Holidays in September 2024

As the warmth of summer slowly yields to the embrace of autumn, the month of September brings with it a sense of transition and renewal. In various parts of the world, including India, this month holds significance as a time of cultural celebrations, reflections on change, and opportunities for rejuvenation.

As the days become milder and the landscapes transform, September beckons us to explore the array of holidays and observances that colour this time of year. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the tapestry of festivities that grace India in September 2024, each with its own unique story and traditions that enrich the tapestry of the nation’s cultural heritage.

List of Public Holidays in September 2024

Date	Holiday	States
7 September 2024	Janmashtami	Several states of India
17 September 2024	Hartalika Teej	Sikkim, Chattisgarh
19 September 2024	Ganesh Chaturthi	Several states
20 September 2024	Ganesh Chaturthi Holiday	Several states
20 September 2024	Naukhai	Orissa
21 September 2024	Shree Narayana Guru Samadhi	Kerala
23 September 2024	Heroes’ Martyrdom Day	Haryana
25 September 2024	Ramdev Jayanti	Rajasthan
25 September 2024	Teja Dashmi	Rajasthan
28 September 2024	Indra Jatra	Sikkim
28 September 2024	Eid-e-Milad	Several states
29 September 2024	Holiday following Eid-e-Milad	Several states
29 September 2024	Shree Guru Narayan Jayanti	Kerala

List of Bank Holidays in September 2024

Date	Day	Holiday
09 September 2024	Saturday	Second Saturday
19 September 2024	Tuesday	Ganesh Chaturthi
23 September 2024	Saturday	Fourth Saturday
28 September 2024	Thursday	Eid-E-Milad / Eid-e-Milad Un Nabi – Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday (Bara-Vafat)

A Brief Description of Holidays in September 2024

Janmashtami: A Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees fast, sing devotional songs and enact scenes from Krishna’s life. The celebration often involves midnight prayers and feasting.

Hartalika Teej: This Hindu festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva. Married and unmarried women observe fasting and perform rituals for marital bliss and prosperity. It is celebrated primarily in North India.

Ganesh Chaturthi: A popular Hindu festival honouring Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom and prosperity. Elaborate idols of Ganesha are worshipped in homes and public places. The festival ends with the immersion of these idols in water bodies.

Nuakhai: Nuakhai is a harvest festival celebrated predominantly in the state of Odisha, India. It involves offering the first crop of the season to the deities and consuming the new rice. It’s a time of community gatherings and feasting.

Shree Narayana Guru Samadhi: This day commemorates the passing away (Samadhi) of Shree Narayana Guru, a revered spiritual leader, philosopher, and social reformer from Kerala, India. He advocated for social equality and education.

Heroes’ Martyrdom Day (Sarvodaya Day, Nepal) – This day in Nepal is dedicated to remembering and honouring the individuals who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Ramdev Jayanti: Also known as Rama Deva Jayanti, this day celebrates the birth of the sage and saint Ramdev Pir. He is venerated as a folk deity in parts of India and is believed to possess miraculous powers.

Teja Dashmi: This festival is observed by the Newar community in Nepal to celebrate the victory of Lord Indra over the demon Teja. It’s marked by rituals, processions, and cultural performances.

Indra Jatra: Another significant festival in Nepal, Indra Jatra is dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain. The Kumari, the living goddess, is paraded through the streets, and there are various traditional dances and performances.

Eid-e-Milad: Also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, this is an Islamic festival that commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is observed with prayers, feasting, and gatherings, and it holds cultural and religious significance for Muslims.

Shree Guru Narayan Jayanti: This day marks the birth anniversary of Shree Guru Narayan, a revered spiritual leader and social reformer in the Bhakti movement. His teachings emphasise devotion and equality.

September Holiday Destinations 2024

Goa: The beaches in Goa are world-famous, and the weather in September is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. There are also many parties and festivals happening in Goa during this time of year.

Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley is known for its stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. September is a good time to visit Srinagar as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

Leh Ladakh: Ladakh is a high-altitude desert region with a unique landscape of snow-capped mountains, barren hills, and deep gorges. September is a good time to visit Ladakh as the weather is starting to get cooler, and the crowds have thinned out.

Coorg: Coorg is a hill station in Karnataka known for its lush green forests, coffee plantations, and waterfalls. September is a good time to visit Coorg as the weather is pleasant, and there are many things to do in the region, such as hiking, camping, and white water rafting.

Puducherry: Also known as Pondicherry, this French colonial town is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, charming French architecture, and vibrant culture. September is a good time to visit Pondicherry as the weather is pleasant, and there are many cultural events happening in the town.

Long Weekend Holidays in September 2024

• September 7-10: Janmashtami (Thursday to Sunday)
• September 19-21: Ganesh Chaturthi (Tuesday to Thursday)
• September 23-24: Teja Dashmi and Indra Jatra (Saturday and Sunday)

If you take a leave on September 8, you can make a four-day holiday out of Janmashtami. Similarly, if you take a leave on September 22, you can make a four-day holiday out of Ganesh Chaturthi.