Is Easter Monday a Public Holiday?
Easter Monday is observed as a public holiday in Australia, which means its a day off for students, college goers and the general population. This marks the end of Easter Week, and is the last holiday related to Easter Holidays. Most businesses, schools, universities, retail stores and shopping centres may either remain closed or operate during restricted hours. This day is considered to be an extended celebration of the Resurrection Of Jesus Christ, and most Australians rest, organise family get-togethers or carry out religious events on this day.
On the other hand, stores selling motor vehicle parts, building materials or household goods may remain open. However, dealing hours may decrease on the day of Easter Monday. Also, a change in the regular schedules of public transport services can be witnessed on this day.
History of Easter Monday
Easter Monday history holds relevant significance and commemorates the beginning of its observance. Easter Monday, known as one of the main Christian Holidays 2021, marks the last day of Easter Week, and celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and ascension to Heaven. The concept of observing religious rituals and holiday on the day of Easter Monday was brought in by the early English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish settlers in Australia. Previously, Easter Celebrations lasted for about eight days, and this period was often called the “Octave of Easter.”
The date of Easter is decided according to the ecclesiastical Christian hierarchy of the March equinox. In ancient times, egg-rolling competitions were widely organized. People threw water on each other as a symbol of purity, and carried out merry-making. With time, the Easter period decreased to just Easter Monday.
Easter Monday Celebrations In Australia
Since Easter Monday marks the end of Easter holidays and is the last holiday of the Easter season, many Australians are seen enjoying this day with their loved ones resting or organizing get-togethers. Easter Monday remains the last day for music events and festivals to be held across the country. Some of the famous musical events include Royal Easter Show in Sydney, Canberra’s National Folk Festival, the Perth International Arts Festival in WA or Western Australia, Australian Gospel Festival in Queensland and Byron Bay Bluesfest, formerly known as Byron Bay East Coast Blues and Roots Bluesfest.
Numerous sports events are conducted in Australia on this day, and a large number of people attend these outdoor events with their friends or family. Some of them include:
- The famous Stawell Easter Gift athletics competition in Victoria
- South Australia’s popular Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival
- Australian Three Peaks Race organized in Tasmania
- Easter Racing Carnival in Sydney
- The traditionally played Australian Football League match between the Hawthorn Hawks and Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race
- Horse Race meetings in Melbourne
Small children are gifted Easter Eggs and Chocolate Easter Bilby, an Australian version of Easter Bunny. This chocolate mould of the endangered animal Bilby is enjoyed by both adults as well as kids. In Australia, rabbits are considered to be crop pests, which is why Bilby has been recognized as the symbol of Easter in Australia. Egg Knocking, a popular game in Australia, is played on this day with great enthusiasm.
Commonly, Australians use this opportunity to take a detour and spend some quality and relaxing time with their family and friends. Camping during the Easter Holidays is a common sight in Australia. People relax on beaches and travel interstate to meet their loved ones.
Vaisakhi Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Sun | 14 April | Vaisakhi | Restricted Holiday |
| 2020 | Mon | 13 April | Vaisakhi | Restricted Holiday |
| 2021 | Wed | 14 April | Vaisakhi | Restricted Holiday |
| 2022 | Thu | 14 April | Vaisakhi | Restricted Holiday |
| 2023 | Fri | 14 April | Vaisakhi | Restricted Holiday |
| 2024 | Sat | 13 April | Vaisakhi | Restricted Holiday |
| 2025 | Mon | 14 April | Vaisakhi | Restricted Holiday |
FAQs
1. Is Vaisakhi a bank holiday in India?
Vaisakhi or Baisakhi in 2021 is an optional bank holiday in India.
2. What is eaten on Vaisakhi?
Meethe Chawal, Kheer, Sugarcane Juice, Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Di Roti, Chole Bhature etc. are prepared on the occasion of Vaisakhi.
3. Can non-vegetarian items be consumed on Baisakhi?
Usually people avoid consuming meat on such occasions. However, locals in some regions prepare non-vegetarian items on the day of Baisakhi.
4. Why do farmers celebrate Baisakhi?
Farmers thank the Lord for a bountiful harvest on the day of Baisakhi, and celebrate this day as Thanksgiving Day.
From the above information, it is evident that the festival of Vaisakhi 2021 in India is observed on Wednesday, 14 April with great enthusiasm.
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