India Holidays 2026: A Complete Guide to Public Holidays

Looking for a clear list of holidays in India and when they actually happen? You’re not alone. Most people want clarity on the important holidays in India, especially the ones that affect office closures, bank operations, and travel plans.

With dozens of national, state, and festival holidays, it’s easy to miss what really counts.

In this article, we’ll break down the key public holidays, major festivals, and long weekends so you can plan your year with confidence, whether it’s for work, travel, or time off. Let’s dive in.

What are the official India holidays in 2026?[toc=Official India Holidays]

India has three official national holidays that are observed uniformly across the entire country, whether you work in a government office, private company, or school. These are fixed by the central government and apply to every state and union territory.

With our experience helping global teams manage leave compliance in India, we’ve seen how knowing the right national holidays upfront keeps operations smooth and pay cycles accurate.

Here’s a quick look at India’s three official national holidays for 2026:

These three dates are the core India national holidays observed nationwide and recognized across all sectors.

Important Notes for 2026:

• India public holidays are mandatory across all states and organizations.
• Other holidays (festivals, regional days) are decided separately by state governments.
• Offices, schools, and most businesses remain closed nationwide on these dates.

"As outlined by sources like Wikipedia, certain holidays celebrated nationally are declared centrally by the Union Government. Additionally, various state governments and union territories designate additional holidays based on local festivals or days of importance, as per Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881."

What are the Central Government holidays in India for 2026?[toc=Central Government Holidays]

Along with the three fixed national holidays, the Union Government of India announces additional holidays, which are generally observed by central government offices and their affiliates. Apart from the fixed holidays, a few other days are designated as optional, allowing individuals to select certain days based on personal convenience.

Holidays list for fixed Central Government holidays across India for 2026:

Fixed holidays are those declared by the Central Government, and these holidays are mandatory for all central government offices, banks, and PSUs. Employees are entitled to paid leave, and offices remain closed.

Holidays list for Optional Central Government holidays across India for 2026:

Optional holidays are those that the Central Government lists but employees are not required to observe them. These are optional, and employees can choose up to two holidays based on personal preference each year.

Note: Dates for Islamic holidays are tentative and may vary based on lunar sighting.

Quick Facts to Remember on Central Government Holidays:

• These holidays are mandatory for all central government offices.
• State governments may add regional holidays separately.
• Most public sector banks follow this same calendar.
• Companies using EOR or payroll services should align pay runs and cut-off dates with these official holidays.

What are the state holidays in India in 2026?[toc=State Holidays]

After the national and central holidays, India also celebrates a variety of state-specific holidays. Below, we will explore the major state holidays observed across different regions in 2026.

Which harvest festivals are celebrated as state holidays in 2026?

In India, several harvest festivals are recognized as state holidays, especially in regions like Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. These festivals, such as Pongal and Baisakhi, often align with the agricultural calendar and hold cultural significance.

Which New Year holidays are observed in India in 2026?

Different states in India observe various New Year holidays, such as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, and Vishu in Kerala. These state holidays reflect the diverse regional traditions and customs observed across India.

What state-specific days are recognized as holidays in 2026?

Many states celebrate their own state days, marking significant historical events or the founding of the state. These days, such as Kerala Day and Himachal Pradesh Day, are unique to each region and recognized as official holidays.

Which birth and anniversary days are observed as state holidays in 2026?

Certain birthdays and anniversaries of notable figures are celebrated as holidays in different states. For instance, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on October 2nd is a public holiday, but some states may also have regional observances for other figures.

What other days are considered state holidays in 2026?

In addition to the major festivals, several states in India observe unique holidays for local events, cultural celebrations, and historical milestones. These holidays may vary depending on regional significance.

Which religious and public holidays are widely observed across India in 2026?[toc=Religious Holidays]

India’s cultural calendar goes far beyond official government holidays, many religious and public festivals bring the entire country to a pause. These widely observed celebrations often impact work schedules, business operations, and travel plans across regions.

Here’s a rundown of the major religious and public festivals that shape India’s 2026 holiday calendar:

Beyond government notifications, many cultural India holidays 2026 like Pongal, Navratri, and Diwali shape work schedules and travel patterns.

What are Gazetted, State, and Restricted Holidays in India?[toc=Gazetted vs. State vs. Restricted]

India follows a three-tier holiday system, Gazetted, State, and Restricted holidays. Each type serves a different purpose: some are nationwide and mandatory, others are local or optional.

Think of it this way:

• Gazetted holidays are like the official playbook for the whole country.
• State holidays are regional add-ons based on local culture.
• Restricted holidays are personal choices employees can take at their discretion.

See how Gazetted, State, and Restricted holidays vary across India.

Quick facts to remember on holiday types:

• Private companies often combine these into a single internal leave calendar for simplicity.
• Gazetted holidays are fixed nationwide, while state holidays differ each year and by region.

Which bank holidays apply in my state?[toc=Bank Holidays]

Bank holidays in India vary from one state to another, often following regional festivals and local observances. Knowing these dates in advance helps avoid payroll delays and financial hiccups.

Here is the example for state-wise bank holidays in India (2026)

Bank closures also depend heavily on regional India holidays 2026 announced by individual states and the RBI.

Note: Actual bank holidays vary by year and may be officially announced by RBI in December of the preceding year.

Quick facts to remember on bank holidays:

• All banks remain closed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays and every Sunday.
• National holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti) are mandatory bank closures across India.
• Public sector and private banks both follow the same RBI-approved list for each state.

Pro tip: For global payroll and EOR teams, always schedule salary disbursements 1–2 days before state-specific bank holidays.