Did you know May 2025 is packed with opportunities for celebration and connection, from honoring workers on May Day to celebrating the bond with siblings on May 2nd and the wisdom of Buddha on Buddha Purnima on May 12th?
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway, mapping out your banking schedule, or simply looking to balance work and relaxation, understanding the list of holidays in May is a practical first step.
This blog compiles the official May holiday list, including government holidays, bank closures, gazetted events, and international observances—all laid out for clarity and convenience.
| With approximately 9 public holidays and 6 bank holidays in May 2025, take advantage of this month to strategically plan for extended weekends or time off by aligning your personal plans with these breaks as they are officially announced. |
List of May Government Holidays 2025
These are the expected national and government-declared holidays in May 2025 across India. While exact dates may vary by state and local government notification, the following holidays are widely recognized or fall under major observances.
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labor Day / May Day | Observed nationally; also Maharashtra & Gujarat Day |
| May 9* | Friday | Guru Rabindranath Jayanti | West Bengal, Tripura, Bangladesh |
| May 29 | Thursday | Maharana Pratap Jayanti | Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan |
| May 12 | Monday | Buddha Purnima | West Bengal |
| May 16 | Friday | Sikkim State Day | Sikkim |
| May 26 | Monday | Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti | West Bengal (primarily) |
| May 30 | Friday | Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day | Punjab and Sikh community regions |
*Disclaimer: In 2025, Guru Rabindranath Jayanti will be observed on May 7th as per the Gregorian calendar in most parts of India. However, in West Bengal, it will be celebrated on May 9th, aligning with the 25th day of the Bengali month Boishakh.
Bank Holidays in May 2025
Here we will outline official bank closures across India in May 2025, based on national holidays, state-specific events, and RBI guidelines. Since bank holidays can vary by state, we’ll include both national closures and significant regional bank holidays.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labor Day/May Day |
| May 7 | Wednesday | Guru Rabindranath Jayanti |
| May 9 | Friday | Rabindranath Jayanti (Boishakh 25) |
| May 12 | Monday | Buddha Purnima |
| May 16 | Friday | Sikkim State Day |
| May 30 | Friday | Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day |
Note: Bank holidays are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and may differ from general government holidays. Always confirm with your local branch or RBI calendar.
List of Gazetted Holidays in May 2025
Gazetted holidays are officially published by the Government of India in its Gazette, and these are typically mandatory holidays for all central government offices, banks, and certain public institutions. They are recognized nationwide unless otherwise specified.
| Date | Day | Gazetted Holiday |
| May 1, 2025 | Thursday | Labour Day |
| May 12, 2025 | Monday | Buddha Purnima |
| May 30, 2025 | Friday | Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day |
Note: Gazetted holidays are applicable to all central government offices and many public sector institutions. Some may also be observed by private institutions, depending on regional practices.
| Quick Fact: Are Gazetted Holidays and Government Holidays the Same?
Not exactly. While all gazetted holidays are part of government-declared holidays, not every government holiday is gazetted.
Example: Buddha Purnima is a gazetted holiday, while Sikkim State Day is a government holiday observed only in Sikkim |
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.
| Date | Day | Occasion |
| May 1 | Thursday | International Labour Day/May Day |
| May 3 | Saturday | World Press Freedom Day |
| May 4 | Sunday | International Firefighters’ Day |
| May 8 | Thursday | World Red Cross Day |
| May 11 | Sunday | National Technology Day (India) |
| May 12 | Monday | International Nurses Day |
| May 15 | Thursday | International Day of Families |
| May 17 | Saturday | World Telecommunication & Information Society Day |
| May 21 | Wednesday | Anti-Terrorism Day (India) |
| May 22 | Thursday | International Day for Biological Diversity |
| May 31 | Saturday | World No Tobacco Day |
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.
| Date | Day | Holiday | States Observing |
| May 1 | Thursday | Maharashtra Day, Gujarat Day | Maharashtra, Gujarat |
| May 7 | Wednesday | Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti | Tripura, parts of India |
| May 9 | Friday | Rabindranath Jayanti | West Bengal |
| May 16 | Friday | Sikkim State Day | Sikkim |
| May 26 | Monday | Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti | West Bengal |
| May 29 | Thursday | Maharana Pratap Jayanti | Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh |
| May 30 | Friday | Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Day | Punjab, Sikh communities |
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 Laureate 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.
| Date | Day | International Holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | International Labour Day |
| May 3 | Saturday | World Press Freedom Day |
| May 4 | Sunday | International Firefighters’ Day |
| May 5 | Monday | Europe Day (Council of Europe) |
| May 8 | Thursday | World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day |
| May 9 | Friday | Europe Day (EU) |
| May 11 | Sunday | Mother’s Day (widely observed, e.g., USA, Canada, Australia) |
| May 12 | Monday | International Nurses Day |
| May 15 | Thursday | International Day of Families |
| May 17 | Saturday | World Telecommunication and Information Society Day |
| May 20 | Tuesday | World Bee Day |
| May 21 | Wednesday | UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development |
| May 22 | Thursday | International Day for Biological Diversity |
| May 25 | Sunday | Africa Day |
| May 31 | Saturday | World No Tobacco Day |
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
Long weekends like those around Labor Day or Buddha Purnima are perfect for a refreshing break. If you’re short on budget but high on plans, you can explore a travel loan through trusted platforms like Buddy Loan.
Buddy Loan helps you access travel loans that offer:
- ⇒ Loan amounts up to ₹15 lakh depending on eligibility
- ⇒ Attractive interest rates starting from 11.99% per annum
- ⇒ Flexible repayment tenure of up to 5 years
- ⇒ Minimal documentation and fast online approvals
- ⇒ EMI options suited to your financial comfort
This means you can plan your dream vacation, cover travel expenses, hotel stays, and sightseeing—all without straining your savings or future financial goals.
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.
Download Personal Loan App
Get a loan instantly! Best Personal Loan App for your needs!!
Looking for an instant loan? Buddy Loan helps you get an instant loan from the best-verified lenders. Download the Buddy Loan App from the Play Store or App Store and apply for a loan now!
Apply for Loan on BUDDYLOAN App
Interest rates starts @11.99% p.a. onwards
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.
