- India has three mandatory national holidays in 2026: Republic Day (Jan 26), Independence Day (Aug 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2). All employers must observe these dates across every state and sector.
- Central holidays in India for 2026 include both fixed and floating holidays such as Republic Day, Diwali, Eid, and regional festivals. Employees can pick up to two optional holidays per year based on personal preference.
- State holidays in India for 2026 include harvest festivals, New Year observances, state-specific days, and birth anniversaries. These holidays differ by region, reflecting the cultural and historical significance of each state.
- Bank holidays in India differ by state, with local festivals like Onam, Baisakhi, or Ganesh Chaturthi. These dates are set by the RBI and state governments, so employers should plan payroll and fund transfers in advance to avoid delays.
Planning around India’s 2026 public holidays? Talk to us!
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Looking for a complete list of holidays in India 2026? You're in the right place. Whether you need public holidays in India 2026 for payroll planning, upcoming holidays in India for travel, or state-specific bank holidays, this guide covers every official holiday, festival, and long weekend across all Indian states.
With dozens of national, state, and festival holidays, it's easy to miss what really matters for your business or plans.
In this article, we break down the key public holidays in India, major festivals, long weekends, and bank closures so you can plan your year with confidence, whether it's for managing a remote team, scheduling payroll, or booking time off. Let's dive in.
What are the official public holidays in India for 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 public holidays in India 2026:
These three dates are the core India national holidays observed nationwide and recognized across all sectors.
"As per the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Office Memorandum and the official holiday calendar published on india.gov.in, holidays celebrated nationally are declared by the Union Government. Additionally, state governments and union territories designate additional holidays based on local festivals or days of importance, in accordance with Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881."
Get Your State-Specific Holiday & Leave Policy for 2026[toc=State-Specific Holiday tool]
The holidays listed above are national, but India's holiday calendar changes significantly from state to state. If you're managing employees across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, or any other Indian state, you need a holiday list tailored to your specific location.
We built a free tool that generates a ready-to-use holiday and leave policy aligned with your state's local rules, so you don't have to piece it together manually.
Generate Your State-Specific Holiday & Leave Policy →
Simply select your state, specify your establishment type, and get a complete public holidays in India 2026 list customized to your location, along with the applicable leave policy rules.
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 upcoming holidays in India, which are generally observed by central government offices and their affiliates. After the national and central holidays, the holidays in India 2026 calendar also includes a variety of state-specific holidays.
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.
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]
The holidays in India 2026 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.
Which bank holidays in India apply in my state in 2026?[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.
Pro tip: For global payroll and EOR teams, always schedule salary disbursements 1–2 days before state-specific bank holidays.
Simplify India Holiday Compliance with Wisemonk EOR[toc=How Wisemonk Helps]
Wisemonk is an Employer of Record (EOR) that helps US companies hire, pay, and manage employees in India, without setting up a local entity. From state-specific holiday calendars and leave policy compliance to payroll aligned with India's complex bank holiday schedule, we handle it all so you don't have to.
Book a free consultation → to see how Wisemonk keeps your India team compliant from day one.
Related Reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the bank holidays in India?
Bank holidays in India vary by state and are determined by regional festivals or local observances. National holidays like Republic Day and Diwali are observed nationwide, while others are specific to certain states. It’s important for businesses to check the state-specific holiday list to avoid payroll delays.
What are the major religious & cultural festivals?
India celebrates numerous religious and cultural festivals, including Diwali, Eid, Holi, Christmas, and Guru Nanak’s Birthday. These festivals vary across regions, with each state observing its unique cultural and religious events, impacting business operations and public holidays.
Are public or government holidays the same across all states in India?
No, public and government holidays are not the same across all states in India. While public holidays in India 2026 like Republic Day and Independence Day are observed nationwide, states have additional holidays based on regional festivals, local customs, and cultural significance.
What does a restricted holiday mean in India?
A restricted holiday in India is an optional holiday that employees can choose to take, based on personal preference. These holidays are typically not mandatory and include festivals like Raksha Bandhan or Karva Chauth, allowing workers flexibility in their leave choices.
How many total Indian holidays are there?
The total number of holidays in India varies by state and sector. For central government employees, there are 17 gazetted holidays and 37 restricted holidays in 2026, with additional state-specific holidays. Across all states combined, India observes over 70 holidays in a year. These numbers fluctuate depending on local observances and employer policies.
How many leaves for maternity in India?
In India, female employees are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave under the Maternity Benefit Act. This leave can be extended in cases of complications or multiple children, ensuring adequate time off for childbirth and recovery. Read more: "Maternity Leave in India: Explained".
Is Sunday a day off in India?
Yes, Sunday is generally a day off in India for most employees, with offices, schools, and businesses closed. However, this can vary in industries like retail or hospitality, where shifts may include working on weekends, depending on business needs.
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