A comprehensive guide to all national, gazetted, and festival holidays across Indias 28 states and 8 union territories.
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 - January to March | ||||
| 1 | Republic Day | January 26, 2026 | Monday | National |
| 2 | Maha Shivaratri | February 15, 2026 | Sunday | Restricted |
| 3 | Holi | March 4, 2026 | Wednesday | Gazetted |
| 4 | Id-ul-Fitr (Eid) | March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Gazetted* |
| 5 | Ram Navami | March 26, 2026 | Thursday | Restricted |
| 6 | Mahavir Jayanti | March 31, 2026 | Tuesday | Gazetted |
| Q2 - April to June | ||||
| 7 | Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Friday | Gazetted |
| 8 | Buddha Purnima | May 1, 2026 | Friday | Gazetted |
| 9 | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Gazetted* |
| 10 | Muharram | June 26, 2026 | Friday | Gazetted* |
| Q3 - July to September | ||||
| 11 | Independence Day | August 15, 2026 | Saturday | National |
| 12 | Milad-un-Nabi | September 4, 2026 | Friday | Gazetted* |
| Q4 - October to December | ||||
| 13 | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | October 2, 2026 | Friday | National |
| 14 | Dussehra | October 20, 2026 | Tuesday | Gazetted |
| 15 | Diwali | November 8, 2026 | Sunday | Gazetted |
| 16 | Guru Nanak Jayanti | November 24, 2026 | Tuesday | Gazetted |
| 17 | Christmas | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Gazetted |
* Islamic holiday dates are tentative and subject to moon sighting
Indias most important national holiday commemorating the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. The grand parade at Rajpath in New Delhi showcases Indias military might, cultural diversity, and achievements. A national holiday observed across all states and union territories.
National HolidayThe festival of colours celebrating the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. People throw coloured powder and water at each other in joyous celebrations. Holika Dahan (bonfire) takes place the evening before on March 3.
Hindu FestivalMarks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Celebrated with prayers, feasts, and giving of Zakat (charity). Families gather for special meals and exchange gifts.
Islamic FestivalCelebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Devotees visit temples, recite the Ramayana, and participate in processions and cultural programs.
Hindu FestivalCelebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. Jain temples hold special prayers and processions, and followers practice acts of charity.
Jain FestivalCommemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christians attend church services and observe the day with fasting and prayer. A gazetted holiday across India.
Christian ObservanceHonours the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and champion of social justice for marginalized communities.
National ObservanceCommemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Devotees visit Buddhist temples, offer prayers, and participate in processions.
Buddhist FestivalAlso known as Eid al-Adha, commemorates Prophet Ibrahims willingness to sacrifice his son. Celebrated with special prayers and the sharing of meat with family and the less fortunate.
Islamic FestivalMarks the Islamic New Year and commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at the Battle of Karbala. Observed with processions and mourning rituals, particularly by Shia Muslims.
Islamic ObservanceCommemorates Indias independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi and addresses the nation. Celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and patriotic events across the country.
National HolidayCelebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved Hindu deities. Devotثees fast, sing devotional songs, and enact scenes from Krishnas life. Dahi Handi celebrations feature human pyramids to break pots of curd.
Hindu FestivalCelebrates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims gather for prayers, processions, and share meals. Also known as Eid-e-Milad or Mawlid.
Islamic FestivalHonours the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. A national holiday marked by prayer services at Raj Ghat, cultural programs, and community service activities. Also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.
National HolidayCelebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Massive effigies of Ravana are burned across North India. In Bengal, it marks the culmination of Durga Puja. Also marks the end of the Navratri festival.
Hindu FestivalThe Festival of Lights is Indias biggest celebration, marking Lord Ramas return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Homes are decorated with oil lamps and rangoli, fireworks light up the sky, and families exchange sweets and gifts. Lakshmi Puja is performed for prosperity.
Hindu FestivalCelebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Gurudwaras hold special prayers, processions (Nagar Kirtan), and langar (community meals) open to all.
Sikh FestivalCelebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches hold midnight masses and special services. Christians and non-Christians alike enjoy the festive season with decorated trees, gifts, and celebrations.
Christian FestivalHarvest festival marking the suns transition into Capricorn. Called Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Bihu in Assam. Celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and traditional foods.
Regional FestivalNew Year celebrations across multiple regions. Vaisakhi in Punjab marks the harvest and founding of Khalsa. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Bengal celebrate their respective new years.
Regional FestivalFestival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie rakhi (sacred thread) on brothers wrists, who pledge to protect them. Widely celebrated in North India.
Hindu FestivalNine nights celebrating Goddess Durga. West Bengal hosts elaborate pandals and immersion ceremonies. Gujarat features Garba and Dandiya dances. Culminates in Dussehra.
Hindu FestivalIndia mandates three national holidays that must be observed by all establishments under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Central government holidays are categorized into compulsory (gazetted) and optional (restricted) holidays.
Many Indian festivals follow the Hindu lunar calendar (Panchang) or Islamic lunar calendar, so dates vary each year.
Each state and union territory declares its own holiday list based on regional festivals and observances.
