Holidays in August 2024

Get ready to indulge in a whirlwind of vibrant colours, cultural celebrations, and unforgettable experiences as August 2024 unveils a captivating tapestry of holidays in India. As the sun casts its golden glow upon the diverse landscapes of this enchanting nation, it beckons both locals and travellers alike to partake in a mosaic of festivities. 

With a rich tapestry of traditions and celebrations, August promises to be a mesmerising time to explore the kaleidoscope of Indian culture, where every day is an invitation to embrace the spirit of unity, diversity, and sheer exuberance.

List of Public Holidays in August 2024

Date	Day	Holiday	State
8	Tuesday	Tendong Lho Rum Faat	Sikkim
13	Sunday	Patriots Day	Manipur
15	Tuesday	Independence Day	All India
16	Wednesday	De Jure Transfer Day	Puducherry
16	Wednesday	Parsi New Year	Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Gujarat, Maharashtra
19	Saturday	Hariyali Teej	Haryana
28	Monday	Onam	Kerala
29	Tuesday	Thiruvonam	Kerala
31	Thursday	Raksha Bandhan	All India
31	Thursday	Julan Purnima	Odisha

List of Bank Holidays in August 2024

Date	Day	Holiday
12 August	Saturday	Second Saturday
15 August	Tuesday	Independence Day
26 August	Saturday	Fourth Saturday

A Brief Description of Holidays in August 2024

Tendong Lho Rum Faat:

Tendong Lho Rum Faat is a festival celebrated by the Lepcha community in the Indian state of Sikkim. It honours Tendong Hill, which is considered sacred by the Lepcha people. The festival involves offering prayers and performing rituals to seek blessings for a bountiful harvest and overall well-being.

Patriots Day:

Patriots Day is a national holiday in India commemorating the country’s Independence. It is celebrated on August 15 each year to mark the day India gained freedom from British colonial rule in 1947. The day is observed with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and patriotic speeches across the country.

Independence Day:

Independence Day is a significant holiday in several countries, including India, South Korea, and Bahrain. It celebrates the freedom and sovereignty of a nation. In India, Independence Day marks the country’s liberation from British rule and is observed with enthusiasm, including flag hoisting, patriotic speeches, cultural programs, and fireworks.

De Jure Transfer Day

De Jure Transfer Day is observed in Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific. It commemorates the transfer of Guam’s administration from Spain to the United States, which occurred on August 16, 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War. The day is marked by various events and activities that highlight Guam’s history, culture, and heritage.

Parsi New Year

Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz or Nowruz, is a festival celebrated by the Parsi community, who follow the Zoroastrian faith. It marks the beginning of the Iranian calendar and symbolises new beginnings, growth, and prosperity. The festival is observed with prayers, feasts, cultural performances, and the exchange of greetings among family and friends.

Hariyali Teej

Hariyali Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by married women in North India, particularly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. The festival signifies the arrival of the monsoon season and the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women dress in colourful attire, observe fasting, and participate in various rituals, dances, and singing during this auspicious day.

Onam

Onam is a major harvest festival celebrated in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is a ten-day-long celebration that commemorates the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. The festival is characterised by vibrant floral decorations, traditional music and dance performances like Kathakali, snake boat races, and the grand feast called Onam Sadhya.

Thiruvonam

Thiruvonam is the most important day of the Onam festival in Kerala. It falls on the tenth day of the festival and is considered the day King Mahabali visits his subjects. On this day, people engage in various cultural activities, including Pookkalam (flower rangoli) making, Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dance), and other traditional festivities.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists, symbolising their love and protection. In return, brothers give gifts and make promises to protect their sisters. The festival is marked by family gatherings, rituals, sweets, and a celebration of sibling love.

Julan Purnima

Julan Purnima, also known as Jhulan Yatra, is a festival celebrated in the Hindu month of Shravana. It commemorates the playful swinging pastimes of Lord Krishna and Radha during the monsoon season. Devotees decorate swings, sing devotional songs, and reenact Krishna’s divine pastimes. The festival represents the love and devotion between Radha and Krishna.

August Holiday Destinations 2024

August is a wonderful time to explore various destinations in India, as the monsoon season is in full swing and the landscapes are lush and vibrant. Here are a few popular holiday destinations in India for August 2024:

1. Munnar, Kerala: Known for its picturesque tea plantations, misty hills, and waterfalls, Munnar in Kerala is a perfect getaway during August. The monsoon showers enhance the beauty of this hill station, creating a serene and refreshing ambience.
2. Goa: While Goa is primarily known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, August offers a different side of the state. The rain-washed beaches, green landscapes, and fewer crowds make it an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat.

1. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Udaipur, also known as the “City of Lakes,” is a captivating destination with its beautiful palaces, shimmering lakes, and rich cultural heritage. In August, the city becomes even more enchanting, with the monsoon rains adding a romantic touch to its architecture and surroundings.
2. Shillong, Meghalaya: Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” due to its rolling hills, misty landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. August is a great time to visit as the region receives ample rainfall, resulting in lush greenery and breathtaking scenery.
3. Coorg, Karnataka: Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Coorg is a popular hill station known for its coffee plantations, spice estates, and natural beauty. The monsoon showers transform Coorg into a green paradise, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
4. Darjeeling, West Bengal: Darjeeling, with its tea gardens, panoramic views of the Himalayas, and the famous toy train, is a must-visit destination in August. The monsoon season brings misty landscapes and a pleasant climate, perfect for exploring the town and indulging in a hot cup of Darjeeling tea.
5. Alleppey, Kerala: August is an excellent time to experience the backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey. The region receives abundant rainfall, and the backwaters come alive with the monsoon showers. Enjoy a peaceful houseboat cruise and witness the beauty of the lush green paddy fields and coconut groves.
6. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Kodaikanal, nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a serene hill station known for its misty mountains, scenic lakes, and lush forests. The monsoon season adds charm to the town, making it an ideal destination for nature walks, boating in the lake, and enjoying the pleasant weather.

Long Weekend Holidays in August 2024

Get ready to make the most of your August in India with two exciting long weekends! First up, we have the Independence Day weekend from August 12th ambience, offering you a splendid four-day break to immerse yourself in patriotic celebrations and enjoy the spirit of freedom. 

But wait, there’s more! The Raksha Bandhan weekend from August 26 to 30th grants you an incredible five-day escape filled with sibling love and cherished traditions. With ample time to explore, relax, and indulge, these long weekends in August 2024 are your ticket to unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.