Public Holidays in India, also known as Statutory Holidays, or colloquially Government Holidays, consist of a variety of cultural, nationalistic, and religious holidays that are legislated in India at the union or state levels. While many of these holidays are honored and acknowledged nationwide, state legislation varies in regard to which are officially recognized. India, being a culturally diverse society, celebrates many holidays and festivals, but there are only three national festivals: Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), and Gandhi Jayanti (2 October).