Holiday Calendar 2023: All you need to know

2023 is finally here and it comes packed with holidays almost every month. The year 2023 has 17 gazetted and 33 other holidays that you can utilize to enjoy with your family and friends. These include Gandhi Jayanti, Republic Day, Independence Day, Buddha Purnima, Dussehra, Christmas, Diwali, Good Friday, Eid Ul Fitr, Eid Ul Zuha, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti and Muharram. Here's a list of all weekends that you must know and a few destinations of Madhya Pradesh that you can visit during those weekends.

In January, Republic day falls on Thursday, so if you take a leave on Friday, you have a four-day weekend to spend some quality time. Gandhi Sagar is one of the most active destinations during this time. With a complete package of water activities, a luxurious resort and calming weather, it is a must visit destination of Madhya Pradesh. 

February brings you the blessings of Mahashivratri on 18 February, Saturday. By taking a leave on Monday, you can make a proper weekend of paying homage to the two jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh. Ujjain and Omkareshwar are the two destinations that glow up during this festival and to absorb all the positive energy of these places, you must visit it. On this day, Omkareshwar is drowned in the devotion of Lord Shiva while Ujjain is filled with the chants of Jai Shree Mahakal during Mahakal Sawari. Not to forget, the Mahakal lok is another major attraction to visit during this time. 

March will arrive with the vibrant colours of Holi on 8 March, Wednesday. By taking leaves on Thursday and Friday, you get a total of five days to explore the festivity of Madhya Pradesh. You can explore the cleanest city of India and experience the craziness of Gair at Rajwada, Indore during Rangpanchami. A 5-day trip to Indore and its excursions can be a great expedition for you. 

During April, you get two different holidays in the consecutive week. On 4 April, Tuesday, Mahavir Jayanti and 7 April, Friday, Good Friday. So if you take leaves on 3, 5 & 6 April, you get an entire week for fun and adventure. During this time, you can travel to the jungles of Panna and plan a leisure trip with Pashan Garh, A Taj safari. 

May brings the peaceful messages of Lord Buddha with Buddha Purnima on 5 May, Friday. With a leave on Monday, you can get 4 days to explore the jungles of Bandhavgarh. King's lodge by Pugdundee safari is another leisure experience that you must plan during this time. 

June and July will work together and offer you a long weekend starting from Bakrid on 29 June, Thursday. By taking off on Friday, you can plan a 4-day visit to Sanchi Stupas and explore the teachings of Gautam Buddha. You can also plan an itinerary between Bhopal, Sanchi and Islamnagar. Within three days, you will be able to cover a lot of excursions.

August comes with two different weekends - Independence Day on 15 August, Tuesday and Rakhshabandhan on 30 August, Wednesday. With a leave on 14 August, Monday, you can enjoy a 4-day weekend and travel to Bhopal when it is most beautiful. With a leave on 28 August and 29 August, you can plan a 5-day trip with MP Tourism to meet the tribes of Madhya Pradesh in Patalkot, Mandla, Dindori and end the trip at Amarkantak.

September comes with the spiritual vibes of Janmashtami on 7 September, Thursday and Ganesh Chaturthi on 19 September, Tuesday. With just two leaves on 8 September, Friday and 18 September, Monday, you can avail two different weekends of four-days each to spend in the heart of India. You can explore the heritage of Gwalior and Morena during these holidays. This belt has a lot of architectural magnificence to offer along with a lot of stories. A trip to Kuno National park is also a great option and the leisure of Kuno jungle resort will surely make you come for more. If you are lucky, you will also be able to see Cheetahs during this time.   

The fireworks of October will burst into a weekend during Dussehra on 24 October, Tuesday. Fortunately, it is also the time when the core zones of national parks reopen for the tourists. With a leave on 23 October, Monday, you can plan a 4-day trip with the wildlife of Madhya Pradesh. Orchha is another option where you can spend some quality time during these holidays. 

November will arrive with the festivities of Diwali on 13 November, Monday and Guru Nanak Jayanti on 27 November, Monday. With leaves on Friday for both weeks, you can plan a rejuvenating three-day trip to Madhya Pradesh and soak in the vibes of Chitrakoot. This Diwali, try lighting diyas and be a part of deepdan festivals.

The joyful month of December will arrive with the festivities of Christmas on 25 December, Monday. Hill station of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi, is on the top of its beauty during this time.  The largest water carnival of Madhya Pradesh, Jal Mahotsav is also on the peak of its 3-month extravaganza.

You just need to choose your month of travel. Madhya Pradesh is ready to make 2023 a fun one.