Public Holidays in India 2026
17 central gazetted holidays in 2026
India's 2026 central government holiday calendar includes 17 gazetted holidays, spanning national days and major Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh observances. The central list is not the complete holiday picture for every location: states and union territories publish their own calendars, and some festival dates vary regionally.
India Central Gazetted Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| Mar 4 | Wednesday | Holi |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr Moon |
| Mar 26 | Thursday | Ram Navami |
| Mar 31 | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Friday | Buddha Purnima |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) Moon |
| Jun 26 | Friday | Muharram Moon |
| Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| Aug 26 | Wednesday | Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad Moon |
| Sep 4 | Friday | Janmashtami |
| Oct 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| Oct 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra |
| Nov 8 | Sunday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| Nov 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak's Birthday |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
2027 note: 2027 dates that depend on lunar observation, religious confirmation or annual government proclamation should be treated as provisional until the relevant authority issues its final notice.
India has both central and state/UT holiday calendars. This page lists central gazetted holidays; state holidays can differ. Dates of Islamic holidays may change with moon sighting.
Festival Holidays in India 2026
India’s holiday calendar is shaped by multiple religious and cultural traditions. In 2026, major gazetted festival holidays include Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, Buddha Purnima, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, Janmashtami, Dussehra, Diwali and Guru Nanak’s Birthday. Regional calendars can add many more days.
Holiday Rules and Regional Variation in India
Unlike countries with a single nationwide substitute-day system, India’s practical holiday calendar varies by government jurisdiction, state and institution. Central gazetted holidays provide a national baseline, while state and bank calendars should be checked separately.
India Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- India's holiday system combines central gazetted holidays with separate state and union-territory calendars.
- Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti are major nationwide civic holidays.
- Festival holidays such as Holi, Diwali, Eid and Dussehra can affect travel, banking and government services.
- Islamic holiday dates may be adjusted according to moon sighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does India have?
There is no single all-India count that applies identically everywhere because central, state and union-territory holiday calendars differ. This page focuses on central gazetted holidays.
Are state holidays the same across India?
No. States and union territories publish additional holiday calendars reflecting regional festivals and observances.
Can Eid dates change in India?
Yes. Islamic holiday dates can change according to moon sighting and official announcements.
Are banks closed on every government holiday?
Bank holiday calendars are related but not identical to central government holiday calendars and can vary by state.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official Central Government holiday list for 2026.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source hierarchy: government, statutory or institutional material is the primary reference. Timeanddate is retained only as an independent cross-check; later official declarations take precedence.