Public Holidays in March 2024
March has plenty of holidays in 2024. Here enclosed is an updated List of Holidays in March 2024. When you can plan a long trip with family or friends, knowing the holiday list beforehand will help manage leaves and finances without any last-minute rush. You can extend your holiday during the weekends and get extra time to spend with your loved ones.
Check out the list of holidays in March 2024 below to get the best benefit of your non-working days.
List Of Holidays in March 2024 (Updated)
Date and Day | Occasion | Regions Where Celebrated |
6 March 2024, Wednesday | Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Across India |
8 March 2024, Friday | Maha Shivratri | Across India |
22 March 2024, Friday | Bihar Day | Bihar |
23 March 2024, Saturday | Bhagat Singh’s Martyrdom Day | Punjab and Haryana |
24 March 2024, Sunday | Holika Dahan | Especially North India |
25 March 2024, Monday | Holi/ Dol Yatra | Especially North India |
29 March 2024, Friday | Good Friday | Across India |
31 March 2024, Sunday | Easter Sunday | Across India |
Detailed Description of Holiday in March
1. Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti
Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti celebrates Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s birthday on Feb 12, 1824. He founded Arya Samaj, which promotes fairness and teaches from the Vedas. Today, people pray and discuss his ideas to remember his teachings about honesty, fairness, and improving society, which still inspires many.
Upcoming Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti: 2024–2030 (Dates)
Year | Date | Day |
2024 | 6th March | Wednesday |
2025 | 23rd February | Sunday |
2026 | 12th February | Thursday |
2027 | 2nd March | Tuesday |
2028 | 19th February | Saturday |
2029 | 8th February | Thursday |
2030 | 27th February | Wednesday |
2. Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu celebration of Lord Shiva. It’s in February or March and involves fasting, rituals, and staying up all night to pray and sing. People go to Shiva temples, pour sacred liquids on the Shiva Lingam, and ask for spiritual blessings. Legend says it’s when Shiva danced and got married to Parvati. Celebrated worldwide with joy, it’s a time for thinking, starting fresh, and showing love to Lord Shiva.
3. Bihar Day
In 1912, Bihar was carved out of the Bengal Presidency during British rule in India. Bihar Day is observed on March 22nd every year, commemorating the formation of the state of Bihar. The creation of Bihar as a separate administrative unit was a significant historical development, marking the recognition of the distinct identity and cultural heritage of the region.
Each year, a new theme is selected for Bihar Day, which marks the state’s developmental goals for the year ahead. It is an innovative way to remember and celebrate Bihar Day. In Bihar, it is celebrated as one of the significant holidays in March.
4. Bhagat Singh’s Martyrdom Day
On 23rd March 1931, the three brave souls of our country sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the independence of India. The martyrs were Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. At the age of 23, Bhagat Singh sacrificed his life to give his voice to the freedom struggle.
Bhagat Singh was a revolutionist who believed that only actions could result in actions, not mere words. He participated in bombing the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. He became a household name after his hunger strike and bombing incident.
To remember this legend, the government of Punjab and Haryana announced a public holiday on 23rd March every year; therefore, we have this day in our list of holidays in March 2024.
5. Holika Dahan
On the eve of Rangwali Holi, we celebrate Holika Dahan. The annual bonfire marks the beginning of the New year among Hindus. The burning of Holika, the sister of King Hiranyakashipu, is the symbol of victory of righteousness over bad/ evil.
As soon as the bonfire is lit, the celebration of Holi begins and continues for 2-3 days in different parts of the world. It has different names like Rangwali Holi, Yaosang, and Dol Purnima.
6. Holi
This festival is celebrated with colors, water, and Abeer (dry colors) in almost all of India. It is said to be one of the most important festivals of Hindus.
Applying colors on the face is significant in holi, symbolizing brotherhood and harmony. Holi is known to make new bonds and forget the rivalry and enmity, if any. On this day, traditional dishes famous in regional areas are prepared to observe the festival.
Holi is celebrated in the Braj region (Mathura and Vrindavan) with great enthusiasm. The ‘lath mar Holi of Mathura is famous across India, making it one of the major holidays in March to look forward to.
7. Good Friday
Good Friday is a special day for Christians when they remember Jesus being crucified and passing away at Calvary. It happens on the Friday before Easter. Christians think about how Jesus sacrificed himself to redeem sins, showing great love for humanity. Good Friday is a time for reflection and mourning to honor this important event during Holy Week.
8. Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is a special day for Christians because it celebrates Jesus coming back to life after he died, according to the Bible. People around the world celebrate with church services and feasts. One fun tradition is the Easter egg hunt, where eggs symbolize new life and the idea of starting fresh. The main theme of Easter is hope and renewal.