May 2025 Calendar for India: Public Holidays, Festivals, Observances & State Events

U.S. Calendar May 2025: List of Holidays, Festivals, State Events, International Days, And Celebrations

May in India is a season of intensity—weather-wise and culturally. As summer sets in across the subcontinent, the country buzzes with religious observances, cultural festivals, regional holidays, political movements, and global awareness campaigns. From centuries-old rituals to Constitution-recognised holidays, from vibrant local fairs to science and health campaigns, May offers an expansive calendar that reflects India’s rich social, spiritual, and civic life.

1. National and State Public Holidays – May 2025

May Day / Labour Day – Thursday, May 1, 2025

Recognised in several states including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. Events include:

• Processions and speeches by labour unions and political parties

• Public seminars on workers' rights and minimum wage

• Paid holiday in government and public sector offices in observing states

Buddha Purnima – Monday, May 12, 2025

Buddha Purnima

One of the most sacred days for Buddhists across India, marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death (Mahaparinirvana). Key highlights:

• Peace prayers, sermons, and meditation sessions at temples in Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Ladakh

• Distribution of kheer (rice pudding) as symbolic offering

• National observance with schools and government institutions closed in most states

Maharana Pratap Jayanti – Sunday, May 25, 2025

Celebrated primarily in Rajasthan and northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Observances include:

• Processions with traditional Rajasthani attire and music

• Educational tributes in schools and colleges

• Ceremonies held at government buildings and statues of the warrior king

2. State-Specific Public Holidays – May 2025

• Basava Jayanti (Karnataka, Maharashtra) – May 3: Birth anniversary of philosopher-reformer Basavanna. Marked with spiritual rallies and speeches.

• Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti (West Bengal) – May 8: Includes recitals of his poems, dramas, songs, and public lectures.

• Goa Statehood Day – May 30: Public parades and official ceremonies in Panaji and across the state.

• Sikkim State Day – May 16: Celebrates Sikkim’s integration into India in 1975. Events include parades and cultural dances.

3. Religious and Cultural Festivals – May 2025

Akshaya Tritiya – Saturday, May 3, 2025

Akshaya Tritiya 2025

A highly auspicious day in Hindu and Jain calendars associated with eternal prosperity and new beginnings. Common practices:

• Purchase of gold, silver, or property

• Launch of new business ventures and marriages

• Temple offerings and charitable donations

Narasimha Jayanti – Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Marks the appearance of Lord Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatar of Vishnu. Celebrated mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka with:

• Day-long fasts and evening temple rituals

• Chanting of Narasimha Kavacham

• Devotee gatherings at Ahobilam and Simhachalam temples

Shani Jayanti – Thursday, May 22, 2025

Observed primarily in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, celebrating the birth of Shani Dev. Devotees:

• Offer oil, urad dal, and black flowers at Shani temples

• Perform remedies to pacify Saturn’s influence in astrology

Vaikasi Visakam – Sunday, May 25, 2025

Celebrated in Tamil Nadu and by Tamil communities worldwide to honour the birth of Lord Murugan. Rituals include:

• Special abhishekam (ritual baths) and processions in Murugan temples

• Cultural programs, devotional singing, and community feasts

Thrissur Pooram – May 12–13, 2025 (Kerala)

One of Kerala’s most iconic temple festivals, featuring:

• Elephant processions and Panchavadyam (traditional temple orchestra)

• Fireworks, colourful parasols, and large crowds at Vadakkunnathan Temple

4. Political, Civic, and Awareness Events – May 2025

National Technology Day – Saturday, May 11, 2025

Marks the Pokhran nuclear test (1998), symbolising India’s scientific and technological advancement. Celebrated by:

• Ministry of Science & Technology hosting exhibitions and awards

• IITs, IISc, and engineering colleges hosting innovation showcases

• Tech media running features on India’s R&D milestones

Anti-Terrorism Day – Wednesday, May 21, 2025

In remembrance of the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi (1991). Commemorations include:

• Pledge-taking ceremonies in government offices

• School assemblies on peace and harmony

• Police and security briefings on counter-terrorism

Election Season (Possibly Active)

If general or state elections are scheduled near this time:

• Nationwide rallies, digital campaigns, and polling logistics

• ECI drives for voter awareness, inclusion, and ethical voting

5. UN International Days Observed in India – May 2025

India actively observes numerous United Nations-designated days across government ministries, schools, colleges, media, NGOs, and civic bodies. These observances serve both educational and awareness-building goals, often accompanied by campaigns, public events, and national discourse.

• May 1 – International Workers’ Day: Celebrated with labour rights marches, worker helpline launches, and industrial safety seminars.

• May 3 – World Press Freedom Day: Media organisations hold debates on press autonomy; journalism schools run freedom-of-speech workshops.

• May 5 – African World Heritage Day: Universities host online webinars focusing on African-Indian cultural ties and preservation issues.

• May 7 – World Asthma Day: Health camps in metros and rural areas; awareness drives by AIIMS and respiratory associations.

• May 8 – World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: Indian Red Cross Society organises blood donation camps and youth volunteer recruitment.

• May 11 – World Migratory Bird Day: Activities led by BNHS, forest departments, and local birding clubs across sanctuaries and wetlands.

• May 12 – International Nurses Day: Hospitals honour nurses through awards; nursing colleges run special events and oath ceremonies.

• May 15 – International Day of Families: Webinars by Women and Child Development Ministry, campaigns on child nutrition and care.

• May 17 – IDAHOTB (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia): Rainbow-themed events in urban hubs; youth-led online campaigns.

• May 20 – World Bee Day: Beekeeping workshops, pollinator-friendly garden drives, and sessions on sustainable agriculture practices.

• May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity: Cultural ministry-led school competitions and national integration programs.

• May 22 – International Day for Biological Diversity: Biodiversity conferences, nature trails, eco-quizzes, and reforestation pledges.

• May 28 – Menstrual Hygiene Day: Pad distribution campaigns, school awareness sessions, and Swachh Bharat-linked sanitation drives.

• May 31 – World No Tobacco Day: Anti-smoking campaigns by MoHFW, street rallies, rehab outreach, and youth media contests.

6. Weekly and Monthly Observances – May 2025

May is packed with educational and action-oriented observances across India. Here's a breakdown of recurring campaigns:

• Labour Awareness Week (May 1–7): Hosted by trade unions and NGOs to promote workers’ rights and safety; includes labour film screenings and legal aid camps.

• National Technology Week (May 11–17): Showcasing India’s tech growth through robotics expos, innovation fairs, and space science sessions.

• Deaf Awareness Week (May 6–12): Hosted by national disability forums to promote sign language inclusion and accessibility rights.

• Mental Health Awareness Week (May 13–19): Helpline promotions, therapy workshops, and university-run emotional well-being panels.

• Dementia Awareness Week (May 20–26): Caregiver support events by memory clinics and Alzheimer's support groups.

• International Biodiversity Month (Entire May): Led by MoEFCC and NGOs; includes tree planting, eco film festivals, and youth nature camps.

• Water Conservation Month (All of May): Jal Shakti Abhiyan-led campaigns in drought-prone states; rainwater harvesting workshops.

• Summer Reading Month (Informal, All of May): Book fairs and storytelling clubs encouraged by CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and state boards.

7. Daily Observances in India – May 2025

May 1 – Labour Day, International Workers’ Day, Maharashtra Day (State Foundation Day)

May 2 – World Tuna Day, Brothers and Sisters Day

May 3 – Akshaya Tritiya, Basava Jayanti, World Press Freedom Day

May 4 – Firefighters’ Day, Coal Miners Day

May 5 – African World Heritage Day, Cartoonist Day

May 6 – International No Diet Day, World Asthma Day

May 7 – World Laughter Day, World Asthma Day, Rabindra Jayanti (Observed in some places)

May 8 – Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti, World Red Cross Day, World Thalassaemia Day

May 9 – Lost Sock Memorial Day, National Moscato Day

May 10 – World Lupus Day, Clean Your Room Day

May 11 – National Technology Day, World Migratory Bird Day, Eat What You Want Day

May 12 – Buddha Purnima, International Nurses Day, Thrissur Pooram (Day 1), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day

May 13 – Narasimha Jayanti, Frog Jumping Day, Thrissur Pooram (Day 2)

May 14 – Dance Like a Chicken Day, Stars and Stripes Forever Day

May 15 – International Day of Families, Chocolate Chip Day

May 16 – Sikkim State Day, Love a Tree Day, International Day of Living Together in Peace

May 17 – IDAHOTB, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, World Baking Day

May 18 – International Museum Day, No Dirty Dishes Day, World AIDS Vaccine Day

May 19 – Hepatitis Testing Day, May Ray Day

May 20 – World Bee Day, Weights and Measures Day, Pick Strawberries Day

May 21 – Anti-Terrorism Day, World Day for Cultural Diversity, Tea Day

May 22 – Shani Jayanti, International Day for Biological Diversity, Maritime Day

May 23 – World Turtle Day, Lucky Penny Day

May 24 – International Tiara Day, Scavenger Hunt Day

May 25 – Maharana Pratap Jayanti, Vaikasi Visakam, Geek Pride Day

May 26 – Paper Airplane Day, Blueberry Cheesecake Day

May 27 – Sunscreen Awareness Day, Nothing to Fear Day

May 28 – Menstrual Hygiene Day, World Hunger Day, Amnesty International Day

May 29 – International Day of UN Peacekeepers, Paperclip Day

May 30 – Goa Statehood Day, World MS Day, Loomis Day

May 31 – World No Tobacco Day, Save Your Hearing Day, National Smile Day

Conclusion

May 2025 in India is far from ordinary—it’s a month packed with spiritual depth, civic engagement, cultural colour, and international relevance. From Akshaya Tritiya's rituals to biodiversity campaigns, from the political pulse of elections to the quiet power of temple festivals, India’s May calendar invites participation from every walk of life.

Whether you're a student, a professional, a devotee, or an activist, there's something this month to reflect on, celebrate, or act upon. Save the dates, stay informed, and engage with the heart of India this May.

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