Many in the HR industry, especially in small and micro sectors gets confused with the leaves, holidays - weekly, National & Festival, and equally with respect to the maters of absence, abstention and absconding. Having dealt with such issues for a considerable extent in the FMGC/service industry, I endeavour to consolidate my learnings and view points for the benefit of employees as well as employers. Holidays Weekly Holidays - Generally Sundays, or any other weekly closure/off/holiday declared by an establishment/industry. This should be notified to the local labour authorities annually and in case of changes, as and when the change occures. National &Festival Holidays The National & Festival Holidays Act, 1958,(Central Law) stipulates the National Holidays which are mandatory - Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanthi, and in addition, the States have either modified the Act/prescribed relevant rules and also declared special Holidays to be observed