Long Weekend in August: Here’s How You Can Make The Best Out of the Month

August month in India displays a spectacle of climactic shifts when the monsoons reach their peaks and yet, the sunlight peaks at us from behind the dense clouds. This is the best time to explore the vibrant greenery of the country and also enjoy the breathtaking views of the country’s landscape. No one ever said no to a vacation ever! However, we also need to think about our work schedules and how we cannot disappear for days to enjoy the rejuvenation that nature offers. Worry not! Each long weekend in August brings you the perfect opportunity to take a break from your busy routine and bask in the glory of the country’s ethereal beauty. Be it to enjoy a silent vacation or a beach party, spending time with family or celebrating traditional festivals, you can do it all. 

Here’s the information you need to plan your long weekends in August. This is your chance to make the best out of the free time you are getting! 

Long Weekend in August 2024

The first long weekend in August coincides with Independence Day. In the table below, we have mentioned the holidays and how you can plan your day off to extend the weekend. 

Date	Day	Occasion
15th August 2024	Thursday	Independence Day
16th August 2024	Friday	Take a day off
17th August 2024	Saturday	Holiday
18th August 2024	Sunday	Holiday
19th August 2024	Monday	Raksha Bandhan – Optional day off in a few companies

There is another long weekend in August toward the end of the month. This coincides with the Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in the country.

Date	Day	Occasion
23rd August 2024	Friday	Take a day off
24th August 2024	Saturday	Holiday
25th August 2024	Sunday	Holiday
26th August 2024	Monday	Krishna Janmashtami

Indian festivals in the August month

There are three main festivals that people will be celebrating in this month in 2024. While you enjoy your long weekend in August, you can also explore the cultural celebrations, rituals and gatherings that happen on these occasions. 

Independence day

India will be celebrating its 77th Independence Day on the 15th of August. This is no less than a festival for the patriots and several events and gatherings happen across the country on this day. The Prime Minister of India hoists the flag at the Red Fort and you will also get to see the military parade where the Indian Armed Forces march forward with their tanks, missiles and other weaponary. The President of India will also award those brave men and women who served the country diligently and left a legendary mark in their respective fields. 

Educational institutions host events where the sense of nationality and patriotism is taught to the young ones. Several flag-hoisting ceremonies happen across the country with immense public gatherings. It is definitely a visual treat to witness this happiness! 

There are so many interesting and important facts related to Indian independence and you can know all about them when the dignitaries address the nation with their speeches on this day. 

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful festival that brothers and sisters celebrate together in India. The sister ties a Rakhi (a sacred thread) around the wrist of the brother and both of them promise to protect each other and stay together. The brothers and sisters also exchange gifts. This is the time when the whole family prays for the prosperity and well-being of the siblings and the family. There are several stories associated with the festival. 

It is said that Yami, the sister of Lord Yama, tied a Rakhi to his wrist and the God of Death promised to protect her forever. Also, during the Mahabharata, Draupadi tied a Rakhi to Lord Krishna after he saved her from being disrobed by the Kauravas. He assured her that he’d always be present to save her. There is another story of demon king Bali who returned Goddess Lakshmi’s husband, Lord Vishnu, back to her after she tied a Rakhi to him and asked to have her husband back. All these legends signify the pattern that the sister ties a Rakhi to her brother who lovingly gives her a gift and promises to protect her forever. 

Raksha Bandhan in India is one of the main festivals within the Hindu community and you will see most of the households celebrating it with lots of smiles and delicious food! 

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is another Hindu festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm among the community. It marks the birthday of Lord Krishna, the Lord of the universe and the destroyer of immorality (Adharma). People gather to offer their prayers to the God, fast for the whole day and also narrate stories of Krishna’s childhood. These wonderful narrations tell us a lot about his jovial nature, charm and his leelas (divine playfulness). 

People also dance to the tunes of His hymns and cook delicious pakwaan and prasad that they can eat after breaking the fast. You will also see stage plays and dramas depicting the birth of Lord Krishna in a prison cell in Mathura, how he was taken to Vrindavan to avoid the wrath of his evil Uncle Kamsa and his victory over evil when he eventually kills Kamsa. 

One of the best things to do during Janmashtami celebrations is to visit Dwarka. History says that this place used to be the Lord’s kingdom! The celebrations here will definitely take you down the spiritual lane. 

Places to visit during the long weekend in August

These are some of the best places to visit in the August month when the monsoon showers have finally washed away the residual heat and the atmosphere is apt for going around exploring places. 

1 – Beaches

Beaches in India are glorious during the August month. This is when the clouds create a grey canopy above the water and the surrounding greenery and majestic hills stand out in the backdrop. You can enjoy dipping your feet in the waves, exploring the water activities and also get the delicious seafood that you will find near most of the beaches in the country. Goa, Pondicherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar and Gokarna are some of the destinations you can explore. 

If you want the best of rain and sun during your long weekend in August, then we suggest you go with the beaches in Gujarat that are cleaner and calmer around this time of year. 

2 – Valleys

The valleys in India get a makeover during the monsoon season. That is why they make for the best places to visit during your long weekend in August. The lush landscapes and picturesque views will soothe your heart.

Moreover, the destinations wouldn’t be as crowded as the summer months when people run to hill stations to escape the scorching sun in the cities. You can explore places like the Kinnaur Valley, Solang Valley and Chamba Valley among the valleys in the country. 

3 – Varanasi Ghats

According to the Hindu calendar, August month is the beginning of the Sawan month. This is when people pray to Lord Shiva for prosperity and the overall well-being of the family. That is why, during the long weekend in August, you can visit the Varanasi Ghats to see how the place shines with its mystic allure. There are spiritual rituals, prayers and ceremonies that happen regularly during the Sawan month, especially on Mondays. Many devotees frequent the Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat during this time. 

You should ideally book your hotels in Varanasi at least a week in prior as many people plan to come to this holy city during the August month. 

4 – Mathura and Vrindavan celebrations

During the long weekend in August that coincides with Janmashtami, you must consider going to Mathura and Vrindavan. Mathura is the town where Lord Krishna was born and Vrindavan is the place where He grew up in the lap of Maa Yashoda. Here, you will see devotees celebrating the Lord’s birthday very vibrantly. There are prayers, aartis, hymns, recitals, dancing to His Bhajans and feasts arranged to celebrate the occasion. You will have the best experience of your life if you visit temples in Mathura during the Krishna Janmashtami. 

You can book your hotels in Mathura first and explore the place for a day or two and then book your hotels in Vrindavan to visit the tourist attractions there. They are right next to each other and make for the perfect destinations to visit during your long weekend in August.

5 – Royal cities and palaces

During the long weekend in August, you must plan to explore the royal cities and palaces in the country. This is a great time to go sightseeing because the weather is pleasant and the occasional showers will refresh the whole environment.

You can go to Udaipur and Jaipur to see the palaces that tell us a lot about our Maharajas. Also, there are museums in Udaipur with artefacts that belonged to our royal ancestors. In the south, you can visit the Mysore Palace which is known for its extraordinary architecture and charm. 

6 – Fortifications

Forts in India are usually perched on hilltops and surrounded by wild vegetation. This dramatic landscape looks even more enticing during the monsoon months. Also, the cold weather lets you explore the fort for a longer time without wanting to hunt for a roof to protect yourself from the harsh glare of the sun. You can explore forts like Amber, Chittorgarh and even the mysterious Mehrangarh Fort during your long weekend in August. 

Since it is the Sawan month, you can visit the Kalinjar Fort and seek blessings from the Neelkanth temple here. The place has spiritual significance and is also mentioned in the Hindu Mythology. 

7 – Waterfalls

In August month, the waterfalls in India would be in their prime after the rains in June and July. You can go on treks to explore the waterfalls and also the dense forests that surround them. But this is no less than an adventure!

You will have to trek through slippery and rocky terrains to reach the enchanting falls and it is highly possible that you will see wild animals like elephants and deers moving about more freely. As long as you respect their privacy, there’s nothing to worry about!

Things to do during the long weekend in August

1 – Celebrate the festivals

Festivals like Janmashtami and Raksha Bandhan coincide with the long weekend in August. You can visit places like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra where Raksha Bandhan is celebrated more actively.

You can interact with the locals, see the rituals and also share a traditional meal with them. For Janmashtami, Mathura, Vrindavan, Dwarka and Puri Jagannath Temple are the best places to visit! You can take part in the religious activities. 

2 – Roadtrips

Monsoons + melodious playlist + road trip = blissful peace.

The scenic drives lined by dense trees on either side of the road, the showers and the chilled breeze feel like a breath of fresh air; this is an experience that will take you down the lane of serene tranquillity. It is definitely something you must do during the long weekend in August. 

3 – Culinary exploration

Wherever you go during your weekend, try to explore the special dishes and cuisine from the places you visit.

Misal Pav in Maharashtra, Dal Bhati Churma in Rajasthan, Kosha Mangsho in Bengal, Dhokla in Gujarat, Biryani in Hyderabad, Kotthu Paratha in Chennai and Litti Chokha in Bihar, there are several such delicacies that are lip-smackingly good.

4 – Mind and body relaxation

It is also an option to visit spas and recreational centres during your weekend if you want to unload that stress and tension from your body.

There are Ayurvedic retreats in Kerala that serve this purpose and also conduct short meditation and yoga sessions for the relaxation of the mind. 

5 –  Adventure activities

Monsoons certainly add the extra thrill to the normally exhilarating adventure activities. Hiking trails which were once easy become moderately difficult because of the moisture.

Grab the right shoes and set out to reach the summits that offer the best views ever! Also, zip lining and river rafting activities are more open after being closed for a while. You can certainly check them out during your long weekend in August. 

5 – Family time

If you are not keen on travelling during your long weekend in August, you can certainly visit your family, friends and loved ones. You can sit down to share a meal, watch a movie or even cook together!

You can munch on snacks while playing board games or get out to play games like cricket, badminton and tennis! 

Not just August, make a vacation bucket list with all those wonderful things you want to do this year so that you can go on to strike them off with a huge grin on your face during the long weekends in 2024. 

Everyone deserves a break once in a while and the August month is offering you two such wonderful opportunities. Apply for your day off now and set out on a beautiful journey of relaxation and fun!