From Lohri to Republic Day: Long weekends of January 2021 beckon
Haven't made plans for the long weekends ahead? Well, we have you covered!
Updated:
Agencies
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in different parts of India.
If you haven’t been able to enjoy much holidaying in 2020 then fret not. With the news of the Covid-19 vaccine in sight, there is much hope and anticipation with travellers about taking domestic holidays soon. With some pre-planning in place, you can make the most of the time in hand between work breaks for some leisure.
Great news is that the month of January is brimming over with long weekends. With just a day of two as a casual day off from work, you can maximise your vacation fun quotient.
Jan 13 (Wednesday): Lohri
Jan 14 (Thursday): Pongal, Makar Sankranti TIP: Take your Friday off from work and you can get 4 days at a stretch for some festivities with family.
Indian festivals of Lohri and Makar Sankranti bring great news for all as it brings much warmth with warmer days and sunshine. It is on this date when the sun transits into Capricorn. Days get longer from this day-on marking an end to the harsh winters. The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names, such as Maghe Sankranti in Nepal, Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi (preceded by Lohri) in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, popular amongst both the Hindus and Sikhs, Sukarat in central India, Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Ghughuti in Uttarakhand Makar Sankranti in Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa,West Bengal (also called Poush Sankranti) and Uttar Pradesh (also called Khichdi Sankranti) or simply as Sankranthi in Andhra Pradesh (also called as Pedhha Panduga). Salutations to the Sun is marked with sweets made with jaggery and sesame seeds. FESTIVE TIME: The harvest festival of Pongal is celebrated in different parts of the country. There is kite flying and bonfires planned and much singing and dancing in colorful traditional clothes. Many people take a dip in the holy rivers and enjoy a warm day in the sun. River Ganga and Yamuna witness gatherings where devotees pray to the Sun God and begin their new work ahead as Makar Sankranti is considered an auspicious day.
ADVERTISEMENT
January 26 (Tuesday): Republic Day TIP: Take your Monday as a day-off from work and your long weekend could continue from the week before and give you 4 days in hand to make the most of online holiday offers in the hilly cottages up North or spa vacations down South. Tune in to see the outstanding Republic Day Parade from New Delhi, telecast live with an address by the Prime Minister. JAI HIND: Feel proud to be an Indian. A file shot from the opening ceremony of INDRA tri-services exercise.
Republic Day is a national holiday in India. There is much significance of this day as it marks the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950. The Constitution gave many rights to the citizens of India and also replaced the older Government of India Act. LONG WEEKEND PLANS: Don’t forget to include your parents as you plan a quick getaway outing with your kids.
ADVERTISEMENT
Many hotel chains, boutique resorts, vacation planners offer Republic Day Discounts or offers for vacationers. As Republic Day in 2021 can be a long weekend for you, pre-plan your travel plans and enjoy the pleasant weather on the cool climes or at a natural reserve with family.
Relaxury, Breakaway Bubbles & Other Travel Trends Of 2021
1/6
You know how we would just decide to pack our bags and head out of town for the weekend without thinking twice? Ah the good old days. Well, 2020, we’ve learned our lesson and we’re willing to change. 63% Indians pledge to not take travel for granted in the future.
Looking ahead at 2021, the impact of the pandemic is changing not just our choice of destination but also the type of trips we’re most likely to take in the coming year. New research from Booking.com shows the five emerging trip types for 2021 to motivate and inspire travellers to take a trip (or five) to best fit their newfound travel preference.
You know how we would just decide to pack our bags and head out of town for the weekend without thinking twice? Ah the good old days. Well, 2020, we’ve learned our lesson and we’re willing to change...
Read More
The solo travel trend is likely to gather even greater momentum, as travel was stymied by the pandemic, which will likely nudge them to take the plunge to travel on their own in 2021. Booking.com data pre-pandemic saw only 18% of Indian travellers planning a trip on their own, while 54% of Indian travellers now say they will be planning a solo trip in the future. With 49% of Indian travellers saying they would want to travel more in the future to make up for travel time lost in 2020.
The solo travel trend is likely to gather even greater momentum, as travel was stymied by the pandemic, which will likely nudge them to take the plunge to travel on their own in 2021. Booking.com dat..
Read More
In 2020, most travellers have had extended time apart from friends and family. For many it appears that distance has made the heart grow fonder as 67% of Indian travellers plan to use future travel as an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones. In fact, while being apart, 49% of Indian travellers have revealed that talking to friends and family about travelling is one of their main inspirations to travel again.
In 2020, most travellers have had extended time apart from friends and family. For many it appears that distance has made the heart grow fonder as 67% of Indian travellers plan to use future travel a..
Read More
With many travellers feeling apprehensive that future travel plans could be disrupted again, there will be an increased demand for a quick trip as 59% of Indian travellers would want to take more shorter breaks in 2021 than they did in 2019 to minimize any disappointment. A further 35% Indians travellers also revealed their preference of a weekend break for their first trip once restrictions are lifted.
With many travellers feeling apprehensive that future travel plans could be disrupted again, there will be an increased demand for a quick trip as 59% of Indian travellers would want to take more sho..
Read More
The unexpected halt of travel plans for most travellers has meant that just being able to travel at all is a luxury, in fact, 63% of Indian travellers have pledged to not take travel for granted in the future. So while research shows that travellers still have a high intention to travel again, only 14% of Indian travellers are now actually planning a luxury getaway (such as a villa, 5-star hotel), with 47% of Indian travellers planning a relaxing trip to get away from it all, making relaxation the real luxury of 2021.
The unexpected halt of travel plans for most travellers has meant that just being able to travel at all is a luxury, in fact, 63% of Indian travellers have pledged to not take travel for granted in t..
Read More
Travellers’ desire to explore the world has not diminished, but 68% of Indians would still avoid travelling abroad even as travel restrictions are lifted. That is why local travel is a new way of exploring the world, with culinary delights being top of the list. And with taste buds at the ready, 38% of Indian travellers are keen to taste and indulge in local cuisine while travelling, with 33% wanting to eat out more often with the money saved from not travelling abroad.
Travellers’ desire to explore the world has not diminished, but 68% of Indians would still avoid travelling abroad even as travel restrictions are lifted. That is why local travel is a new way of exp..
