Himachal Pradesh Holidays 2023

When it comes to running a company, management is a very crucial factor in running the business lawfully and keeping track of employees' whereabouts. This undoubtedly requires a huge and systemic amount of brainpower and management that is solely carried on by the HR department.

Declaring a holiday list for employees of a company is a very crucial job of the HR department to preserve employee rights as per state and national law regulations.

Organizations can proclaim national holidays for their workers under legislation enacted by the federal and provincial governments. Businesses are obligated to provide a specific number of community holidays to their employees each year. While a state legislature may proclaim 25 holidays each year, according to your area, you have to opt for 8, 10, or 14 holidays for your firm.

When it is a matter of developing a vacation or holiday list for any organization, the human resources department must examine four major factors: state laws; employer policies; employee demographics and preferences; and customer demographics.

When it comes to developing a holiday list for any Indian state, there is a lot of information to soak in. Himachal Pradesh has to be one of the Indian states with the most festivals, which means a lot of vacation time to include on the holiday list for the HR department.

So, if you are a business owner from Himachal Pradesh or you run the HR department, this article is going to help you collate all the information regarding Himachal Pradesh holidays. This article is going to cover not only the Himachal Pradesh holidays but also mention the backdrop of the holidays. The topics are:

About Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh, also known as the "Land of Gods", is a state in northern India. The state is famous for its natural beauty, mountains, and cultural diversity. It is also known for its colorful festivals, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. The festivals in Himachal Pradesh are a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and they reflect the state's rich cultural heritage.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular festivals in Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in January

The statehood Day: 25th January

The State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by the Indian Parliament and the act became law on December 18, 1970. This act of passing the law led to the establishment of a new state called Himachal Pradesh on January 25, 1971. As a result, Himachal Pradesh became the Indian Union's eighteenth state at the time.

Since the date of January 25th, the Indian legislature had acknowledged the existence of the Himachal Pradesh territory, Statehood Day is observed as a public holiday in Himachal Pradesh on January 25th each year. It is one of the most crucial Himachal Pradesh holidays to commemorate the presence of Himachal Pradesh as an individual Indian state.

Republic Day: 26th January

India commemorates Republic Day, also known as R-Day, on January 26th. This national holiday is one of the most crucial four Indian national holidays. Since Himachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, this holiday gets into the Himachal Pradesh holidays list. The adoption of the Indian Constitution is commemorated on Republic Day, which is a significant public holiday in India.

Since Republic Day is a national holiday, a more strategic and sincere approach is taken to observe the day. The Ministry of Defence takes the responsibility for organizing the Delhi Republic Day parade. The major goal of organizing the parade is to showcase India's military capacity, sociocultural heritage, and diversity. This prestigious march starts from the Rashtrapati Bhavan gate.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in February

Guru Ravidas Jayanti: 5th February

The Himachal Pradesh holidays list has so many cultural and religious festival days that are important to the state's people. Himachal Pradesh celebrates Guru Ravidas Jayanti as a holiday to pay tribute to the eminent poet and songwriter Ravidas.

History suggests that Ravidas lived and worked for the betterment of society through his contributions to literature and the social reformation movement in the era of the 1400s and 1500s. He was a well-known spiritual poet and songwriter. He is famous for his significant contribution to the "Bhakti Movement." The Bhakti movement is a Hindu "spiritual and devotional" movement that subsequently evolved into the new Sikh religion.

His beliefs and principles resulted in the formation of the Ravidassia religion in the twenty-first century. The Himachal Pradesh state has a large number of Ravidassia adherents who solely believe in the principles of the Ravidassia religion. So, the Himachal Pradesh government had to incorporate Guru Ravidas Jayanti Day into the Himachal Pradesh holidays list so that the Ravidassia adherents residing in the state could commemorate Guru Ravidas Jayanti each year.

Maha Shivaratri: 18th March

On this day of Maha Shivratri, countries with a sizable Hindu population observe a holiday. India, Nepal, and Bangladesh are some of the countries that have a huge Hindu population and observe this festival by declaring it a holiday. Himachal Pradesh is an Indian state that has a large Hindu population. So, Maha Shivratri is granted as a holiday here and it has been placed on the Himachal Pradesh holidays list.

As per the rules of the Gregorian calendar, the event takes place in February or March. On the other hand, according to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the month of Phalguna. This day is considered Maha Shivratri because legends say that it is Shiva's "favorite day of the year." Hindus describe the Maha Shivaratri as the holiest and greatest of the twelve Shivaratri festivities conducted throughout the Hindu year.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in March

Holi: 8th March

Holi, also known as the "Festival of Colors," is a popular Hindu festival that is celebrated across India and other parts of South Asia. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or early March. The festival is marked by people smearing each other with colorful powders, throwing water balloons, and drenching each other with colored water.

In Himachal Pradesh, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. People of all ages participate in the festivities, which often last for several days. The festival is a time for friends and family to come together, forgive past grievances, and renew relationships. It is also a time for the community to come together, with people of different castes and religions celebrating together.

The main day of Holi in Himachal Pradesh is known as Rangwali Holi, which is marked by the throwing of colored powders and water. Bonfires are also lit on the eve of Holi, which is known as Holika Dahan, to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.

Ram Navami: 30th April

Since Himachal Pradesh has a huge Hindu population base along with other religious groups, the government has enlisted many Hindu holidays on the official list of Himachal Pradesh holidays. Ram Navami is one of them, and this festival is dedicated to paying tribute to Lord Rama. As per Hindu beliefs, Rama is thought to be an embodiment of the god Vishnu. He is also believed to be not only a wise man but also a virtuous ruler during his reign. His territory is known as Ram Rajya, and Hindu devotees believe that his rule brought immense prosperity to the land.

The celebration is known as "Vaishnava" in honor of the Hindu denomination of the same name, which praises and worships Vishnu in all of his various manifestations and incarnations. The Shaivas and the Shaktas are the other two major Hindu factions, both named after the gods to whom they give special devotion.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in April

Good Friday: 7th April

IOne of the most significant holidays in Himachal Pradesh is Good Friday, which falls on the 7th of April in 2023. Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians around the world. In Himachal Pradesh, the holiday is marked with several traditions and customs that are unique to the region.

Here are some of the things you can expect during Good Friday in Himachal Pradesh:

Church Services: Good Friday is primarily a religious holiday, and churches across the state hold services that commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The services are marked by prayers, hymns, and sermons, and the faithful gather to offer their devotions and seek blessings.
Processions: In some parts of Himachal Pradesh, processions are held to mark the occasion. These processions are typically led by a person dressed as Jesus Christ, who carries a cross and is followed by a large crowd of people. The procession usually winds its way through the streets of the town or village, with people singing hymns and offering prayers.
Fasting: Many Christians in Himachal Pradesh observe a fast on Good Friday, abstaining from food and drink as a mark of respect for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The fast is broken in the evening after the church service.
Hot Cross Buns: Hot Cross Buns are a traditional food item eaten on Good Friday in many parts of the world, and Himachal Pradesh is no exception. These sweet buns are made with currants or raisins and are marked with a cross on the top, symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Dr Ambedkar Jayanti: 14th April

When it comes to Indian politics or the enforcement of the Indian Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar is one of the most well-known names. He is regarded as the father of the Indian constitution. Since he was an eminent personality who served to make

India a better place for its citizens and so-called untouchable people, the Indian government pays tribute to him by observing Ambedkar Jayanti on his birthday, which is on April 14th. Himachal Pradesh, being an Indian state, observes this day and the day is present on the Himachal Pradesh holidays list.

Himachal Day: 15th April

One of the significant public holidays in Himachal Pradesh is Himachal Day, which is celebrated on 15th April every year. The day marks the creation of Himachal Pradesh as a separate state from the erstwhile Punjab in 1948. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal by the people of Himachal Pradesh.

The celebration of Himachal Day is an excellent opportunity for the people of the state to reflect on the journey of Himachal Pradesh and to take pride in the unique culture, traditions, and values of the state.

The day is a public holiday in Himachal Pradesh, and all schools, offices, and government institutions remain closed. The day is marked by various cultural programs, parades, and flag hoisting ceremonies across the state. The celebrations of Himachal Day showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state, and the people come together to celebrate the diversity of the state. The day is also an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience the rich culture and traditions of Himachal Pradesh.

Maharshi Parasuram Jayanti and Idu’l Fitr: 22nd April

The Himachal Pradesh holidays list has Maharshi Parasuram Jayanti as an official holiday because the Hindu people of the state celebrate the birth anniversary of Maharshi Parasuram. He is also considered the sixth avatar of Vishnu.

On the other hand, I'll Fitr is an Islamic holiday that commemorates the conclusion of the Ramazan fasting month and is marked by preparing feasts, gifting presents, and religious activities.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in May

Buddha Purnima: 5th May

Buddha Purnima is a public holiday in Himachal Pradesh and is observed with great enthusiasm by the local people. The day is marked by prayers, sermons, and processions that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state. People come together to perform religious rituals and seek blessings for themselves and their families.

The festival is celebrated in different ways across the state, with each region having its own unique traditions and customs. In the Kullu valley, for example, a colorful fair is organized where traders from different parts of the state come to sell their wares. In the Dharamshala region, the festival is marked by the lighting of butter lamps and the chanting of prayers by Buddhist monks.

One of the most popular places to visit during Buddha Purnima in Himachal Pradesh is the town of McLeod Ganj, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile. The town is home to many Tibetan refugees and has a large Buddhist population. The festival is celebrated with great fervor in McLeod Ganj, with many cultural and religious events taking place throughout the day.

Maharana Pratap Jayanti: 22nd May

One of the major events celebrated in Himachal Pradesh is Maharana Pratap Jayanti, which is observed on 22nd May every year. Maharana Pratap Jayanti is a significant day for the people of Himachal Pradesh, as it marks the birth anniversary of the great warrior and king Maharana Pratap, who was the 13th ruler of the Mewar dynasty.

Maharana Pratap was a brave warrior who fought for the independence of his kingdom against the Mughal forces, led by the Mughal emperor Akbar. He is considered a symbol of courage, valor, and patriotism, and is remembered for his extraordinary bravery, chivalry, and determination. His name is synonymous with the indomitable spirit of the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in June

Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti: 4th Jun

Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti is an important festival celebrated in Himachal Pradesh to commemorate the birth of the great saint, poet, and philosopher Sant Guru Kabir. He was a spiritual master who preached the message of love, equality, and brotherhood among people. His teachings are still remembered and followed by people all over the country. In Himachal Pradesh, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.

The festival falls on the fourth of June every year, and it is a public holiday in the state. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate the occasion. They organize various events, processions, and kirtans to honor the saint's teachings. The festival is marked by the reading of Kabir's dohas and bhajans, followed by distribution of prasad among the devotees.

The day of Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti is observed by taking out processions and visiting temples. The devotees offer their prayers and seek the saint's blessings. The streets of the state are decorated with colorful flowers and lights, and people exchange sweets and gifts. Some also fast on this day as a mark of respect to the saint.

Bakrid: 29th Jun

Bakrid is one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, and is celebrated with great fervour in Himachal Pradesh. The holiday marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, and is a time for prayer, feasting and gift-giving.

In Himachal Pradesh, the celebrations typically begin with the sighting of the moon, which marks the start of the festival. People dress in their finest clothes and gather at mosques for special prayers, which are led by an Imam. The prayers are followed by a sermon, which emphasises the importance of sacrifice and the values of Islam.

After the prayers, families and friends gather together to enjoy a festive meal, which is typically prepared with goat meat, as per the tradition of the holiday. The meat is divided into three parts, with one part kept for the family, another for relatives and friends, and the third for the poor.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in July

Muharram: 29th July

One of the most important holidays in Himachal Pradesh is Muharram, which falls on 29th July in 2023. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is observed as a month of mourning by Muslims worldwide. In Himachal Pradesh, the day is marked by processions and religious observances, particularly in the towns of Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu.

The day of Muharram is particularly significant for the Shia Muslim community in Himachal Pradesh. Shia Muslims observe the day as a period of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The day is marked by mourning processions and recitations of elegiac poetry, known as marsiyas, which recount the events of Imam Hussain's death.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in August

Independence Day: 15th August

Independence Day is one of the most significant holidays in India, marking the country's independence from British rule on 15th August 1947. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, and people all over the country celebrate with parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and more.

In Himachal Pradesh, Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. The main celebration takes place in the state capital of Shimla, where the Chief Minister of the state hoists the national flag at the Ridge Maidan. The ceremony is attended by various government officials, military personnel, and local residents.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in September

Janmashtami: 7th September

Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, which falls between August and September. In 2023, Janmashtami will be celebrated on the 7th of September in Himachal Pradesh.

The festival is also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, or Saatam Aatham in different parts of the country. It is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, especially in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. In Himachal Pradesh, the festival is celebrated with equal zeal and is marked by various rituals and customs.

On this day, devotees fast throughout the day and break it only after midnight, when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born. The temples are decorated with lights and flowers, and people gather to offer prayers and seek blessings from the lord.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in October

Gandhi Jayanti: 2nd Oct

India observes the birth anniversary of the eminent patriot and social reformer Mahatma Gandhi as Gandhi Jayanti to pay tribute to his seamless efforts in making India’s independence dream come true. This is a national holiday and, naturally, it also becomes a part of the Himachal Pradesh holidays.

Dussehra: 24th Oct

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a ten-day long festival that is celebrated across the country. In Himachal Pradesh, the festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion on the 10th day, which marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. It is also believed to be the day when Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura.

On this day, people in the state wake up early in the morning and perform various rituals and prayers to seek the blessings of the gods. They decorate their homes with flowers and lights and offer special puja to the deities. The main attraction of the festival is the traditional Dussehra fair, which is organized in various parts of the state. The fair features a variety of cultural programs, exhibitions, and stalls selling a wide range of products, including handicrafts, textiles, and food items.

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti: 28th Oct

Maharishi Valmiki was an ancient Indian sage and author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is considered as the first poet of Sanskrit literature and is revered as one of the greatest sages in Indian history. Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashwin month, which falls in October or November every year.

The festival is celebrated by organizing various cultural events, processions, and religious ceremonies across the state. The devotees gather at the temples and offer prayers to the deity to seek blessings. Many people also recite the Ramayana and perform various cultural programs to honor the life and works of Maharishi Valmiki.

On this day, people also visit Valmiki temples and offer special prayers to the deity. The temples are decorated with lights and flowers, and the atmosphere is filled with a devotional fervor.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in November

Diwali: 12th Nov

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The festival marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The celebrations usually last for five days and involve the lighting of lamps and candles, the exchange of sweets and gifts, and the decoration of homes and public spaces with colourful lights and rangolis.

In Himachal Pradesh, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is one of the most important festivals of the year. The state is decorated with colourful lights and diyas, and people participate in various religious rituals and customs. It is a time for family and friends to come together, exchange gifts and sweets, and enjoy a range of delicious traditional foods.

Guru Nanak Jayanti: 27th Nov

Guru Nanak Jayanti is one such festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in the state. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and is observed with great reverence by the Sikh community in Himachal Pradesh and all over the world.

The festival falls on the full moon day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in November. It is also known as Gurpurab and is celebrated as a national holiday in India. On this day, the devotees of Guru Nanak offer prayers, sing hymns and take part in processions called Nagar Kirtan. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest Sikh shrine, is beautifully decorated and illuminated on this day.

In Himachal Pradesh, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in the areas with a significant Sikh population, such as Una, Solan, and Bilaspur. The celebrations begin a few days before the festival, with devotees cleaning and decorating the gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) and organizing Langars (community kitchens) to serve free meals to the people.

Himachal Pradesh Holidays in December

Christmas: 25th December

Christmas in Himachal Pradesh is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The state, being predominantly a Christian state, has a significant population of people who celebrate Christmas as their primary festival. The festivities start weeks before the actual day of the festival, and preparations are made on a grand scale.

The churches in Himachal Pradesh are decorated beautifully, and the traditional Christmas carols are sung with great enthusiasm by the locals. People visit churches, light candles and offer prayers to seek blessings. Special church services are organized for the occasion, and people gather to attend the service.

The streets and markets of Himachal Pradesh are also decorated beautifully with lights and Christmas trees. Local vendors sell various Christmas decorations, cakes, and gifts, making the entire city come alive with the festive spirit.

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Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh is a state with a diverse cultural and religious heritage that celebrates a variety of festivals and holidays throughout the year. These holidays are an important part of the state's culture and provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their traditions.

The government holidays in Himachal Pradesh are an essential component of the state's holiday calendar. These holidays are usually determined by the central government, and they reflect the nation's important events and occasions. However, the state government also declares holidays based on local events and festivals.

These holidays provide a chance for people to take a break from their busy schedules and spend time with their family and friends. They also offer an opportunity for visitors to experience the state's rich culture and witness the celebrations firsthand.

Some of the most significant government holidays in Himachal Pradesh include Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. Other important holidays include Diwali, Holi, and Christmas.

Key Takeaways

As an HR, it is a very crucial and tedious job to take care of the holiday list. If you belong to Himachal Pradesh, you should refer to the above list for a better understanding, and here are two things that you can keep in your mind to simplify the process: