India Public Holidays 2026: India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, observes a wide array of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s multifaceted heritage and vary by state, religion, and culture.
In 2026, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions declared 16 Gazetted Holidays and 28 Restricted Holidays.
India Public Holidays 2026
India, known as the Republic of India, is located in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area and has been the most populous country since June 2023. India is also the world’s largest democracy, gaining independence in 1947.
India Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
| 1 Jan | Thu | New Year’s Day | AR, ML, MN, MZ, NL, PY, RJ, SK, TG, TN |
| 1 Jan | Thu | Gaan-Ngai | MN |
| 2 Jan | Fri | New Year Holiday | MZ |
| 2 Jan | Fri | Mannam Jayanti | KL |
| 3 Jan | Sat | Hazrat Ali Jayanti | UP |
| 11 Jan | Sun | Missionary Day | MZ |
| 12 Jan | Mon | Swami Vivekananda Jayanti | WB |
| 14 Jan | Wed | Makara Sankranti | AR, GJ, KA, OR, SK, TG |
| 14 Jan | Wed | Pongal | AP, PY, TG, TN |
| 15 Jan | Thu | Magh Bihu | AS |
| 15 Jan | Thu | Thiruvalluvar Day | PY, TN |
| 16 Jan | Fri | Kanuma Panduga | AP |
| 16 Jan | Fri | Uzhavar Thirunal | TN |
| 19 Jan | Mon | Sonam Losar | SK |
| 23 Jan | Fri | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti | OR, TR, WB |
| 26 Jan | Mon | Republic Day | National |
| 21 Mar | Sat | Idul Fitr | National |
| 8 Nov | Sun | Diwali | National |
| 25 Dec | Fri | Christmas Day | National except CH |
General Information about India
| Attribute | Details |
| Official Name | Republic of India |
| Location | South Asia |
| Capital | New Delhi |
| Population Status | Most populous country since June 2023 |
| Independence | 1947 |
| Fertility Rate | 2.01 births per woman (2022) |
| GDP Growth Rate | 7.6% annual change (2023) |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | 3.55 lakh crores USD (2023) |
| GDP Per Capita | 2,484.85 USD (2023) |
| Gross National Income (GNI) | 14.32 lakh crores PPP dollars (2023) |
| GNI Per Capita | 10,030 PPP dollars (2023) |
National Public Holidays in India 2026
India’s public holidays are a blend of national celebrations and regional festivals. While some holidays are observed nationwide, others are specific to certain states or regions. Below is a list of the national public holidays for 2026:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| March 3 | Tuesday | Holi |
| March 31 | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| November 9 | Monday | Diwali |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Gazetted Holidays in India 2026
Gazetted holidays are mandatory and apply across the country or within specific states. Here are some of the key Gazetted Holidays in India for 2026:
- Republic Day: January 26, 2026 (Monday).
- Maha Shivaratri: February 17, 2026 (Tuesday).
- Holi: March 3, 2026 (Wednesday).
- Id-ul-Fitr (Tentative): April 22, 2026 (Wednesday).
- Good Friday: April 10, 2026 (Friday).
- Mahavir Jayanti: April 1, 2026 (Sunday).
- Buddha Purnima: May 31, 2026 (Sunday).
- Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) (Tentative): June 27, 2026 (Saturday).
- Muharram: July 17, 2026 (Friday).
- Independence Day: August 15, 2026 (Saturday).
- Janmashtami: September 5, 2026 (Saturday).
- Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e-Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad): September 26, 2026. (Saturday).
- Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday: October 2, 2026 (Friday).
- Dussehra: October 21, 2026 (Wednesday).
- Diwali/Deepavali: November 8, 2026 (Sunday).
- Christmas: December 25, 2026 (Friday).
Restricted Holidays in India 2026
Restricted holidays allow flexibility for employees, enabling them to choose 2-3 holidays based on their cultural, regional, or religious preferences. Some of the Restricted Holidays in India for 2026 include:
- New Year’s Day: January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
- Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday: January 6, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Makar Sankranti / Magha Bihu / Pongal / Hazarat Ali’s Birthday: January 15, 2026 (Thursday)
- Vasant Panchami: January 24, 2026 (Saturday)
- Maha Shivratri: February 15, 2026 (Sunday)
- Holi Dahan: March 2, 2026 (Monday)
- Ugadi: March 20, 2026 (Friday)
- Ram Navami: March 26, 2026 (Thursday)
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026 (Friday)
- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026 (Sunday).
The Significance of Major Public Holidays
Each public holiday in India has its unique significance and way of celebration. For instance, Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution, while Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims.
Read also: Vasant Panchami 2026 Date, Puja Muhurat, Significance & Holiday
Plan with India Public Holidays 2026
Knowing the public holidays in advance helps in planning vacations, family gatherings, and other activities. It also provides an opportunity to understand and appreciate the diverse cultural and religious practices in India.
People also ask (FAQs) about to India Public Holidays 2026
How many holidays are there in 2026?
54
How many bank holidays are there in 2026?
India and Colombia have the most bank holidays with 18 each, while England and Wales have 8, Scotland has 9, and Northern Ireland has 10.
Can I book a 2026 holiday?
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Conclusion: Celebrating Diversity
India’s public holidays in 2026 offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether it’s a national celebration or a regional festival, each holiday brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and joy.
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