The Republic of India has the second largest population in the world. Due to the sizes of the country and its diverse population, India only has three national holidays – Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Ghandi’s Birthday.

However, the government of India has granted each of its states and territories the right to choose holidays based on their religious beliefs, culture, linguistic preferences, or events that are relative to their area – and at a state level there are many more bank holidays recognised and celebrated.

The Labour Laws of India requires that employers provide employees with a paid day off for the three national holidays. If the employee must work, they must be given a paid day off in lieu for the holiday or paid a premium rate for all hours worked on that holiday. Laws regarding holiday pay and time off for state holidays are subjected to the laws in those territories. Holiday pay for state holidays may also be impacted by individual employment contracts.