List of Important Days in May 2025

Beyond official holidays, May is filled with days that carry social, cultural, environmental, and global significance. These may not warrant a day off, but they are observed nationwide and internationally through awareness campaigns, events, or personal celebration.

Indian Regional Holidays in May 2025

While some holidays are celebrated nationwide, many are observed only in specific states or regions, depending on cultural, religious, or historical relevance. These regional holidays can affect schools, local businesses, and government offices within the respective states.

Highlights of May Holidays

May is more than just a month of breaks—it’s a time filled with diverse cultural significance, historical remembrance, and celebrations that reflect India’s unity in diversity. Here’s a quick rundown of the major holidays and why they matter:

• May 1—Labor Day/May Day
Celebrated globally, this day honors the contributions of the working class. In India, it also marks Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, commemorating the formation of these two states in 1960.

• May 7/9—Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti
Celebrates the birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Laurea​​te and cultural icon. The date varies between the Gregorian and Bengali calendars, observed most widely in West Bengal, Tripura, and by Bengali communities worldwide.

• May 12 – Buddha Purnima
Marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, and is observed with reverence across India and other Buddhist countries. It’s a gazetted national holiday.

• May 16—Sikkim State Day
Commemorates the day in 1975 when Sikkim became the 22nd state of India.

• May 26—Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti
Honors the revolutionary poet and musician, regarded as the national poet of Bangladesh and a key figure in Bengali literature.

• May 29 – Maharana Pratap Jayanti
Remembers the valor and legacy of Maharana Pratap, the Rajput king known for resisting Mughal rule.

• May 30—Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day
Observed primarily in Punjab and Sikh communities, this day pays tribute to the fifth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life for the faith and its principles.

List of International Holidays in May 2025

May is globally recognized for its cultural diversity, social justice milestones, and awareness campaigns. While some of these days are formal public holidays in certain countries, others are globally observed for their symbolic and humanitarian importance.

Notes:

• ⇒ Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe.
• ⇒ Labour Day (May 1) is a public holiday in over 80 nations, while in others, it is commemorated without a mandatory day off.

Planning Ahead With Smart Financial Moves

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Conclusion

From nationwide observances like Labor Day and Buddha Purnima to regional milestones and globally recognized awareness days, May 2025 brings more than just days off—it offers moments to reflect, recharge, and reconnect.

Whether you’re planning travel, celebrating traditions, or simply managing your month better, being informed about the May holidays can help you maximize your time and make smarter financial decisions along the way.

And if your plans require a little extra financial flexibility—be it a last-minute trip, family expense, or emergency backup—platforms like Buddy Loan can be helpful. Without being pushy or promotional, we believe good financial choices begin with good information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What holiday month is May?
May features key holidays like Labor Day, Buddha Purnima, and various state holidays across India.

How many holidays are there in the month of May?
There are 4–6 public holidays in May, varying by state and including weekends for banks.

What special day is in May?
Important days include Labour Day (May 1), Buddha Purnima, and World No-Tobacco Day (May 31).

What Indian holiday is in May?
Major Indian holidays in May include Maharashtra Day, Gujarat Day, and Buddha Purnima.

Is May 20 a special day?
May 20 is not widely observed as a national or public holiday in India.

Is May 9 a bank holiday?
May 9, 2025, is a regular working day for most banks unless a local holiday is declared.

Is May 12 a bank holiday?
Yes, May 12 is Buddha Purnima and a bank holiday in many Indian states.

Is May 31 a special day?
Yes, May 31 is observed as World No-Tobacco Day.

Is May 16 a bank holiday?
May 16 is Sikkim State Day and a holiday only in Sikkim.

Is May 29 a bank holiday?
May 29 is Maharana Pratap Jayanti, a holiday in some states like Rajasthan.

Is May 30 a special day?
May 30 marks Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day, mainly observed in Punjab.

Which are lesser-known special days in May?
Lesser-known days include World Asthma Day, Star Wars Day (May 4), and World Lupus Day.