Gujarat Official Govt. Holidays List for 2024: Gujarat, a state with a rich history and economic prosperity, beckons us to explore its official government holidays for 2024. Join our journey through the festive calendar that showcases the vibrant cultural tapestry of Gujarat. From religious festivals to historical commemorations, each holiday contributes to the state's identity and spirit. This series aims to provide a glimpse into the diverse celebrations that make Gujarat a melting pot of traditions and modernity.
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Day | 26-Jan-24 | Friday | Republic Day in India commemorates the historic moment when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. It is a day to honor the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity that the Constitution enshrines. The day is marked by patriotic parades, cultural events, and the unfurling of the national flag. |
| Maha Shivratri (Maha vad-13) | 8-Mar-24 | Friday | Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration. Devotees observe fasting, engage in prayers, and visit Shiva temples to seek blessings. The festival symbolizes the overcoming of darkness and ignorance in life. It is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance, known as Tandava. |
| Holi 2nd Day-Dhuleti | 25-Mar-24 | Monday | Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. The second day, known as Dhuleti, is marked by people joyfully playing with colored powders and water. It is a time of vibrant festivities, with friends and family coming together to share love, laughter, and the spirit of unity. |
| Good Friday | 29-Mar-24 | Friday | Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum. Devotees attend church services, reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, and participate in processions. It is a solemn day of remembrance and contemplation. |
| Chetichand | 10-Apr-24 | Wednesday | Chetichand is the Sindhi New Year, celebrated to honor the birth of Ishtadeva Uderolal, also known as Jhulelal. The day is marked with prayers, feasts, and cultural events. Devotees visit temples, sing traditional songs, and participate in processions to welcome the New Year with joy and positivity. |
| Ramjan-Eid (Eid-Ul-Fitra) (1st Shawaal) | 11-Apr-24 | Thursday | Eid-Ul-Fitr, also known as Ramzan Eid, marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. It is a day of joy, gratitude, and generosity. Muslims gather for special prayers, exchange gifts, and share festive meals with family and friends. It is also a time for charitable acts, emphasizing compassion and unity within the community. |
| Shree Ram Navmi | 17-Apr-24 | Wednesday | Shree Ram Navmi celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe fasts, recite scriptures, and participate in processions. Temples are adorned, and religious discourses are held to narrate the life and teachings of Lord Rama. The day is a reminder of virtues like righteousness, devotion, and duty. |
| Bhagvan Shree Parshuram Jayanti (Vaishakh sud-3) | 10-May-24 | Friday | Bhagvan Shree Parshuram Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Devotees engage in prayers, recitations, and charitable activities. The day is an occasion to reflect on the significance of Lord Parshuram's teachings and his role as a warrior for justice and dharma. |
| Eid-Ul-Adha (Bakri Eid) | 17-Jun-24 | Monday | Eid-Ul-Adha, also known as Bakri Eid or the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims perform prayers, sacrifice animals, and distribute meat to the needy. The festival emphasizes faith, sacrifice, and sharing with the less fortunate. |
| Muharram (Ashoora) | 17-Jul-24 | Wednesday | Muharram, particularly the day of Ashoora, is observed by Muslims to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. It is a time of reflection, remembrance, and solidarity. Many engage in processions, prayers, and acts of charity to honor the values of sacrifice and resistance against injustice. |
| Independence Day | 15-Aug-24 | Thursday | Independence Day in India marks the day when the nation gained freedom from British rule in 1947. Celebrations include the hoisting of the national flag, patriotic songs, parades, and cultural events. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reaffirm the commitment to the principles of democracy, liberty, and unity. |
| Parsi New Year Day- Pateti (Parsi Shahenshahi) | 15-Aug-24 | Thursday | Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz or Pateti, celebrates the beginning of the Parsi calendar. It is a time of renewal and reflection, marked by prayers, festive meals, and community gatherings. The day symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the hope for a prosperous and joyous year ahead. |
| Raksha Bandhan | 19-Aug-24 | Monday | Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a protective thread, or "rakhi," around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love and the promise of protection. Brothers, in turn, offer gifts and express their commitment to care for their sisters. It is a day of familial love and strengthening of sibling bonds. |
| Janmashtami (Shravan Vad-8) | 26-Aug-24 | Monday | Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and engage in midnight celebrations to mark the divine moment of Krishna's birth. Temples are adorned, and performances depicting Krishna's childhood are organized. It is a joyous occasion symbolizing divine love and wisdom. |
| Samvatsari (Chaturthi Paksha) | 7-Sep-24 | Saturday | Samvatsari, also known as Paryushana Parva, is a significant day in Jainism. It marks the end of the annual monsoon fasting period. Jains seek forgiveness for any harm caused intentionally or unintentionally and engage in introspection and self-purification. The day is characterized by prayers, meditation, and acts of forgiveness. |
| Eid-e-Meeladunnabi (Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday) (Bara Vafat) | 16-Sep-24 | Monday | Eid-e-Meeladunnabi celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Devotees engage in prayers, processions, |
| Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday | 2-Oct-24 | Wednesday | Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday, also known as Gandhi Jayanti, commemorates the birth anniversary of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a day of remembrance, honoring his philosophy of non-violence, truth, and simplicity. The occasion is marked by prayer services, tributes, and acts of community service, encouraging people to follow the principles of Gandhian philosophy. |
| Dusshera (Vijaya Dashmi) (Aaos sud-10) | 12-Oct-24 | Saturday | Dusshera, also known as Vijaya Dashmi, marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The day is celebrated with processions, reenactments of the Ramayana, and the burning of effigies of Ravana. It signifies the importance of righteousness and the ultimate victory of virtue. |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday | 31-Oct-24 | Thursday | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birthday commemorates the birth anniversary of the "Iron Man of India," who played a pivotal role in the country's independence movement and the integration of princely states into the Indian Union. The day is marked by tributes, events highlighting his contributions, and a reaffirmation of unity and integrity. |
| Diwali (Dipawali) | 31-Oct-24 | Thursday | Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated with illuminated lamps, fireworks, and festive decorations, it is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and the exchange of gifts. The festival holds cultural significance across various traditions, emphasizing the values of joy, hope, and prosperity. |
| Vikram Samvant New Year Day | 2-Nov-24 | Saturday | Vikram Samvant New Year Day marks the beginning of the Vikram Samvat calendar year. It is celebrated with prayers, rituals, and cultural events, signifying a new cycle of time. People reflect on the past year, set new goals, and seek blessings for a prosperous and harmonious future. |
| Guru Nanak’s Birthday | 15-Nov-24 | Friday | Guru Nanak's Birthday, also known as Gurpurab, celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Devotees engage in prayers, processions, and community service. The day emphasizes the teachings of Guru Nanak, promoting equality, humility, and selfless service to humanity. |
| Christmas | 25-Dec-24 | Wednesday | Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, bringing joy, love, and goodwill. Celebrated with festive decorations, carols, gift-giving, and feasts, it is a time for families and communities to come together. The holiday underscores the spirit of kindness, generosity, and the message of peace on Earth. |