As we step into 2026, millions of people across India are planning their year ahead — from family vacations to festive celebrations and long weekends. Whether you’re an employee, student, business owner, traveler, or content creator, understanding the public holidays in India for 2026 can help you plan your work, festivities, and leisure time better.
India is a vibrant country with a rich cultural fabric woven from its many religions, traditions, and historical milestones. The Government of India along with various state governments declares official holidays every year that include national holidays in India, religious festivals, and region-specific observances. In this post, we’ll present the 2026 calendar with holidays, explain what each holiday means, and offer tips on making the most of them.
What Are Government Holidays?
Government holidays, also known as official public holidays, are days on which government offices, banks, and most educational institutions remain closed. These holidays are categorized mainly into:
- Gazetted holidays: Mandatory public holidays observed across all central government offices.
- Restricted holidays: Optional holidays that employees may choose based on personal, religious, or cultural preferences.
These holidays form the backbone of the 2026 holiday calendar India, and they are recognized nationally.
Why Public Holidays in India Matter?
Public holidays are not just days off — they are a time to honor cultural heritage, celebrate community events, embrace religious observances, and enjoy meaningful breaks with family and friends. From the patriotic fervor of Republic Day to the joyful hues of Holi, each holiday carries deep significance.
Planning around these holidays allows people to:
- Organize travel and vacations
- Celebrate festivals with loved ones
- Enjoy extended breaks and weekends
- Participate in cultural and community events
Below, we detail the Government Holidays 2026 you should mark in your calendar.
India’s Official Gazette Central Government Holidays 2026
Here’s the official national and gazetted holiday list for 2026, which includes all compulsory government holidays across India:
Gazetted Holidays (Mandatory Public Holidays)
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
| 26 Jan | Monday | Republic Day |
| 4 Mar | Wednesday | Holi |
| 21 Mar | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative) |
| 26 Mar | Thursday | Rama Navami |
| 31 Mar | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| 3 Apr | Friday | Good Friday |
| 1 May | Friday | Buddha Purnima |
| 27 May | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) (Tentative) |
| 26 Jun | Friday | Muharram (Tentative) |
| 15 Aug | Saturday | Independence Day |
| 26 Aug | Wednesday | Id-e-Milad (Tentative) |
| 4 Sep | Friday | Janmashtami |
| 2 Oct | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| 20 Oct | Tuesday | Dussehra |
| 8 Nov | Sunday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| 24 Nov | Tuesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti |
| 25 Dec | Friday | Christmas Day |
These gazetted holidays are observed nationwide and apply to central government offices, banks, and many public institutions.
Optional (Restricted) Government Holidays 2026
Restricted holidays provide flexibility for people to observe festivals that are significant to their community or faith. In 2026, some of the key restricted holidays include:
Restricted Holidays (Optional)
| Month | Date | Day | Holiday Name |
| January | 1 Jan | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January | 3 Jan | Saturday | Hazarat Ali’s Birthday |
| January | 14 Jan | Wednesday | Pongal / Makar Sankranti |
| January | 23 Jan | Friday | Vasant Panchami |
| February | 1 Feb | Sunday | Guru Ravidas Jayanti |
| February | 12 Feb | Thursday | Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti |
| February | 15 Feb | Sunday | Maha Shivaratri |
| February | 19 Feb | Thursday | Shivaji Jayanti |
| March | 3 Mar | Tuesday | Holika Dahan |
| March | 19 Mar | Thursday | Ugadi / Gudi Padwa |
| March | 20 Mar | Friday | Jumat-ul-Vida |
| April | 5 Apr | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| April | 14 Apr | Tuesday | Vaisakhi / Mesadi |
| April | 15 Apr | Wednesday | Bahag Bihu |
| May | 9 May | Saturday | Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti |
| July | 16 Jul | Thursday | Rath Yatra |
| August | 26 Aug | Wednesday | Onam |
| August | 28 Aug | Friday | Raksha Bandhan |
| September | 14 Sep | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| October | 18 Oct | Sunday | Maha Saptami |
| October | 19 Oct | Monday | Maha Ashtami |
| October | 26 Oct | Monday | Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti |
| October | 29 Oct | Thursday | Karva Chauth |
| November | 9 Nov | Monday | Govardhan Puja |
| November | 11 Nov | Wednesday | Bhai Dooj |
| November | 15 Nov | Sunday | Chhath Puja |
| November | 24 Nov | Tuesday | Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day |
| December | 23 Dec | Wednesday | Hazarat Ali’s Birthday |
| December | 24 Dec | Thursday | Christmas Eve |
Restricted holidays are often granted as leave choices by employers in both government and private sectors. These allow individuals to celebrate festivals that are personally meaningful.
National Holidays in India (2026)
Among all public holidays, a few are classified as national holidays in India — widely observed across the nation regardless of region or religion:
Major National Holidays
- Republic Day – 26 January: Celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950.
- Independence Day – 15 August: Marks India’s freedom from British rule in 1947.
- Gandhi Jayanti – 2 October: Honors the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
These national holidays often involve official ceremonies, flag hoisting, and public speeches across the country, and they are part of every 2026 holiday calendar India.
Festival Holidays in the 2026 Calendar
India’s cultural diversity is reflected in its festival holidays, which are also part of the 2026 Government Holidays list and celebrated with great enthusiasm:
Key Festival Dates
- Holi – 4 March 2026: Festival of Colors, celebrated throughout India to welcome spring.
- Ram Navami – 26 March 2026: Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
- Mahavir Jayanti – 31 March 2026: Marks the birth of Lord Mahavir, an important Jain festival.
- Good Friday – 3 April 2026: Christian observance of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
- Buddha Purnima – 1 May 2026: Celebrates the birth of Gautama Buddha.
- Dussehra – 20 October 2026: Symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
- Diwali – 8 November 2026: Festival of Lights, one of India’s most popular festivals.
- Guru Nanak Jayanti – 24 November 2026: Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
These festival dates also shape the social calendar, often bringing extended breaks, family gatherings, and community events.
How the 2026 Holiday Calendar Benefits You?
Planning ahead with your 2026 holiday calendar with holidays can help you:
Plan Vacations and Travel
Whether you’re exploring new travel destinations or returning home for celebrations, knowing the government holiday dates helps you secure better deals and avoid peak crowds.
Schedule Festivals & Traditions
Festival holidays allow families to prepare rituals, pujas, and feasts, preserving cultural traditions passed down through generations.
Coordinate Work and Personal Life
Employees can plan leaves, long weekends, and personal commitments around fixed holidays to achieve better work-life balance.
Academic Planning
Students and educational institutions use the holiday list for scheduling semesters, exams, and breaks.
Special Observations & Notes for 2026
Tentative Dates: Certain Islamic festivals like Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid), Muharram, and Id-e-Milad are tentative because they depend on the sighting of the moon.
Regional Variations: Some states may have additional holidays or variations, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Basant Panchami in Haryana, or Sankranti in Karnataka, reflecting India’s localized traditions.
Conclusion
The Government Holidays 2026 in India offer a rich blend of national pride, cultural festivals, and spiritual observances. From Republic Day to Diwali, the 2026 holiday calendar India gives you plenty of opportunities to rest, celebrate, and connect with family and culture.
Whether you’re planning travel, scheduling events, or simply looking forward to long weekends, this official list helps you make the most of your year. Bookmark it and plan ahead — 2026 promises a festive and fulfilling calendar for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official public holidays in India for 2026?
The official public holidays in India for 2026 include national holidays like Republic Day (26 Jan), Independence Day (15 Aug), Gandhi Jayanti (2 Oct), and festivals such as Holi, Diwali, and Good Friday.
Which holidays are mandatory under the Government Holidays 2026 list?
Mandatory holidays are called gazetted holidays — these include Republic Day, Holi, Independence Day, Diwali, Christmas, and others listed in the central government notification.
Are all holidays nationwide?
Most gazetted holidays are nationwide, but restricted holidays may vary based on state and cultural observances.
Do banks and schools follow the Government Holidays 2026 list?
Yes, banks and government schools generally close on gazetted holidays, while private institutions may follow company policy.
Are festival dates fixed every year?
Some festivals like Holi and Diwali have fixed Gregorian dates, while others based on the lunar calendar, such as Eid, may vary.
Where can I find state-specific Government Holidays 2026 lists?
State governments publish their own lists that include regional festivals; for example, Delhi, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have separate holiday calendars.
Related Blog: List of Important Days in January 2026
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