List of Public and Bank Holidays in March 2023 in India and Abroad

March is a beautiful month that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is also a month of festivities. If you are planning to go for a vacation to rejuvenate for the rest of the year, here is the list of holidays in March both public and bank holidays for you to plan that trip that you have been dreaming about. Take a look!

List of Public Holidays in India in March 2023

In India, the list of holidays differs from state to state. Here is a combined list of all the public holidays in March 2023, across all the states in India:

List of Bank Holidays in March 2023 in India

The state government decides which days are designated as bank holidays. Almost all state governments follow the central government holiday list issued by the Department of Personnel and Training. Banks usually have holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month as well. Here is the list of holidays in March 2023 in India. These are state-wise bank holidays declared under the Negotiable Instrument Act, of 1881:

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List of March Holidays Around the World

March is the month of festivities and holidays all around the world. Therefore, this might be one of the best times to visit various countries and indulge in their festivities. Following is a small list of holidays and festivals around the world that might be of some help if you are planning a foreign trip from India:

Festivals Celebration in March 2023

March has enough excuses for you to step out of your homes as the scenery bid farewell to the monochrome landscapes and enter into the season of vibrant colours. This is because the whole of India welcomes the spring in their ways, hues, language, versions and traditions. Here is a list of some of the most prominent festivals across India in the month of March that you would certainly not want to miss:

1. Holi

Holi is one of the most famous and celebrated festivals in India. It is one of the ancient Hindu traditional festivals that celebrate the divine and eternal love of Radha Krishna. The celebrations begin with lighting a bonfire which is known as ‘Holika Dahan’ that signifies good over evil.

2. Gudi Padwa

Also known as Ugadi, Gudi Padwa is a springtime festival that marks the traditional new year of Marathi and Konkani Hindus. ‘Gudi’ means the flag of Brahma hoisted on this auspicious day and ‘Padwa’ means the first day of the moon’s bright face. The Marathi and Konkani Hindus hoist the Brahmadhvaj on this day to celebrate and mark the victory of good over evil. They welcome the new year and the harvest season decked up in their traditional attire.

3. Yaoshang

Yaoshang is a major festival in Manipur. People from different communities come together to celebrate this festival with great zeal and zest. It is a five-day festival celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Lamta. The first day of the festival includes the burning of ‘Yaoshang’ (straw hut) that is constructed on the first day. 

This is followed by young boys and girls collecting donations and showering blessings of success and long life. Other than that, there is ‘ThabalChongba’ which is the traditional Manipuri moonlight dance, playing with colours and arranging feasts.

4. Sarhul Festival

It is one of the most famous tribal festivals celebrated in Jharkhand. The Oraon, Munda and Ho tribes celebrate the beginning of the new year with this festival. Sarhul means worship of trees. As these tribes are very close to nature they start the festivities by worshipping trees and other elements of nature. Flowers of the Sal tree are used to worship the village deity. The tribal people drink Hadia and the women and children dress up in their ethnic wear, sing, dance and rejoice.

5. Thirunakkara Arattu

It is a significant festival in Kerala. The celebrations take place in Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple in Kottayam. It is a 10-day long festival in which elephant rallies are organised. People enjoy themselves by dancing to the beats of drummers. Folk art such as Mayilattom (peacock dance), Velakali etc are performed by the local people during the celebrations.

Places to Visit in India During March Holidays 2023

March, which is the synonym for spring season, is one of the best times to visit many places which are hard to explore during the hot summer months. The onset of spring brings with it a plethora of festivities. Therefore, if you want to visit some beautiful places in this month, go through the list of top 5 places to visit this March:

1. Tawang

If you are looking for a vacation in nature’s lap then there is no better place than Tawang. You will be mesmerised by the mesmerising views and the vibrant Indian and Chinese culture. March is the best month for indulging in some trekking as the weather is quite favourable in this month.

• Attraction: Tawang Buddhist Monastery, Sela Pass, Bumla Pass, Nuranang Falls, Gorsam Chorten
• Things to Do: You can see the light and sound show at Tawang war memorial and visit Madhuri Lake for the mesmerising views
• How to Reach: You can travel to Tawang via flight and land at the nearest Salonibari airport or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi airport. The nearest railway station is Tezpur railway station. Other than this Tawang is well-connected by Arunachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses as well as some private travel services.
• Events/ Festivals: Losar which is the Monpa new year celebration.

2. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of the most irresistible attractions of West Bengal. March is the best month for catering to all types of holidaymakers. In the moderately cold weather of March, you can trek up to Tiger hill, ride the toy train, stroll through the aromatic tea gardens and explore this erstwhile British summer retreat.

• Attraction: Kanchenjunga Mountain, Batasia Loop, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Lamahatta etc.
• Things to Do: You can go river rafting on Teesta, enjoy breakfast at Keventers Restaurant, buy some woollens at Bhutia market and stroll on the mall road.
• How to Reach: Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest station from where you reach Darjeeling via the famous toy train. You can drive to Darjeeling too however the road conditions might not be favourable.
• Events/Festivals: Losha, Ram Nawami in Chaitra Dasai.

3. Andaman

Andaman Island is an ideal destination for a peaceful vacation with family or a romantic escape in the month of march. You can soak some vitamin D while chilling on the sun-kissed beaches in a tranquil environment. Apart from this you also get to view the colourful coral reefs and crystal-clear water as well. 

• Attraction: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Elephant Beach, Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach etc.
• Things to Do: You can enjoy activities like Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, glass boat riding and swimming
• How to Reach: You can travel to Andaman via flight and sea. Via flight, you need to land at Veer Savarkar International Airport. You can visit this location via ships leaving from Kolkata, Chennai and Visakhapatnam.
• Events/Festivals: As such no specific events or festivals take place in Andaman in the month of March

4. Coorg

You will be able to taste great spices, coffee and tea if you visit Coorg in March. People searching for a romantic gateway can also try out these hills in March when the mist is perpetually hanging over them. This place is also known for its supreme hospitality and culture.

• Attraction: Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation, Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti Peak, Raja’s Seat, Mallalli Falls etc.
• Things to Do: You can try out some camping, splurge on spices, enjoy adventure rides of ATV Biking etc.
• How to Reach: Nearest airport is Mangalore international airport and the nearest railway station is Mysore railway station. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation provides deluxe buses to Coorg from Bangalore, Mysore etc.

5. Wayanad

Wayanad has a scenic beauty of the Western Ghats worth beholding. It is surrounded by hills and is completely green. You can stroll through spice plantations, spot wild animals and trek to ancient caves as well as enjoy the peacefulness and mesmerising beauty of Wayanad. 

• Attraction: Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island, Banasura Sagar Dam, Neelimala View Point etc.
• Things to Do: You can enjoy some mountain hiking on Chembra peak, go trekking in Edakkal caves and zipline above tree plantations.
• How to Reach: You can visit Wayanad via flight and land at the Calicut International Airport. While if you are travelling via train the nearest station will be Nilambur Railway Station. Wayanad is very well connected via road with Kerala and Karnataka.

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Places to Visit Outside India During March Holidays 2023

As the northern hemisphere welcomes the first signs of spring, a wide range of festivities start in full swing across the world. As temperatures start to rise slowly flowers begin to bloom. Here is a list of top 5 places that you can visit outside India in March. Though  one person’s choice might be unique from the other, but here are some of them that you might like:

1. Vietnam

Vietnam is as colourful as it is diverse. March is one of the ideal times to visit this country due to the pleasant weather conditions. At this time the northern highlands are dry but not too sticky making it apt for hill tribe trekking. While the south has blue skies and sunshine which might help you add the idyllic beaches here to your busy sightseeing schedule.

• Attractions: Halong bay, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Nha Trang, etc.
• Things to Do: You can visit Halong Bay as well as its equally spectacular neighbourhood, hike through Cat Ba Island and cruise the Mekong Delta
• How to Reach: You can fly from India to Noi Bai International airport or pick any cruise from Singapore.
• Events/Festivals: Elephant Racing Festival, Phu Giay Festival and Thay Pagoda Festival.

2. Nepal

Nepal is the cool cousin of India and comes with an international touch. In March, Nepal experiences the spring season though the nights are cold. If you are interested in trekking then this is the best month to visit this country as the days are longer. 

• Attractions: Boudhanath Stupa, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Swayambhunath Temple etc.
• Things to Do: Other than trekking you can try out paragliding, white water rafting and a few other adventure sports.
• How to Reach: You can reach Nepal via flight and land at Tribhuvan International Airport. Bus service is available up to Birganj in Central Nepal. While certain trains like Sapt Kranti Superfast Express are also available.
• Events/Festivals: Maha Shivratri, Ghode Jatra, Holi

3. Switzerland

One of the best countries to visit in March is Switzerland, as the temperature is always cool here. You can wander around the lush woodlands, experience snowfall, and visit the Swiss National Park. 

• Attractions: Matterhorn, Jungfraujoch, Interlaken, Lucerna, Lake Geneva etc.
• Things to Do: You can enjoy skiing in alpine mountains, do cave hopping at Hell Grottoes, and enjoy a train ride from Davos to Tirano
• How to Reach: You can reach Switzerland through flights and land at Zurich, Geneva, Basel or Bern airports.
• Events/Festivals: Basel Fasnacht, Chalandamarz, Interlaken Music Festival and Festival.

4. Greece

Similar to India, Greece also experiences the spring season in March. You can explore the Crete Islands dotted with immaculate beaches that are comparatively less crowded at this time. Athens and Mainland Greece is also a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the culture, history and nature’s beauty.

• Attractions: Acropolis, Santorini, Mykonos, Delphi etc.
• Things to Do: You can enjoy canoeing, horse riding and rafting at Lake Plastira and climbing Mount Olympus Mountain.
• How to Reach: Flights are available to Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos airport. Cruises are also available from various countries of the world.
• Events/Festivals: Independence Day and Apokries Carnival

5. Spain

If you compare it with other months of the year the accommodation cost, and crowd is much less in Spain in the month of march. The afternoons will be pleasant and the nights will be chilly at this time. From stunning beaches to wine tours along with food excursions, you will have a great overall experience in Spain in march.

• Attraction: Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, Great Mosque of Cordoba, The Prado and Paseo del Artes etc.
• Things to Do: You can attend the traditional and cultural galore, indulge in a magical rooftop bar experience and live as an Islander away from the mainland.
• How to Reach: You can take a flight to the Madrid International Airport or travel via sea as well.
• Events/Festivals: Las Fallas de Valencia, Burial of Sardine, Jerez Flamenco Festival.

Final Word

March, the onset of spring is one of the best times to make your vacation plans. Not only is it a pleasant and comfortable time to visit around India but also around the World. In this blog, you will come across the list of holidays in March both public and in India as well as outside India so that you can plan your trip accordingly. 

A list of some of the best places to visit in India and around the World has been provided for you to plan accordingly. March offers a pleasant and tranquil environment for tourists therefore book your tickets and get started at once.

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