Have you ever wondered how to make the most of your year, balancing academic work with well-deserved breaks and rejuvenating trips? The 2025 calendar offers more than fifty holidays, presenting students, educators, and working professionals alike with opportunities to recharge. With some smart planning, you can strategically align your academic or work schedule with these breaks to maximize your time off.

Rather than solely focusing on your to-do list, why not leverage the academic calendar to plan restful getaways that coincide with school and public holidays? With this cheat sheet, you'll have a roadmap to the most important holidays in 2025, along with tips on how to take full advantage of them for rest and travel.

January
Don’t be disheartened about missing Republic Day as a national holiday this year, as it falls on a Sunday (January 26). We hope you made the most of the long weekend from January 11 to 14 by taking a day off on January 13. This stretch offered a perfect opportunity to relax and recharge as the year began.

February
Mahashivaratri falls on Wednesday, February 26. By taking leave on February 24, 25, 27, and 28, students and educators can create a nine-day stretch of holidays when paired with weekends.

March
Holi, on March 14 (Friday), offers a three-day holiday when combined with the weekend. Additionally, March 31 marks Ugadi and Cheriya Perunnal (Eid-ul-Fitr), giving another break to refresh and refocus on academic goals.

April
Vishu (April 14) and Good Friday (April 18) fall in the same week. By taking leave on April 15, 16, and 17, you can enjoy a nine-day break. This month is ideal for reflection and preparation for upcoming exams or academic projects.

May
May Day (Thursday, May 1) offers a four-day break when paired with Friday as an additional leave.

June, July, and August
Bakrid (Eid al-Adha), on Friday, June 6, allows a five-day holiday if paired with leave on June 4 and 5. While July has no significant holidays, August provides another opportunity with Independence Day on Friday, August 15. By taking leave on August 13 and 14, you can create a five-day long weekend to recharge.

September
This month is packed with Onam celebrations in Kerala. By taking leave on September 1, 2, and 3, you can enjoy a nine-day holiday, as 1st Onam falls on September 4 and Thiruvonam on September 5. Use this time to immerse in cultural events or catch up on academic reading.

October
Mahanavami (October 1) and Vijayadashami (October 2) create another chance for a nine-day holiday when combined with leaves on September 29, 30, and October 3. Additionally, Diwali falls on October 25, Monday, creating a long weekend from October 25 to October 27 – perfect for a family getaway or relaxation.

November
Unfortunately, November offers limited holiday opportunities. Pair the second Saturday with an additional leave to enjoy a short break, as there are no major holidays this month.

December
As the year concludes, Christmas on Thursday, December 25, allows for a four-day break when paired with leave on December 26. This is a great time to reflect on the year’s achievements and plan for the next one.

Plan smart, rest well

By carefully mapping out your academic or work calendar, you can ensure adequate rest while staying productive. Use these holidays as opportunities to recharge and realign your academic and personal goals for the year ahead.