Raksha Bandhan, one of India’s most cherished festivals, is set to be celebrated in August 2025. For government employees, this period often raises questions about Government Holiday 2025 schedules, leave policies, and how festival-related time off is managed. Understanding the official Festival Leave Rules ensures that employees can plan family celebrations without disrupting work commitments.
Raksha Bandhan 2025 Date and Significance
In 2025, Raksha Bandhan will be observed on Friday, August 8, 2025. The festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, with rituals that include tying the sacred rakhi, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals. Since it falls on a Friday, many government employees will see this as an opportunity to combine the holiday with a weekend break, making it part of an extended Raksha Bandhan Week.
Government Holiday 2025 Calendar for Raksha Bandhan
The Government Holiday 2025 list varies from state to state, as India follows both national and regional holiday structures. Raksha Bandhan is generally a restricted holiday in several states but is declared a gazetted holiday in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana, where the festival holds deep cultural roots.
Employees working in central government offices will need to refer to the official Central Government Holiday List 2025 issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This list clearly distinguishes between:
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Gazetted Holidays (mandatory public holidays for all employees)
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Restricted Holidays (optional leave, which employees can choose from a given list)
In states where Raksha Bandhan is not a gazetted holiday, government employees may need to apply for leave in advance if they wish to take the day off.
Festival Leave Rules for Government Employees
The Festival Leave Rules in India are designed to balance operational efficiency with cultural and religious observances. For 2025, these rules generally include:
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Gazetted Holidays:
If Raksha Bandhan is marked as a gazetted holiday in the employee’s work location, all government offices will remain closed on that date. No separate leave application is needed. -
Restricted Holidays:
When Raksha Bandhan is a restricted holiday, employees can avail themselves of it as part of their annual two-day restricted leave quota. Approval depends on prior application and office workload. -
Casual Leave (CL) and Earned Leave (EL):
If an employee wants an extended Raksha Bandhan Week break, they can combine a restricted holiday with CL or EL. However, combining multiple leaves before or after a gazetted holiday must comply with departmental rules. -
Special Provisions for Women Employees:
Some state governments allow additional flexibility for female employees during family-oriented festivals like Raksha Bandhan, such as half-day leave or priority approval.
Planning an Extended Raksha Bandhan Week in 2025
Since Raksha Bandhan 2025 falls on a Friday, employees can potentially enjoy a three-day weekend by combining the holiday with Saturday and Sunday. In states where it is a restricted holiday, employees may apply for leave on Friday and possibly extend it by including Thursday or Monday, depending on their available leave balance.
Example:
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Thursday, Aug 7 – Casual Leave
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Friday, Aug 8 – Raksha Bandhan (Holiday/Restricted Leave)
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Saturday, Aug 9 & Sunday, Aug 10 – Weekly Off
This arrangement offers a four-day Raksha Bandhan Week for family gatherings or travel.
State-Wise Differences in Holiday Observance
It’s important to note that Government Holiday 2025 patterns are not uniform:
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Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana: Raksha Bandhan is a gazetted holiday.
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Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala: Recognized as a restricted holiday.
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Union Territories: Follow the central government holiday list unless the local administration declares otherwise.
Impact on Government Offices and Services
During Raksha Bandhan Week, public service operations may run with reduced staff, especially in states where the holiday is widely observed. This may impact:
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Postal services
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Revenue and registration offices
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State transport operations
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Public banks (if under state control)
Central offices located in states where Raksha Bandhan is gazetted will remain closed entirely for the day.
FAQs on Raksha Bandhan Week 2025 and Festival Leave Rules
Q1. Is Raksha Bandhan a compulsory holiday for all government employees in 2025?
No. It depends on whether the state lists it as a gazetted holiday. In many states, it is an optional restricted holiday.
Q2. Can government employees take extra leave around Raksha Bandhan?
Yes. They can combine festival leave with casual or earned leave, subject to departmental approval.
Q3. Will central government offices remain closed for Raksha Bandhan 2025?
Only in states where it is officially gazetted in the central holiday list for that region.
Q4. How do restricted holidays work for festival leave?
Employees can choose any two restricted holidays in a year from the official list. Raksha Bandhan may be one of those choices if it is not gazetted.
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