India (Jharkhand) : public and bank holidays, closure of banks, stock exchanges, school vacations

Banks only :

Banks only : Annual Closing of the Royal Bank of India (RBI)

Muslim, Sufi :

Buddhism (Theravada) : Padmasambhava (in Sanskrit meaning lotus-born ) founded the Tibetan or Tantric school of Buddhism in the 8th century. In Bhutan and Tibet he is better known as Guru Rinpoche ( Precious Master ) where followers of the Nyingma school regard him as the second Buddha.

Secular holiday : The tribal people living in different areas of Rajasthan organise religious, social and cultural programs.

Muslim, Sufi : The first day of the year is observed on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. The first Islamic year beginning in 610 AD during which the emigration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra [Wikipedia]

Secular holiday : Commemorates the day in 1947 when India achieved freedom from British rule

Hinduism : Hindu celebration of the birthday of Sri Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Sweets, fruits and milk products are available in abundance. Sri or Shree: A prefix denoting auspiciousness.

Culture : all creating is the Personification of ultimate reality and deity of the creative power .According to the Rigveda. It/He is considered to be the architect, divine engineer of universe from before the advent of time. [Wikipedia]

Culture : The most important festival Jharkhand. Karma Puja is not only celebrated by the tribes of this state but is also an important festival of Bihar, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jhargram (West Bengal) and many other states

Banks only :

School holidays :

Secular holiday : He is the man who played a significant role in achiveing independence for India from the British Empire with his simplicity and strong will power. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as 'Bapu' or 'Father of the nation', was born on the 2nd of October in 1869, in Porbunder, Gujarat. He studied law in U.K and practiced law in South Africa. But he left his profession and returned to India to join the Indian freedom struggle. Gandhiji was a preacher of truth and 'Ahimsa'(non-violence). He started the 'Satyagraha' movement for the Indian freedom struggle. He believed in living a simple life and in 'Swadeshi'. He proved to the world that freedom can be achieved through the path of non-violence. Gandhiji is a symbol of peace and truth. www.indiaa2z.com

Hinduism : The main festival in Bengal in tribute to goddess Durga. Bengalis celebrate with new clothes and other gifts which are worn on the evenings when the family goes out to see the pandals (temporary structures set up to venerate Durga).

Hinduism : An integral part of the Dasara festival (festival of triumph), a Hindu festival. It is also called Astra Puja . In simple terms, it means “Worship of Implements. [Wikipedia]

Hinduism : The victory of Durga on evil forces, the destruction of Vasanas (subjectivity, selfishness, desires...) and the achievement of the deepest Self. Dominance of Saraswati (pure science) over Lakshmi (applied science)

Muslim, Sufi :

School holidays :

Hinduism : The Light festival starts with festivities. The week celebrates 1.Dhanteras, 2.Kali Chaudas, 3.Deepavali, 4.Navu-Varsha (new year), 5.Bhai-beej. The Vai cast is mainly concerned. May last several days

Hinduism : Dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, also known as Surya Shashti.

Sikhism : Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539) Founder of the religion of Sikhism and the first of ten Sikh Gurus. Sikhs believe that all subsequent Gurus possessed Guru Nanak’s divinity and religious authority Wikipedia

Culture : An Indian tribal freedom fighter, religious leader, and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe. He spearheaded an Indian tribal religious Millenarian movement that arose in the tribal belt of modern-day Bihar and Jharkhand in the late 19th century, during the British Raj, thereby making him an important figure in the history of the Indian independence movement. His achievements are even more remarkable for having been accomplished before the age of 25. His portrait hangs in the Central Hall of the Indian parliament; he is the only tribal leader to have been so honored. [Wikipedia]

School holidays :

Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day.

Hinduism :