5th

May

Maius

Latin Script

May 1–31 Solar Calendar Taurus–Gemini (♉→♊)

Major Festivals

Labour Day / May Day

Labour Day

May 1

International Workers' Day. Public holiday in India and most of the world. Celebrates the achievements of the labour movement. Known as Kamgar Din in Maharashtra and observed widely across Indian states.

Buddha Purnima (Vesak)

बुद्ध पूर्णिमा

May full moon

The most sacred day in Buddhism — celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Public holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka. Falls on the full moon of Vaisakha lunar month.

Mother's Day

2nd Sunday May

Celebrated in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and adopted in urban India. Honours mothers and motherhood. Not a public holiday but commercially and culturally significant.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

✓ May 1 — Labour Day / International Workers' Day

✓ Buddha Purnima / Vesak (full moon) — highly sacred in Buddhist tradition

✓ Akshaya Tritiya (late Apr / early May) — auspicious for prosperity

About May

May is the fifth month of the Gregorian calendar, with 31 days. Named after Maia, the Roman goddess of growth and fertility. May is associated with spring in full bloom in the Northern Hemisphere. Labour Day (May 1) is a public holiday in India and most global countries. Buddha Purnima — the full moon of May/Vaisakha — is a national holiday in India. May is exam season for Indian students. The heat of Indian summer peaks in May before the monsoon arrives. May also sees the Tamil month of Vaikasi, with Vaikasi Visakam festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May 1 a public holiday in India?

Yes, May 1 (Labour Day / Maharashtra Day / Gujarat Foundation Day) is a public holiday in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and several Indian states. Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed as separate states on May 1, 1960, giving the date additional significance beyond Labour Day.

When is Buddha Purnima?

Buddha Purnima (also called Vesak) falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Vaisakha, which typically falls in May. In 2026, it falls on May 21. It is a gazetted holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and many Buddhist-majority countries.

What is the hottest month in India?

May is typically the hottest month across most of India, with temperatures reaching 40–48°C in north and central India. The pre-monsoon heat peaks before the monsoon arrives in June. Parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat reach over 50°C during heat waves in May.

View May in Other Languages

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