Public holidays play an important role in helping people plan their work schedules, travel, festivals, and family time. In india, holidays are broadly divided into National Holidays, Gazetted (Government) Holidays, and Restricted Holidays, many of which vary from state to state.
Here’s a detailed look at the National and major government holidays in india for 2026, along with important notes every employee and citizen should know.
🇮🇳 National Holidays in india 2026
National holidays are observed across all states and Union Territories, and government offices, schools, banks, and many private institutions remain closed.
Date
Day
Holiday
26 january 2026
Monday
Republic Day
15 august 2026
Saturday
Independence Day
2 october 2026
Friday
Gandhi Jayanti
👉 These three holidays are mandatory nationwide and cannot be replaced or shifted.
🏛️ Major government (Gazetted) Holidays in india 2026
Gazetted holidays are officially declared by the government of india and are usually observed by central government offices, PSUs, banks, and many private organizations.
Date
Day
Holiday
1 January
Thursday
New Year’s Day
14 January
Wednesday
Makar sankranti / Pongal
23 January
Friday
Netaji subhas chandra bose Jayanti
18 February
Wednesday
Maha Shivratri
6 March
Friday
Holi
3 April
Friday
Good Friday
22 April
Wednesday
Ram Navami
1 May
Friday
Labour Day
25 May
Monday
Buddha Purnima
17 June
Wednesday
Bakrid / Eid-ul-Adha
16 July
Thursday
Muharram
15 August
Saturday
Independence Day
19 August
Wednesday
Raksha Bandhan
5 September
Saturday
Teachers’ Day
2 October
Friday
Gandhi Jayanti
24 October
Saturday
Dussehra
12 November
Thursday
Diwali
25 December
Friday
Christmas
⚠️ Note: Dates of Islamic festivals may change depending on moon sighting.
🏦 Bank Holidays vs government Holidays
- Bank holidays are declared by the Reserve bank of india (RBI) and may vary by state.
- State-specific holidays (like regional festivals) are decided by state governments.
- Private companies may follow different holiday calendars.
Always check:
- State government notifications
- RBI bank holiday list
- Your organization’s internal holiday circular
📌 Important Things to Remember
- Only 3 National Holidays are compulsory across India
- Government employees get gazetted + restricted holidays
- Private sector holidays may vary
- Festival holidays depend on religion, region, and state rules
✨ Why Knowing the 2026 Holiday List Matters
- Helps in leave planning and long weekends
- Useful for travel and festival planning
- Important for exam schedules and office planning
- Helps businesses plan operations and deadlines
Conclusion
The Public Holidays in india 2026 include 3 National Holidays and several important government-declared festivals. While national holidays remain the same everywhere, government and bank holidays may differ across states.
To avoid confusion, always confirm the official holiday list issued by your state government, bank, or employer.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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