Amaravati | Andhra Pradesh News —
In a significant update to the state holiday calendar, the Andhra Pradesh Government has issued *GO RT No. 2115, dated **December 6, 2024, officially *shifting Varalakshmi Vratham from the Optional Holiday (OH) list to the General Holidays list.
This change ensures state-wide public observance of the auspicious festival, granting a day off for employees across government offices, educational institutions, and affiliated organizations.
New Holiday Notification at a Glance
Official GO Number: RT-2115
Date of Issue: December 6, 2024
*Effective Holiday: August 8, 2025 (Friday) – *Varalakshmi Vratham
Updated Status: From Optional to General Holiday
Long Weekend for August 2025
The holiday reshuffling brings cheer to many employees and families, as August 2025 will now offer a rare long weekend, perfect for festive celebrations or travel:
- August 8 (Friday) – Varalakshmi Vratham (Public Holiday)
- August 9 (Saturday) – Second Saturday (Weekend)
- August 10 (Sunday) – Weekend
And another cluster of holidays later in the month:
- August 15 (Friday) – Independence Day (Public Holiday)
- August 16 (Saturday) – Sri Krishna Janmashtami (Public Holiday)
- August 17 (Sunday) – Weekend
About Varalakshmi Vratham
Varalakshmi Vratham is a sacred festival predominantly observed in *Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where women perform rituals and prayers for the well-being of their families, especially for the health and prosperity of their husbands and children. The festival is believed to bring blessings from *Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and abundance.
Why This Update Matters
The government’s decision to upgrade Varalakshmi Vratham to a general holiday reflects its cultural importance across households in Andhra Pradesh. This move also aligns with popular public sentiment and ensures broader participation in religious rituals without work constraints.