National Holidays 2026 India
National Holidays 2026 India
Complete Guide to Bank Holidays, Government Holidays & Festival Calendar
Planning your year ahead? This comprehensive guide provides the complete list of National Holidays in India for 2026, including all bank holidays, government holidays, and major festivals celebrated across the country.
India observes a diverse calendar of holidays reflecting its rich cultural heritage, with three official national holidays and numerous regional festivals recognized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and state governments.
📊 2026 Holiday Overview
🏛️ Three Official National Holidays
These three holidays are observed across all states and union territories in India. All government offices, banks, and most businesses remain closed on these days.
🎉 Major Religious & Cultural Festivals 2026
🕉️ Hindu Festivals
☪️ Islamic Festivals
✝️ Christian Festivals
☬ Sikh & Buddhist Festivals
🏦 Bank Holidays 2026: Complete Information
📌 How Bank Holidays Work in India
- Bank holidays are declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases the official list annually
- Banks remain closed on all three National Holidays
- Regional holidays vary by state based on local festivals
- All Sundays are bank holidays by default
- 2nd and 4th Saturdays are bank holidays nationwide
📅 Saturday Bank Holidays 2026
All banks remain closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month:
| Month | 2nd Saturday | 4th Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 10 | Jan 24 |
| February | Feb 14 | Feb 28 |
| March | Mar 14 | Mar 28 |
| April | Apr 11 | Apr 25 |
| May | May 9 | May 23 |
| June | Jun 13 | Jun 27 |
| July | Jul 11 | Jul 25 |
| August | Aug 8 | Aug 22 |
| September | Sep 12 | Sep 26 |
| October | Oct 10 | Oct 24 |
| November | Nov 14 | Nov 28 |
| December | Dec 12 | Dec 26 |
🗓️ Month-Wise Holiday Calendar 2026
January 2026 Holidays
- January 1 (Thursday) - New Year's Day
- January 14 (Wednesday) - Makar Sankranti / Pongal
- January 26 (Monday) - Republic Day
February 2026 Holidays
- February 19 (Thursday) - Maha Shivaratri
March 2026 Holidays
- March 3 (Tuesday) - Holi
- March 31 (Tuesday) - Mahavir Jayanti / Eid ul-Fitr (Tentative)
April 2026 Holidays
- April 1 (Wednesday) - Annual Bank Closing
- April 3 (Friday) - Good Friday
- April 6 (Monday) - Easter Monday (Regional)
- April 8 (Wednesday) - Ram Navami
- April 14 (Tuesday) - Ambedkar Jayanti
May 2026 Holidays
- May 1 (Friday) - May Day / Labour Day
- May 12 (Tuesday) - Buddha Purnima
August 2026 Holidays
- August 12 (Wednesday) - Janmashtami
- August 15 (Saturday) - Independence Day
October 2026 Holidays
- October 2 (Friday) - Gandhi Jayanti
- October 19 (Monday) - Dussehra
November 2026 Holidays
- November 9 (Monday) - Diwali
- November 24 (Tuesday) - Guru Nanak Jayanti
December 2026 Holidays
- December 25 (Friday) - Christmas
🗺️ State-Specific Regional Holidays
🏛️ Important Regional Observances
- Karnataka: Karnataka Rajyotsava (November 1)
- Tamil Nadu: Tamil New Year, Pongal (January 14-17)
- Maharashtra: Gudi Padwa, Maharashtra Day (May 1)
- West Bengal: Durga Puja, Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh)
- Kerala: Onam, Vishu
- Punjab: Baisakhi, Guru Nanak Jayanti
- Assam: Bihu festivals (Rongali, Kongali, Bhogali)
- Goa: Goa Liberation Day (December 19)
Planning Tip: Always check your state's official bank holiday calendar as regional festivals may result in bank closures specific to your location. Contact your local bank branch or check their website for the complete list.
💼 Government Office Holidays 2026
🏢 Central Government Holiday Rules
- Central government employees get all three National Holidays
- Total of 17 gazetted holidays (including restricted holidays)
- Restricted holidays allow employees to choose based on religious/cultural preferences
- State governments may have additional local holidays
- Essential services operate with skeleton staff on holidays
✈️ Long Weekend Opportunities 2026
Travel Planning Tip: Book your travel early for long weekends as these are peak tourist seasons. Consider taking strategic leaves around festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra to maximize your vacation days.
📱 How to Check Bank Holidays Online
🔍 Quick Methods to Verify Holiday Status
- RBI Website: Visit the official Reserve Bank of India website for the authentic holiday list
- Bank's Official Website: Most banks publish their annual holiday calendar in December
- Mobile Banking Apps: Check the 'Holiday List' section in your bank's app
- Customer Care: Call your bank's customer service for immediate clarification
- State Government Portals: Check for state-specific holidays and notifications
🎯 Important Notes & FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Islamic festival dates confirmed?
A: Islamic festival dates are based on lunar calendar and moon sighting, so exact dates may vary by 1-2 days. Always confirm with local authorities closer to the date.
Q: Do online banking services work on bank holidays?
A: Yes, internet banking, mobile banking, and ATM services typically remain operational 24/7, including on holidays. However, fund transfers may be processed on the next working day.
Q: How many total holidays do banks get in 2026?
A: Banks get approximately 15-20 public holidays (varies by state), plus 24 Saturdays (2nd & 4th) and 52 Sundays, totaling around 90+ non-working days.
Q: Can banks declare additional holidays?
A: Banks may declare additional holidays for unforeseen circumstances or local events, but these must be approved by RBI and notified in advance.
📝 Planning Checklist for 2026
✅ Smart Planning Tips
- Download and save the complete holiday calendar on your phone
- Mark important dates in your digital calendar with reminders
- Plan major financial transactions avoiding holiday periods
- Schedule bill payments before long holiday weekends
- Book travel accommodations 2-3 months in advance for festival periods
- Keep emergency cash for long holiday weekends when banks are closed
- Subscribe to your bank's SMS alerts for holiday notifications
- Check clearance timelines for cheques before holidays
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