Holidays in September 2025: Festivals, Long Weekends, and Travel Ideas
September 2025 brings Onam, Eid-e-Milad, and Durga Puja along with long weekends and travel opportunities. Check full list of holidays, festivals, and bank closures.
People celebrating Onam with traditional Pookalam and cultural performances in Kerala during September 2025 festivals.
September in India marks the retreat of the monsoon and the beginning of the festive season. With several public, regional, and bank holidays lined up, this month is an excellent time to plan vacations, family gatherings, or cultural experiences.
Indian Holidays in September 2025
Here’s a list of major gazetted, restricted, and regional holidays across India:
Bank Holidays in September 2025
Along with public holidays, banks will remain closed on certain dates:
- 3rd September (Wed): Karma Puja – Select states
- 5th September (Fri): Eid-e-Milad, Onam – Nationwide/Kerala
- 13th September (Sat): Second Saturday – Nationwide
- 28th September (Sun): Durga Puja begins – Nationwide
Key Festivals in September 2025
🌸 Onam (Kerala)
Kerala’s 10-day harvest festival celebrates the return of King Mahabali. Events include Pookalam (floral rangoli), snake boat races, cultural performances, and the grand Onam Sadya feast.
🌙 Eid-e-Milad (Nationwide)
Observed to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the day is devoted to prayers, charitable acts, and community gatherings. Mosques and homes are decorated, fostering a sense of unity and devotion.
🪔 Durga Puja Festivities (Across India)
Starting with Maha Shashthi and peaking at Maha Ashtami, Durga Puja brings pandal-hopping, rituals, bhog, and cultural programs. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
Long Weekends in September 2025
You can make the most of two long weekends this month:
📅 3rd – 7th September
3rd Sept (Wed): Karma Puja
4th Sept (Thu): Optional leave
5th Sept (Fri): Eid-e-Milad / Onam
6th Sept (Sat): Weekend
7th Sept (Sun): Weekend
📅 27th – 30th September
27th Sept (Sat): Weekend
28th Sept (Sun): Durga Puja begins
29th Sept (Mon): Maha Saptami
30th Sept (Tue): Maha Ashtami
Perfect for planning a four-day getaway with minimal leave.
Travel Ideas for September 2025
✈️ Domestic
- Kerala: Experience Onam, backwaters, and Ayurvedic retreats.
- West Bengal: Witness Durga Puja preparations in Kolkata.
- Ziro Valley (Arunachal Pradesh): Attend the Ziro Music Festival.
- Varanasi: Enjoy post-monsoon serenity and the Ganga Aarti.
🌍 International
- Italy: Shoulder season with affordable travel and vineyard tours.
- Iceland/Norway: Early Northern Lights and scenic autumn landscapes.
- Nepal: Ideal trekking season with clear skies.
- Sri Lanka: Pleasant weather for beaches and wildlife safaris.
- Greece: Sun-soaked islands without peak-season crowds.
FAQs
Q. What are the major festivals in September 2025?
Onam, Eid-e-Milad, and Durga Puja are the most widely celebrated festivals.
Q. Is Eid-e-Milad a gazetted holiday?
Yes, 5th September 2025 is a gazetted holiday across India.
Q. Are there long weekends this month?
Yes, from 3rd–7th September and 27th–30th September.
Q. Which destinations are ideal to visit?
Kerala, Kolkata, Ziro Valley, Varanasi, as well as international spots like Italy, Nepal, and Iceland.
✨ With so many holidays and festivals, September 2025 is the perfect time to balance celebrations, family outings, and travel adventures.
