The history of December Holidays

 

The December holidays in the Indian subcontinent originated during the period of British rule (the British Raj).

Origin of Public Holiday: As the ruling power was Christian, Christmas Day (December 25th) was established as a major public and government holiday throughout British India.

Early Celebrations: Records from colonial-era cities like Calcutta (Kolkata) show elaborate and extensive Christmas celebrations by the European community beginning as early as the mid-18th century and becoming more widespread and lavish by the 19th century. Banks and government offices would typically close

Winter School Vacations

The Fortnight Break: The British-style education system introduced a fortnight-long (two-week) break around the Christmas and New Year period. This was a direct import of the academic calendar from the United Kingdom. This practice was well-established by the early to mid-19th century.

Climatic Necessity: For many colder, high-altitude regions (especially in the north), the necessity of a long break due to harsh winter weather conditions solidified the practice, which continues today (for instance, the extended two-and-a-half-month winter breaks in parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).

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