Big news for government employees, students, and families across India! The Central Government has released the full holiday list for 2026, with 17 gazetted holidays and many restricted options. Key early highlights include Pongal/Makar Sankranti on January 14 (regional holiday in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, etc.) and Republic Day on January 26 (national gazetted holiday). Plan leaves now for long weekends like Republic Day (January 24-26).
This calendar helps with office planning, school vacations, bank visits, and family trips. Banks follow RBI rules with state-wise additions, closed on all Sundays and 2nd/4th Saturdays.
Know Complete Details of Central Government Gazetted Holidays 2026
These 17 holidays apply nationwide to central offices, banks, and schools (closures mandatory):
- January 26: Republic Day (Monday) – National gazetted holiday.
- March 3-4: Holi (Tuesday-Wednesday).
- March 21: Id-ul-Fitr (Saturday, tentative on moon sighting).
- March 31: Ram Navami (Tuesday).
- April 1: Mahavir Jayanti (Wednesday).
- April 3: Good Friday (Friday).
- April 14: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti/Tamil New Year/Baisakhi (Tuesday).
- May 1: May Day (Labour Day, Friday).
- May 12: Buddha Purnima (Tuesday).
- June 26: Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid, Friday, tentative).
- August 15: Independence Day (Saturday).
- September 4: Janmashtami (Friday, tentative).
- October 2: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra (Friday).
- November 8: Diwali (Sunday).
- November 24: Guru Nanak Jayanti (Tuesday, tentative).
- December 25: Christmas (Friday).
Total gazetted: 17 days. Employees outside Delhi can choose 3 more optional from 12 listed.
Know Complete List of Major Festivals and Restricted Holidays 2026
Restricted holidays (choose any 2): Makar Sankranti/Pongal (Jan 14), Basant Panchami (Jan 23), Maha Shivratri (Feb 15), Hazarat Ali’s Birthday (Jan 3), and more like Onam, Karva Chauth.
Month-wise major festivals (pan-India with regional holidays):
- January: Pongal (Jan 14, Tamil Nadu 4-day: 14 Bhogi, 15 Thai Pongal, 16 Mattu, 17 Kaanum), Makar Sankranti (Jan 14, North/East), Republic Day (Jan 26, all India), Vasant Panchami (Jan 23).
- February: Maha Shivratri (Feb 15).
- March: Holi (Mar 3-4), Ugadi/Gudi Padwa (Mar 19).
- April: Ram Navami (Mar 31/Apr 1), Baisakhi (Apr 14).
- May: Buddha Purnima (May 12), Akshaya Tritiya (May 7).
- June: Rath Yatra (Jun 20), Bakrid (Jun 26 tentative).
- August: Independence Day (Aug 15), Raksha Bandhan (Aug 18), Janmashtami (Sep 4).
- September-October: Ganesh Chaturthi (Sep 7), Navratri (Oct 11-19), Dussehra (Oct 20).
- November: Diwali (Nov 8), Guru Nanak Jayanti (Nov 24).
- December: Christmas (Dec 25).
Islamic dates tentative: Id-ul-Fitr (Mar 21), Muharram (Jun 26), Milad-un-Nabi (Aug 26).
Bank Holidays 2026: RBI State-Wise Closures from January 1
RBI lists 100+ state-wise holidays under Negotiable Instruments Act (plus Sundays, 2nd/4th Saturdays ~52 days):
- January: Up to 10-16 days/state – New Year (Jan 1, some states), Pongal (Jan 14-17 TN/AP/KA), Swami Vivekananda Jayanti (Jan 12 WB), Republic Day (Jan 26 all).
- Closures vary: e.g., TN banks closed Jan 1,14,15,16,17,26; North for Sankranti Jan 14.
- Digital services (UPI, ATMs, NEFT) work 24/7.
Full RBI matrix on rbi.org.in (city-wise).
How It Affects You – Plan Long Weekends and Leaves from January 2026
- Govt Employees/Schools: 17 gazetted + 2 restricted = up to 19 days off. Long weekends: Republic Day (Jan 24 Sat-26 Mon, 4 days with Fri leave); Good Friday (Apr 3 Fri); Independence Day (Aug 15 Sat); Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra (Oct 2 Fri).
- Banks: Plan cash/cheque before Pongal (South) or Republic Day. No branch work on holidays.
- Private Sector: Follow company policy, but gazetted days often off.
- Edge Cases: Lunar dates (Eid, Muharram) shift 1-2 days; states add locals (e.g., Onam Kerala Sep, Durga Puja WB Oct). Check state gazette for schools (e.g., TN Pongal 4 days).
- Travel Tip: Book early for Diwali (Nov 8 Sun, extended break), Holi (Mar 4).
Total off days: 100-120 including weekends, varying by state/job.
Which holiday are you waiting for in 2026 – Pongal or Republic Day long weekend? Share your leave plans or state-specific holidays! Comment below.
Stay updated with us for all latest government holidays, bank rules, and festival updates in 2026.