing your days off in August will help you organize your month better.
List of August Government Holidays 2025
August is one of the most vibrant and eventful months in India, marked by national pride, religious festivals, and regional celebrations.
Several government-declared holidays give citizens moments to reflect, rejoice, and reconnect with their cultural roots.
Date | Day | Holiday | States |
August 8 | Friday | Parsi New Year (Navroz) | Maharashtra, Gujarat, parts of Delhi and Karnataka |
August 15 | Friday | Independence Day | Nationwide (National Holiday) |
August 18 | Monday | Janmashtami* (Krishna Jayanti) | Nationwide (some states may differ by date) |
Note: *Some holidays, like Janmashtami, are determined by the lunar calendar, and final dates may vary regionally.
*The Parsi New Year (Navroz) is traditionally celebrated by most Parsi communities in India following the Shahenshahi calendar, which does not account for leap years. As a result, while August 8, 2025, is widely recognized for Navroz celebrations, some smaller groups following different calendar traditions (such as the Kadmi calendar) may observe it on alternate dates. Always check local announcements or community updates for final confirmation.
In India, Parsi New Year is celebrated on two different dates because of differences in the community calendars.
The majority of Parsis follow the Shahenshahi calendar, which does not adjust for leap years, leading to a gradual shift in dates over centuries. According to this calendar, Parsi New Year (Navroz) will be celebrated on August 8, 2025. A smaller group follows the Kadmi calendar, which is based on an older version of the Zoroastrian calendar and places New Year earlier. For Kadmi Parsis, New Year falls around August 16, 2025. |
Bank Holidays in August 2025
August features several important bank holidays across India due to national events, religious festivals, and regional observances.
If you’re planning transactions, EMIs, or travel during this festive month, it’s smart to know when banks will be closed.
Date | Day | Holiday | Celebrated In |
August 8 | Friday | Parsi New Year (Navroz) | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka (select regions) |
August 15 | Friday | Independence Day | Nationwide bank closure |
August 17 | Sunday | Raksha Bandhan (Observed, varies by state) |
Some regions declare partial day or cultural event |
August 18 | Monday | Janmashtami* (Krishna Jayanti) | Most states, subject to confirmation |
August 25 | Monday | Onam (Thiruvonam) | Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu |
Note: In addition to these, banks will also remain closed on regular second and fourth Saturdays (August 9 and August 23) and all Sundays. Note: Raksha Bandhan is a cultural observance; bank closures may vary by region and local declarations
List of Gazetted Holidays in August 2025
Gazetted holidays are formally declared by the Government of India and are mandatory closures for central government offices, banks, and other public institutions.
Date | Day | Gazetted Holiday | Remarks |
August 15 | Friday | Independence Day | National holiday, mandatory across India |
August 18 | Monday | Janmashtami* (Krishna Janmashtami) | Closure may vary by state government orders. |
August 27 | Wednesday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Holidays for banks in certain states |
Note: Janmashtami dates are dependent on the lunar calendar and can vary slightly by region.
Vallam Kali, the traditional boat race festival of Kerala, is celebrated across the monsoon months of August and September. Among the various races, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most renowned and is traditionally held on the second Saturday of August each year. In 2025, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is scheduled to take place on August 9, adding to the vibrant festivities of Kerala’s cultural season. |
List of Important Days in August 2025
August is a month rich with national pride, cultural heritage, and international observances. While not all important days are public holidays, they carry deep social and historical meaning both in India and around the world.
Date | Day | Occasion | Significance |
August 3 | Sunday | Sister’s Day | Celebrate the unique bond between sisters with love, affection, and memories. |
August 3 | Sunday | National Friendship Day | Celebrates friendships that enrich our lives |
August 6 | Wednesday | Hiroshima Day | Commemorates the victims of the Hiroshima atomic bomb |
August 7 | Thursday | National Handloom Day | Promotes indigenous weaving traditions. |
August 8 | Friday | Parsi New Year (Navroz) | Marks the Parsi/Zoroastrian New Year |
August 9 | Saturday | Quit India Movement Day | Honors the 1942 movement that accelerated India’s freedom struggle |
August 12 | Tuesday | International Youth Day | Promotes youth participation in global development |
August 15 | Friday | Independence Day (India) | Celebrates India’s freedom from British rule |
August 17 | Sunday | Raksha Bandhan | Festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters |
August 18 | Monday | Janmashtami (Krishna Janmashtami)* | Marks the birth of Lord Krishna |
August 19 | Tuesday | World Humanitarian Day | Recognizes humanitarian workers worldwide |
August 19 | Tuesday | World Photography Day | Globally celebrated by photographers, media, and artists. |
August 20 | Wednesday | Sadbhavana Diwas | Commemorates Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary, promoting goodwill |
August 21 | Thursday | Senior Citizens Day | Recognizes and honors the contributions of elderly individuals to society |
August 23 | Saturday | International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition | International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition |
August 25 | Monday | Onam (Thiruvonam) | Kerala’s biggest harvest festival |
August 29 | Friday | National Sports Day (India) | Birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand |
Regional Holidays in August 2025
August features several region-specific festivals and cultural events that are deeply celebrated within individual states. These holidays may not be observed nationally but are significant to local traditions and result in state government closures.
Date | Day | Holiday | States Observing |
August 8 | Friday | Parsi New Year (Navroz) | Maharashtra, Gujarat, parts of Delhi, Karnataka |
August 13 | Wednesday | Patriots’ Day | Manipur |
August 15 | Friday | Independence Day | Nationwide (public and regional observance) |
August 17 | Sunday | Raksha Bandhan | Celebrated culturally across India, partial day observance in some states |
August 18 | Monday | Janmashtami (Krishna Janmashtami)* | Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, and other states |
August 24 | Sunday | Ayyankali Jayanthi | Kerala (official observance, not full public holiday) |
August 25 | Monday | Onam (Thiruvonam) | Kerala (statewide public holiday) |
August 26 | Tuesday | Thiruvonam (Second Day Onam) | Kerala (some offices remain closed) |
August 26 | Tuesday | Hartalika Teej | Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh |
August 27 | Wednesday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and parts of South India |
Note: Dates like Janmashtami and Onam can slightly shift based on the lunar calendar and regional declarations.
Highlights of August Holidays
Here’s a quick look at why each event in August 2025 is significant:
• Hiroshima Day (August 6)
A global day of remembrance for the victims of the Hiroshima atomic bomb and a call for world peace.
• Parsi New Year (August 8)
Marks the beginning of the Parsi/Zoroastrian calendar year, celebrated with prayers, feasts, and community gatherings.
• Quit India Movement Day (August 9)
Remember the pivotal 1942 movement against British rule, an important chapter in India’s independence story.
• International Youth Day (August 12)
Focuses on youth empowerment, innovation, and leadership for building a better future.
• Independence Day (August 15)
Celebrates India’s freedom from British colonial rule in 1947, a proud and emotional day for every citizen.
• Raksha Bandhan (August 17)
Strengthens the special bond between brothers and sisters, marked by the tying of a protective thread (rakhi).
• Janmashtami (August 18)
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, a key figure in Hindu mythology, with fasting, singing, and dramatic enactments (Krishna Leela).
• World Humanitarian Day (August 19)
Recognizes humanitarian workers and campaigns for supporting people affected by crises.
• Sadbhavana Diwas (August 20)
Commemorates the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, advocating national integration and communal harmony.
• Onam (August 25)
Kerala’s grand harvest festival, symbolizing prosperity, togetherness, and cultural pride is celebrated with elaborate feasts, boat races, and traditional dances.
• Ganesh Chaturthi (August 27)
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha with grand processions, prayers, and community gatherings, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka
• National Sports Day (August 29)
It commemorates Major Dhyan Chand’s birthday and promotes the spirit of sportsmanship and fitness across the country.
List of International Holidays in August 2025
While August is deeply significant for India, it also holds important international observances that celebrate peace, freedom, human rights, and environmental efforts across the globe.
Here’s a list of important international holidays and observances in August 2025:
Date | Day | International Holiday | Significance |
August 6 | Wednesday | Hiroshima Day | Remembers the atomic bombing and promotes peace |
August 9 | Saturday | International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples | Highlights indigenous rights and contributions |
August 12 | Tuesday | International Youth Day | Focuses on youth engagement for global development |
August 19 | Tuesday | World Humanitarian Day | Honors humanitarian workers and promotes global solidarity |
August 19 | Tuesday | World Photography Day | Honors photography as a medium of storytelling |
August 23 | Saturday | International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition | Reflects on history and human rights |
August 29 | Friday | International Day Against Nuclear Tests | Raises awareness about nuclear disarmament and safety |
August 30 | Saturday | International Day of Friendship | Encourages friendship across communities and cultures |
Note : Many educational institutions, NGOs, and global organizations hold events, discussions, and campaigns around these observances in August.
Smart Financial Moves During August Holidays
August is packed with celebrations, ceremonies, family gatherings, and travel opportunities.
From organizing Independence Day trips to shopping for Raksha Bandhan or managing festive home expenses during Onam, it’s wise to plan finances early.
Festive Travel and Gifting Expenses
Whether you’re traveling for Onam family reunions, Raksha Bandhan meetups, or planning an extended Independence Day weekend, costs can add up quickly.
A travel loan from trusted platforms like Buddy Loan offers:
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Family Functions and Festive Shopping
Occasions like Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami often involve gifting, home upgrades, and family ceremonies.
A personal loan through Buddy Loan can help manage:
• Sudden festive expenses
• Home renovation budgets
• Bulk travel bookings for family reunions
Conclusion
August is more than just another month on the calendar — it’s a powerful reminder of India’s hard-won freedom, the richness of its traditions, and the enduring bonds of family and community.
From the grandeur of Independence Day to the intimate celebrations of Raksha Bandhan and the vibrant harvest festivities of Onam, August brings moments that inspire pride, gratitude, and connection.
Whether you’re planning a quick trip, managing festive spending, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, staying financially prepared ensures that your memories remain joyful, not stressful.
And when you need a little extra flexibility, platforms like Buddy Loan are there to offer simple, transparent loan solutions, always keeping your peace of mind in focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important days of August?
Important days include Independence Day (Aug 15), Raksha Bandhan (Aug 17), Onam (Aug 25), and World Humanitarian Day (Aug 19).
How many holidays are there in the month of August?
August typically has 3–6 public holidays, varying based on national and regional festivals.
What holiday is in August?
India celebrates Independence Day on August 15 as a national holiday.
How many festivals are there in August?
Major festivals often include Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami, Onam, and Parsi New Year (depending on the year).
Does August have 31 days?
Yes, August has 31 days.
How many bank holidays are there in August?
There are usually 3–6 bank holidays in August, including national and regional ones.
How many government holidays are there in August?
August usually has 2–5 government holidays, depending on regional observances.
Does the Onam festival fall in the month of August?
Yes, Onam often begins in late August and continues into early September, based on the Malayalam calendar.