2026 India Calendar
2026 India calendar with holidays
Browse the 2026 calendar for India with public and national holidays highlighted.
January 2026
- Jan 14Makar Sankranti / Pongal
- Jan 26Republic Day
February 2026
March 2026
- Mar 14Holi
April 2026
- Apr 3Good Friday
- Apr 14Dr Ambedkar Jayanti
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
- Aug 15Independence Day
September 2026
October 2026
- Oct 2Gandhi Jayanti
- Oct 20Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
November 2026
- Nov 8Diwali (Deepavali)
December 2026
- Dec 25Christmas Day
| Date | Holiday | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | Public holiday | – |
| Monday, January 26, 2026 | Republic Day | Public holiday | – |
| Saturday, March 14, 2026 | Holi | Public holiday | – |
| Friday, April 3, 2026 | Good Friday | Public holiday | – |
| Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | Dr Ambedkar Jayanti | Public holiday | – |
| Saturday, August 15, 2026 | Independence Day | Public holiday | – |
| Friday, October 2, 2026 | Gandhi Jayanti | Public holiday | – |
| Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) | Public holiday | – |
| Sunday, November 8, 2026 | Diwali (Deepavali) | Public holiday | – |
| Friday, December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | Public holiday | – |
Note: The list above highlights primary national/federal holidays based on Government of India — gazetted holidays. Regional holidays may vary. Check local sources for critical planning.
About these holidays
Republic Day
Celebrates the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950. It is a national gazetted holiday marked by the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
Observed by
All of India — central and state government offices, banks, schools
Date rule
Always January 26.
- Is Republic Day a gazetted holiday?
- Yes. Republic Day is one of three national holidays (along with Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti) observed across all states and union territories.
- What happens on Republic Day?
- The main celebration is the Republic Day Parade along Rajpath in New Delhi, showcasing military bands, cultural tableaux, and a flypast. Smaller parades are held in state capitals.
Holi
The Hindu Festival of Colors, celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People throw colored powder and water at each other.
Observed by
Widely observed across India and Nepal; gazetted holiday in most states
Date rule
Full moon day of the Hindu month Phalguna (typically March).
- When is Holi in 2026?
- Holi falls on March 14, 2026.
- Is Holi a public holiday?
- Yes, Holi is a gazetted holiday in India. Most government offices, banks and schools are closed.
Independence Day
Marks India's independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. The Prime Minister addresses the nation from the Red Fort in Delhi.
Observed by
All of India — central and state government, banks, schools
Date rule
Always August 15.
- Is August 15 a national holiday?
- Yes. Independence Day is one of three national holidays observed throughout India, along with Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti.
Gandhi Jayanti
Marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2. It is a national holiday and the International Day of Non-Violence.
Observed by
All of India — central and state government, banks, schools
Date rule
Always October 2.
- Is Gandhi Jayanti a dry day?
- Yes. October 2 is observed as a dry day across India, meaning the sale of alcohol is prohibited.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Effigies of Ravana are burned in many communities.
Observed by
Widely observed across India; gazetted holiday in most states
Date rule
Tenth day of the Hindu month Ashvin (typically September or October).
- When is Dussehra in 2026?
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on October 20, 2026.
Diwali (Deepavali)
The Hindu Festival of Lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are decorated with lamps and candles, and fireworks are common.
Observed by
Widely observed across India and globally; gazetted holiday in India
Date rule
New moon day of the Hindu month Kartik (typically October or November).
- When is Diwali in 2026?
- Diwali (Deepavali) falls on November 8, 2026.
- Is Diwali a public holiday?
- Yes, Diwali is a gazetted holiday in India. Government offices, banks and most businesses are closed.
Makar Sankranti / Pongal
A harvest festival marking the sun's transition into Capricorn. Known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, and Makar Sankranti in other regions.
Observed by
Pan-India, especially Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Karnataka, and Maharashtra
Date rule
Always January 14 (or January 15 in some years).
- Is Pongal the same as Makar Sankranti?
- Yes. Pongal is the Tamil name for the harvest festival that is called Makar Sankranti in northern and western India. Both are celebrated around January 14.
Ugadi / Telugu New Year
The Telugu and Kannada New Year, marking the start of a new lunar cycle. Celebrated with rituals, special foods and cultural events in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
Observed by
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra (as Gudi Padwa)
Date rule
First day of the Hindu month Chaitra (typically March or April).
- When is Ugadi in 2026?
- Ugadi falls on March 30, 2026.
- Is Ugadi a public holiday?
- It is a gazetted holiday in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. It is not a national holiday.
Tamil New Year (Puthandu)
The Tamil solar New Year, marking the start of the Tamil month Chithirai. Celebrated with new clothes, feasts and temple visits in Tamil Nadu.
Observed by
Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Tamil communities worldwide
Date rule
Typically April 14, following the Tamil solar calendar.
- When is Tamil New Year in 2026?
- Puthandu (Tamil New Year) falls on April 14, 2026.