How Many Festival Holidays Should Startups and Non-Profits Offer Employees?

Dear Fellow Members,

Please advise on the minimum number of festival holidays/national holidays that should be given to employees. We are a startup and a non-profit organization based in Kolkata. Is it mandatory to have a calendar of festival holidays/national holidays?

Awaiting your esteemed responses.

Regards,
Barnali Sengupta

Hi Barnali Sengupta,

As per the National and Festival Holidays Act of 1958, four National Holidays and five festival holidays (specific to regional locations - key festivals of your area) are to be given to employees. Any excess leave beyond what is stipulated in the Act is also permissible.

Number of National & Festival Holidays differs from State to State - 10 (3+7) in Karnataka, 8 (4+4) in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and 9 (4+5) in Tamil Nadu. Please check with the latest National & Festival Holidays Act applicable to West Bengal.

N. Nataraajhan, Sakthi Management Services (HP: +91 94835 17402; Email: natraj@sakthimanagement.com)