Holidays in February 2024

India is a country of festivals. Many fasts and festivals come here every month. The month of February is starting and is called the month of Phalgun in the Hindu calendar. Talking about the English calendar. February is only the second month of the year but according to the Hindu calendar, February is only the second month of the year but according to the Hindu, it is the last month of the year which is very important from the point of view of religious rituals.

The month of February brings new energy in nature. From the religious point of view, the fast and festival occurring in February are also consider very important in the year 2024, there will also be Basant Panchami, Shattila Ekadashi, Magh Gupt Navratri, Mauni Amavasya, Guru Pushya Yoga, Phalgun month in the month of February.

List Of Public Holidays

Date Day Occasion Celebrated
10 to 12 February 2024 Saturday to Monday Losar Sikkim & Bhutan
14 February 2024 Wednesday Vasant Panchami Haryana, Punjab, Orissa , Tripura and West Bengal
15th February 2024 Thursday Lui-Ngai-Ni Manipur
19 February 2024 Monday Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

Maharashtra
20 February 2024 Tuesday Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day and Mizoram statehood Day Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram
24th February 2024 Saturday Guru Ravidass Jayanti Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh

Brief Description:

Losar Festival

Losar is the Tibetan New Year, which is also celebrated in Bhutan, Sikkim and some other regions influenced by Tibetan culture. It is one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism and marks the beginning of the lunar New Year. Losar usually falls in late January or February, depending on the lunar calendar.

Overall, Losar is a time of joy, renewal, and spiritual reflection for Tibetan communities, and it brings people together to celebrate their culture and traditions.

The celebrations of Losar typically last for several days and involve various rituals, ceremonies, and festivities. Here's an overview of how Losar is celebrated:

  • Preparations: In the weeks leading up to Losar, families thoroughly clean their homes and prepare traditional foods. They also make offerings to deities and perform ritpurify their homes and ensure good luck for the coming year.
  • Offerings and Prayers: On the eve of Losar, families gather for a special dinner where they offer prayers and make offerings to deities for blessings and prosperity in the new year. Monks may also conduct special ceremonies in monasteries, chanting prayers and performing rituals.
  • Decoration: Homes and monasteries are adorned with colorful decorations such as prayer flags, auspicious symbols, and images of Buddhist deities to welcome the New Year and ward off evil spirits.
  • Dancing and Singing: Traditional Tibetan dances and songs are performed during Losar celebrations. These cultural performances often include elaborate costumes and masks, and they are accompanied by traditional Tibetan music.
  • Fasting: Food plays a central role in Losar celebrations. Families prepare lavish feasts featuring traditional Tibetan dishes such as momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and various meat and vegetable dishes. Sharing meals with family and friends is an important part of the festivities.
  • Exchanging Gifts: It is customary to exchange gifts during Losar as a gesture of goodwill and to strengthen relationships. Common gifts include traditional sweets, fruits, and other auspicious items.
  • Fireworks: In some regions, Losar is celebrated with fireworks and bonfires to symbolize the burning away of negative energies from the previous year and to welcome the fresh start of the New Year.
  • Visiting Monasteries and Temples: Many people visit monasteries and temples during Losar to offer prayers, receive blessings from lamas (Buddhist teachers), and participate in religious ceremonies.

Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja in some regions, is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal. It falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Hindu month of Magha (usually in late January or early February), marking the arrival of spring (Vasant). The festival is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Saraswati, who is revered as the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music, arts, and learning.

Overall, Vasant Panchami is a joyous celebration that marks the onset of spring and emphasizes the importance of education, knowledge, and the arts in Hindu culture.

  • Worship of Goddess Saraswati: Devotees clean their homes and gather in temples to worship Saraswati, seeking her blessings for knowledge and wisdom. In educational institutions, special prayers and rituals are performed in front of Saraswati statues or images.
  • Yellow Color: Yellow is considered the color of spring and is associated with Saraswati. On this day, people often wear yellow clothes and decorate their homes, temples, and educational institutions with yellow flowers and decorations.
  • Offerings: Offerings of yellow flowers, yellow sweets (such as saffron rice or sweets made of gram flour), fruits, and other delicacies are made to the goddess.
  • Education and Learning: Vasant Panchami is considered an auspicious day to initiate children into learning. Many parents arrange for the first writing lessons for their young children on this day, believing it will bring them success in education.
  • Cultural Programs: Cultural programs, including music, dance, and poetry recitals, are organized in schools and communities to celebrate the arts and learning, reflecting the essence of Saraswati Puja.
  • Kite Flying: In some regions of India, especially in North India, kite flying is a popular activity during Vasant Panchami. People fly colorful kites and engage in friendly kite-flying competitions, symbolizing the arrival of spring.
  • Feasting: Families and communities come together to enjoy special meals prepared for the occasion. Traditional dishes and sweets are prepared and shared among relatives and neighbors.

Lui-Ngai-Ni Festival

Lui-Ngai-Ni is a vibrant and culturally significant festival celebrated primarily by the Naga tribes of Manipur, a state in northeastern India. The festival typically falls in February, marking the end of winter and the onset of spring. Lui-Ngai-Ni is a fusion of agricultural, religious, and cultural festivities, symbolizing unity, prosperity, and renewal.

During Lui-Ngai-Ni, communities come together to perform traditional dances, songs, and rituals that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Naga people. The festival is characterized by colorful traditional attire, intricate ornaments, and elaborate headdresses worn by participants.

Central to the festival is the offering of prayers and thanksgiving to the deities for a bountiful harvest and blessings for the upcoming agricultural season. Additionally, various cultural competitions, sports events, and folk performances are organized to showcase the talents and skills of the Naga tribes.

Lui-Ngai-Ni plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Naga people, fostering a sense of solidarity and pride among the community members. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange and interaction, attracting visitors from different parts of India and beyond, who come to witness the unique traditions and festivities associated with the festival.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is an annual observance in India that commemorates the birth anniversary of Shivaji Bhonsle, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Born on February 19, 1630, Shivaji Maharaj was a renowned warrior king and the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. His reign marked a significant period of resistance against the oppressive Mughal rule and the establishment of an independent Maratha kingdom.

On Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, people across India celebrate his life, valor, and contributions to Indian history and culture. The day is marked by various cultural events, including processions, speeches, and performances depicting his life and achievements. Additionally, educational institutions often organize seminars and competitions to raise awareness about Shivaji Maharaj's legacy and its relevance in contemporary times.

Shivaji Maharaj is revered for his military acumen, administrative skills, and commitment to justice and equality. His leadership principles continue to inspire generations, emphasizing courage, patriotism, and the protection of one's homeland. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy and the values he stood for, inspiring people to uphold his ideals of righteousness and resilience.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti

Guru Ravidass Jayanti is a significant religious observance celebrated by followers of the Ravidassia religion and devotees of Sant Ravidass, a revered saint, poet, and social reformer. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidass, who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries in North India. Born into a family of cobblers, Guru Ravidass preached messages of equality, love, and compassion, transcending caste and social barriers. His teachings emphasized the importance of inner spirituality and denounced discrimination based on caste or social status.

On Guru Ravidass Jayanti, devotees gather at Ravidass temples and community centers to offer prayers, sing hymns, and participate in various religious and cultural activities. The celebrations often include recitation of his verses (shabads), discourses on his life and teachings, and charitable acts such as serving meals to the needy. It's a time for reflection on Guru Ravidass's teachings and their relevance in contemporary society, promoting harmony, equality, and social justice.

Bank Holidays in February in 2024

In India, banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. They are also closed on regional holidays and national holidays.

Date Day Occasion Celebrated
10th February,2024SaturdaySecond SaturdayAll States
15th February,2024ThursdayLui-Ngai-NiManipur
19th February,2024MondayShivaji JayantiMaharashtra
24th February,2024SaturdayFourth SaturdayAll States

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the holidays in February 2024 provided a much-needed opportunity for relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration. Whether it was celebrating love and affection on Valentine's Day, embracing cultural festivities like Chinese New Year, or simply taking advantage of a well-deserved break from the routine, February offered moments of joy and reflection for people around the world.

As we bid farewell to February 2024, let us carry forward the spirit of these holidays – the warmth of love, the vibrancy of cultural celebrations, and the joy of exploration – into the coming months. Whether planning future travels or cherishing the memories made, let us continue to embrace the richness of life's experiences and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.