May 2025 Special Days: Complete List of National and International Events, Observances & Holidays
May is a month full of significant national and international observances that are ideal for school morning assemblies, educational classroom activities, and school/ college awareness campaigns.
From honouring workers and mothers to celebrating biodiversity, health, technology, and journalism, these important days serve as reminders of our history, responsibilities, and hopes for a better society.
Here’s a comprehensive and updated list of Important Days and Events in May 2025 with special focus on India and global relevance. Let’s check Complete List of Important Days in May 2025 for Students.
India-Specific Important Days in May 2025
| Date | Occasion | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Gujarat Day | Gujarat Formation Day, 1960 |
| May 11 | National Technology Day | Pokhran-II nuclear tests, 1998 |
| May 21 | National Anti-Terrorism Day | In memory of Rajiv Gandhi |
| May 30 | Goa Statehood Day | Goa became a state in 1987 |
| May 30 | Hindi Journalism Day | First Hindi newspaper “Udant Martand”, 1826 |
International & UN Observed Days in May 2025
| Date | Occasion | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 1 | International Labour Day | Celebrates workers’ rights globally |
| May 2 | World Tuna Day | Raises awareness about tuna fish sustainability |
| May 3 | World Press Freedom Day | Evaluates press freedom, honors journalists |
| May 4 | International Firefighter’s Day | Honours firefighters’ bravery and service |
| May 4 | Coal Miners Day | Acknowledges the risky work of coal miners |
| May 4 | World Laughter Day | First Sunday of May; promotes joy and wellness |
| May 5 | World Hand Hygiene Day | WHO initiative for hygiene awareness |
| May 6 | International No Diet Day | Celebrates body diversity and acceptance |
| May 6 | World Asthma Day | First Tuesday of May; asthma awareness |
| May 7 | World Athletics Day | Promotes youth sports and athleticism |
| May 8 | World Red Cross Day | Birth anniversary of Henry Dunant |
| May 8 | World Thalassaemia Day | Raises awareness about thalassemia disorder |
| May 9 | Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti | Celebrates Nobel laureate poet’s birthday |
| May 9 | Maharana Pratap Jayanti | Remembers the Rajput warrior king of Mewar |
| May 10 | World Lupus Day | Highlights symptoms and support for lupus |
| May 11 | Mother’s Day | Second Sunday of May; honors motherhood |
| May 12 | International Nurses Day | Florence Nightingale’s birth anniversary |
| May 12 | Buddha Purnima | Celebrates birth of Gautama Buddha |
| May 15 | International Day of Families | UN day promoting family and social values |
| May 16 | National Dengue Day | Indian health ministry initiative |
| May 16 | International Day of Light | Commemorates laser invention in 1960 |
| May 16 | National Endangered Species Day | Third Friday of May; promotes wildlife protection |
| May 17 | World Telecommunication Day | ITU founding day (1865) |
| May 17 | World Hypertension Day | Awareness on blood pressure and prevention |
| May 17 | Armed Forces Day (USA) | Third Saturday of May; honors US military |
| May 18 | World AIDS Vaccine Day | Advocates for vaccine research against AIDS |
| May 18 | International Museum Day | Promotes cultural role of museums |
| May 20 | World Bee Day | Promotes pollinator importance and preservation |
| May 20 | International HR Day | Celebrates HR professionals’ contributions |
| May 21 | International Tea Day | Celebrates tea culture and fair trade |
| May 22 | International Biodiversity Day | UN day to protect biological diversity |
| May 23 | World Turtle Day | Encourages protection of turtles and habitats |
| May 24 | National Brother’s Day | Celebrates the bond between brothers |
| May 25 | Africa Day | Commemorates African unity and independence |
| May 26 | National Memorial Day (USA) | Last Monday of May; honors fallen soldiers |
| May 30 | International Day of Potato | Promotes nutrition and small-scale farming |
| May 31 | World No Tobacco Day | WHO initiative against tobacco use |
Month-Long Observances in May
| Month-Long Theme | Region | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Awareness Month | Global | To promote mental wellness and destigmatize mental health challenges |
| National Reading Month | India | To foster a culture of reading among children and youth |
| Skin Cancer Awareness Month | Global | To raise awareness about sun safety and early detection |
We hope this updated list of important days in May 2025 helps you plan school assemblies, awareness activities, or blog content more meaningfully.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or content creator, these dates remind us of values, milestones, and causes worth sharing.
Disclaimer: These quizzes and posts are intended for general awareness only. If you find any information incorrect or misleading, please contact us. We will review and edit or remove it as soon as possible.
