Indian Holiday List 2026

Planning your holidays for the year becomes much easier when you have all the dates in one place. India has a mix of national holidays, gazetted holidays, restricted or optional holidays, and popular festivals, so it can get confusing if you check multiple sources.

To make it simple, here’s a complete master list of Indian holidays in 2026. You can quickly see the date, the name of the holiday, and its type.

• Gazetted Holidays (G): These are official holidays observed by central government offices, banks, and many institutions.
• Restricted Holidays (R): These are optional holidays, which employees can choose based on their personal or religious preference.
• Some holidays may overlap with regional festivals, and a few may differ slightly by state.

This table is a one-stop reference to help you plan your year, vacations, or family events.

How This Holiday Calendar is Prepared

If you’ve ever tried to plan your year around holidays in India, you know it can be confusing. Different states, religions, and organizations follow slightly different rules. Some holidays are official across the country, while others are optional or local. That’s why having a single, reliable calendar is so helpful.

This Indian Holiday Calendar 2026 is prepared by looking at official Government of India notifications published on the National Portal (india.gov.in). These notifications are the same ones that central government offices, banks, and many institutions follow.

Here’s what we considered while creating this calendar:

1. National Holidays:
   • These are holidays everyone in India observes, like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
2. Gazetted Holidays:
   • Officially notified holidays observed by central government offices and banks.
3. Restricted / Optional Holidays:
   • Holidays that employees can choose based on religion, culture, or personal preference.
4. Widely Observed Festivals:
   • Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, and regional celebrations that are popular even if not officially mandatory.

Because India is so diverse, not every holiday is observed everywhere. States may add their own local holidays, schools and colleges may have additional off days, and private companies often follow their own leave policies.

This calendar is designed to be a starting point for planning your year. It helps you spot long weekends, plan trips, and avoid last-minute confusion. But remember, it’s always good to double-check with local notifications or your workplace before finalizing plans.

National Holidays in India 2026

In India, National Holidays are days of great importance for the entire country. These holidays are observed across all states and territories, and government offices, banks, and schools remain closed. They are not just days off – they carry historical and cultural significance, reminding us of India’s journey and values.

What Are National Holidays?

National Holidays are officially recognized by the government and are celebrated throughout the country. They are different from optional or regional holidays because everyone observes them, regardless of religion or state.

The three National Holidays in India are:

1. Republic Day (26 January): Marks the day India’s Constitution came into effect in 1950. It is celebrated with flag hoisting, parades, and patriotic events across the country.
2. Independence Day (15 August): Celebrates India’s freedom from British rule in 1947. The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Delhi’s Red Fort, and schools and offices host celebrations nationwide.
3. Gandhi Jayanti (2 October): Commemorates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. People honor his philosophy of non-violence and truth through prayer services and social initiatives.

National Holidays – 2026

These holidays are non-negotiable off days for most offices, banks, and government institutions. They also provide an excellent opportunity for families to spend time together or participate in cultural events.

Gazetted Holidays in India 2026

Apart from National Holidays, India also has a set of Gazetted Holidays. These are officially notified by the government and are generally observed by central government offices, banks, and public sector institutions. Private companies may or may not follow all of them, but most big offices consider them while planning leave calendars.

What Are Gazetted Holidays?

Gazetted Holidays are official holidays recognized across the country. They are different from restricted or optional holidays because they are mandatory for government offices and banks. They often include religious festivals, cultural events, and important national occasions.

Here’s what makes them special:

• Employees in central government offices must take the day off.
• Banks and many public services remain closed.
• They help in planning leaves, long weekends, and family activities.

Gazetted Holidays Table – 2026

Who Follows Gazetted Holidays?

• Central government offices: All mandatory.
• State government offices: Some states may follow additional holidays.
• Banks: Mostly follow central notifications.
• Private offices: Usually adopt a few key holidays like Republic Day, Independence Day, Diwali, and Christmas.

Gazetted holidays are helpful if you want to plan vacations without worrying about office closures. They often form the backbone of long weekends, so keeping them in mind is essential for yearly planning.

Restricted / Optional Holidays in India 2026

Not all holidays in India are observed by everyone. Apart from national and gazetted holidays, there is a category called restricted or optional holidays. These holidays are meant to give flexibility for employees to observe festivals and occasions that are important to them personally, especially religious or cultural days.

What Are Restricted / Optional Holidays?

• Restricted holidays are official holidays that employees can choose to take.
• Usually, organizations allow one or two restricted holidays per year, depending on company policy.
• These holidays cover religious festivals, cultural events, or regional celebrations that may not be observed nationwide.
• Schools, private offices, and banks may or may not adopt them, so it’s always good to check your institution’s calendar.

Popular Restricted / Optional Holidays in 2026

Here’s a list of important restricted holidays in 2026 that employees often choose to take:

Tips for Using Restricted Holidays

• Check your company’s leave policy to see how many restricted holidays you can take.
• Plan your restricted holidays around long weekends to get maximum time off.
• These holidays are perfect for celebrating personal or religious events without affecting work commitments.
• Keep in mind that some holidays may overlap with other regional or cultural festivals.

Month-Wise Indian Holiday Calendar 2026 (January–December)

Planning your holidays month by month helps you make the most of long weekends, family trips, and festivals. Here’s a detailed month-wise guide for 2026, including all major Indian holidays.

January 2026

January is the start of the year with a mix of cultural and national celebrations.

Planning Tip: Republic Day is a long weekend opportunity if it falls close to Saturday or Sunday. Festivals like Makar Sankranti and Pongal are perfect for family gatherings and regional celebrations.

February 2026

February is full of spiritual and historical holidays.

Planning Tip: Maha Shivratri is widely celebrated in temples; you can plan a spiritual visit or local festival celebrations.

March 2026

March brings spring festivals and religious celebrations.

Planning Tip: Holi and Ram Navami are great for family celebrations. Holi can create a long weekend if combined with leave.

April 2026

April is a month of spring harvest and Easter celebrations.

Planning Tip: Easter and Vaisakhi fall close to each other; a short trip or family festival celebration works well.

May 2026

May brings Buddhist and literary celebrations, along with Id-ul-Zuha.

Planning Tip: Use Buddha Purnima as a relaxing day off or cultural visit.

June 2026

Planning Tip: Muharram is a religious observance; check local events if you want to participate.

July 2026

Planning Tip: Rath Yatra is a major festival in Odisha; plan a visit if interested in cultural celebrations.

August 2026

August is a patriotic and festive month, with Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan.

Planning Tip: Independence Day can be combined with a weekend for a long holiday. Onam and Raksha Bandhan are perfect for family celebrations.

September 2026

Planning Tip: Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated with local events; plan early if traveling to Maharashtra or South India.

October 2026

October is the month of Dussehra and cultural festivities.

Planning Tip: Dussehra holidays can create long weekends; plan trips or cultural visits accordingly.

November 2026

Planning Tip: Diwali week is ideal for family gatherings, shopping, and vacations. Plan leaves carefully if you want extra long weekends.

December 2026

Planning Tip: End of the year is perfect for Christmas celebrations and year-end vacations.

Major Indian Festivals in 2026 – Religion & Culture Wise

India is known for its diverse festivals and cultural celebrations. Every year, people celebrate festivals based on religion, region, and traditions, making each holiday special. Here’s a breakdown of major festivals in 2026, grouped by religion and culture.

Hindu Festivals

Hindu festivals are widely celebrated across India. Many of them are linked to lunar or solar calendars, so the dates change every year. In 2026, some of the major Hindu festivals include:

• Makar Sankranti / Magha Bihu / Pongal (14 Jan) – Harvest festival celebrated in different regions with unique traditions.
• Holi (4 Mar) – Festival of colors, marking the victory of good over evil.
• Ram Navami (26 Mar) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
• Vaisakhi / Vishu / Meshadi / Tamil New Year (14–15 Apr) – Spring harvest and regional new year celebrations.
• Janmashtami (4 Sep) – Birth of Lord Krishna, celebrated with fasting and night vigils.
• Ganesh Chaturthi (14 Sep) – Lord Ganesha’s birthday, marked by installing idols and immersion rituals.
• Dussehra (18–20 Oct) – Celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
• Diwali (8 Nov) – Festival of lights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
• Chhath Puja (15 Nov) – Devotion to the Sun God, mostly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

Muslim Festivals

Muslim festivals are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and are celebrated by communities across India. Key holidays in 2026 include:

• Hazrat Ali’s Birthday (3 Jan & 23 Dec) – Honoring the birth of Hazrat Ali.
• Jamat-ul-Vida (20 Mar) – Marks the last Friday of Ramadan.
• Id-ul-Fitr (21 Mar) – Celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
• Id-ul-Zuha / Bakrid (27 May) – Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion.
• Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad (26 Aug) – Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Christian Festivals

Christian festivals are observed nationwide, with some having official gazetted holiday status. Major Christian holidays in 2026:

• Good Friday (3 Apr) – Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• Easter Sunday (5 Apr) – Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Christmas Eve (24 Dec) & Christmas Day (25 Dec) – Marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

Sikh Festivals

Sikh festivals are important for spiritual and cultural celebrations. In 2026, key Sikh holidays include:

• Guru Nanak’s Birthday (24 Nov) – Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day (24 Nov) – Honors the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur for religious freedom.

Buddhist Festivals

Buddhist festivals are observed mainly by Buddhist communities. In 2026, the most notable holiday is:

• Buddha Purnima (1 May) – Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Gautama Buddha.

Why Categorizing Festivals Helps

• Makes it easier to plan holidays according to your religion or culture.
• Helps schools, offices, and families prepare for celebrations in advance.
• Highlights India’s diversity, showing how multiple festivals often occur in the same month.

Long Weekends & Smart Leave Planning in 2026

Everyone loves a long weekend, right? In India, planning your leave smartly can turn ordinary weekends into extended breaks, perfect for travel, family time, or just some rest. By looking at how holidays fall around Saturdays and Sundays, you can make the most of 2026.

How to Make the Most of Holidays

• Check Gazetted and Restricted Holidays: Start by knowing which holidays are official (gazetted) and which are optional/restricted.
• Combine Leave with Weekends: If a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, taking a leave on the adjacent Friday or Monday can create a 4-day weekend.
• Plan Early: Popular travel spots get crowded during long weekends, so booking in advance is key.
• Look for Festivals: Some festivals like Holi, Diwali, or Eid may naturally create multi-day holidays if they fall near weekends.

Examples of Potential Long Weekends in 2026

Here are some opportunities for extended breaks in 2026 based on national and gazetted holidays:

• 26 January (Republic Day, Monday): Enjoy a 3-day weekend with 24th and 25th January weekend.
• 15 August (Independence Day, Saturday): Combine leave on Friday, 14 August for a 3-day weekend.
• 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti, Friday): A natural 3-day weekend without taking extra leave.
• 8 November (Diwali, Sunday): Take leave on Monday, 9 November for a 3-day weekend celebration.
• 25 December (Christmas, Friday): Perfect 3-day weekend with minimal planning.

Tips for Smart Leave Planning

1. Check Optional Holidays: Pick restricted holidays that fall near weekends. For example, Raksha Bandhan (28 Aug) or Dussehra (20 Oct) can extend your weekend if taken wisely.
2. Avoid Peak Office Days: Use long weekends to travel or spend time with family while avoiding busy work periods.
3. Coordinate with Team: Inform colleagues about leave early to ensure smooth workflow.
4. Combine Festivals: Some months have multiple holidays close together, like October (Dussehra) or November (Diwali, Chhath Puja) – use them for a mini-vacation.

By planning smartly, 2026 can be a year of more holidays and fun weekends without wasting leave unnecessarily.

Important Notes & Holiday Disclaimer

While this Indian Holiday Calendar 2026 provides a complete list of holidays, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

• State-specific variations: Some holidays may be specific to certain states or regions. For example, regional festivals like Onam, Pongal, or Bihu might not be official holidays nationwide.
• Optional holidays: Restricted holidays may vary depending on company policy. Not all offices will give the day off.
• Changes possible: Occasionally, the government may announce new holidays or change dates based on lunar calendars or official notifications.
• Check official sources: For official leave planning, always refer to state government notifications or central government gazette.

This calendar is designed to help you plan your year, but always verify with your office, school, or local authority before making travel or event arrangements.

FAQs – Indian Holiday Calendar 2026

What are the National Holidays in India 2026?

India has three national holidays:

1. Republic Day (26 January) – Celebrates the adoption of the Constitution.
2. Independence Day (15 August) – Marks India’s freedom from British rule.
3. Gandhi Jayanti (2 October) – Honors Mahatma Gandhi’s birth.

These holidays are observed nationwide, and most offices, banks, and schools remain closed.

What are Gazetted Holidays?

Gazetted holidays are officially notified by the government and observed by:

• Central government offices
• Banks
• Public sector institutions

Examples in 2026 include Holi, Good Friday, Id-ul-Fitr, Diwali, and Christmas.

What are Restricted / Optional Holidays?

Restricted holidays allow employees to choose a day off according to their religion, culture, or personal preference.

• Common optional holidays include Raksha Bandhan, Pongal, Karwa Chauth, and Onam.
• Private companies may limit the number of restricted holidays per year.

11.4 Do holidays vary by state?

Yes. Some festivals, like Onam in Kerala or Bihu in Assam, are regional holidays and may not be observed nationwide. Always check your state government calendar.

Can holidays change during the year?

Yes. Some holidays, especially those based on lunar calendars, may shift by a day. Government notifications can also add or remove holidays, so it’s good to verify with official sources before planning.

How can I plan long weekends in 2026?

Look for holidays that fall near Fridays or Mondays. For example:

• Republic Day (26 Jan, Monday) – creates a 3-day weekend.
• Diwali (8 Nov, Sunday) – take Monday off for a 3-day break.

Combining restricted holidays with weekends can give you extra days off for travel or family time.

Where can I find the official holiday list?

The Government of India website (india.gov.in) provides the official holiday notifications for the year. Always refer to it to confirm dates for banks, government offices, and schools.