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

School holidays :

School holidays :

Muslim, Sufi :

Banks only :

Hinduism : The most celebrated religious festival among the Pnars. Behdienkhlam (chasing away the Demon of Cholera) is celebrated annually in July after the sowing period, the most important dance festival of the Jaintia tribes. This festival is also an invocation to God, seeking his blessings for a bumper harvest. The women however do not participate in the dancing, as they have an important function of offering sacrificial food to the spirits of the forefathers. [www.north-east-india.com]

Hinduism : Irot Sing, also known as U Tirot Sing, was one of the chiefs of the Khasi people in the early 18th century. He drew his lineage from the Syiemlieh clan.He was Syiem (chief)of Nongkhlaw, part of the Khasi Hills. His title was Syiem — a constitutional head sharing corporate authority with his Council, generally representatives of leading clans within his territory. Tirot Sing fought against British attempts to take over control of the Khasi Hills [Wikipedia]

cards/flowers : Agrarian festival that asks God to chase away plagues and diseases and to bless the people with good health and a bountiful

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

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

Muslim, Sufi :

Banks only :

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

School holidays :

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.

Banks only :

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)

School holidays :

Banks only :

Secular holiday :

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

Banks only :

Secular holiday : Seng Kut Snem is a festival of Khasi Community which is largely celebrated to preserve and exhibit their culture and traditions. The festival not only is a preservative for the culture of Khasi community it also acts as a reminder to all cultures across India to retain their cultural and religious significance.

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

School holidays :

Secular holiday : Togan Sangma was a young man was in command of Garo warriors who fought the British. He fell fighting with unmatched heroism and courage in December 1872

Secular holiday : Soso Tham (1873-1940) is the uncrowned, though acknowledged poet laureate of the Khasis.

Banks only :

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.

Banks only :

Secular holiday : U Kiang Nangbah fought against the British imperialism in 1861-62 and was sentenced to death by hanging at Yawmusiang on 30.12.1862.