India Public
Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all national, gazetted, and festival holidays across Indias 28 states and 8 union territories.
2026 India Gazetted HolidaysCentral Government
| # | 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
Republic Day
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 HolidayHoli
The 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 FestivalId-ul-Fitr (Eid)
Marks 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 FestivalRam Navami
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Devotees visit temples, recite the Ramayana, and participate in processions and cultural programs.
Hindu FestivalMahavir Jayanti
Celebrates 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 FestivalGood Friday
Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christians attend church services and observe the day with fasting and prayer. A gazetted holiday across India.
Christian ObservanceAmbedkar Jayanti
Honours the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and champion of social justice for marginalized communities.
National ObservanceBuddha Purnima
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Devotees visit Buddhist temples, offer prayers, and participate in processions.
Buddhist FestivalId-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)
Also 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 FestivalMuharram
Marks 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 ObservanceIndependence Day
Commemorates 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 HolidayJanmashtami
Celebrates 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 FestivalMilad-un-Nabi
Celebrates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims gather for prayers, processions, and share meals. Also known as Eid-e-Milad or Mawlid.
Islamic FestivalGandhi Jayanti
Honours 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 HolidayDussehra (Vijayadashami)
Celebrates 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 FestivalDiwali (Deepavali)
The 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 FestivalGuru Nanak Jayanti
Celebrates 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 FestivalChristmas
Celebrates 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 FestivalMakar Sankranti / Pongal
Harvest 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 FestivalVaisakhi / Tamil New Year
New 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 FestivalRaksha Bandhan
Festival 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 FestivalDurga Puja / Navratri
Nine nights celebrating Goddess Durga. West Bengal hosts elaborate pandals and immersion ceremonies. Gujarat features Garba and Dandiya dances. Culminates in Dussehra.
Hindu FestivalThree National Holidays
India mandates three national holidays that must be observed by all establishments under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
- Republic Day – January 26
- Independence Day – August 15
- Gandhi Jayanti – October 2
Gazetted vs Restricted
Central government holidays are categorized into compulsory (gazetted) and optional (restricted) holidays.
- 14 compulsory holidays for central government
- Employees may choose 2 restricted holidays
- States declare additional regional holidays
- Private sector follows state notifications
Lunar Calendar Holidays
Many Indian festivals follow the Hindu lunar calendar (Panchang) or Islamic lunar calendar, so dates vary each year.
- Hindu festivals follow tithi (lunar day)
- Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting
- Dates are confirmed close to the festival
- Official notifications finalize dates
State Variations
Each state and union territory declares its own holiday list based on regional festivals and observances.
- Kerala: Onam, Vishu
- West Bengal: Durga Puja holidays
- Maharashtra: Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa
- Punjab: Lohri, Vaisakhi, Gurpurab
