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

School holidays :

Hinduism : During ten days, Hindus must prepare the celebration at home: their house must be cleaned up and purified, in particular at the place where the Ganesh statue wil be put. Those who participate in the procession, end and highlight of this celebration, also prepare their costume. Various religious ceremonies are celebrated. On the tenth day, the celebration culminates. Streets of main cities, especially Mumbaï (Bombay) are the field of extraordinary popular demonstrations. In this day, giant elephant idols are preceded by dancers and musicians.

Hinduism : Onam falls, on the 12th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadon (around August September) once the golden yellow rice fields have been harvested at that time of the year. There is no specific god associated with Onam. Neither is any special puja (a ritualistic prayer ceremony) performed. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. in Mahe only

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

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.

School holidays :

Secular holiday : St Theresa in Mahe region only

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

Secular holiday :

School holidays :

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.

School holidays : Lycée français de Pondichery
www.lfpondichery.net
Puducherry public schools follow a different calendar
Schooling is mandatory till age 14
Teaching languages: Tamil, English, Malayalam (in Mahé), Telugu (in Yanam), French
schools close on Saturday
school uniforms required

We carry confirmed dates till May 2025 -- heat waves may affect the calendar

Please note that authorities may take last-minute decisions; please double-check if this information is vital to you
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