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2026 Calendar With Indian Holidays PDF — Free Printable Guide
Download our free printable 2026 calendar with Indian holidays PDF to track all 17 Central Government gazetted holidays, 34 restricted leaves, moon phases, and regional festivals across India for annual leave planning.
Complete 2026 India Holiday Calendar & Festival Guide
Organizing an annual schedule across the Indian subcontinent requires an accurate 2026 holiday calendar India reference that separates statutory closures from regional observances. Public holidays in India operate through a dual federal and state framework. While the central government mandates nationwide closures for federal establishments, state governments issue independent notifications under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, to honor local linguistic and religious traditions. Referencing a consolidated india holiday calendar 2026 enables human resources teams, banking professionals, and families to coordinate operations and travel without disruption.
The National Portal of India holiday calendar divides federal government leaves into two statutory categories: Gazetted Holidays (G) and Restricted Holidays (R). Central government administrative offices close completely on the 17 designated gazetted dates. In addition, employees can select two restricted holidays—commonly known as optional leaves—from an approved list of 34 regional festivals. Reviewing the complete indian holiday list 2026 early in the first quarter helps professionals register their optional leave dates in advance and pair them with weekend closures.
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar 2026
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
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October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
January to March 2026: Winter Harvests & Spring Festivals
The opening quarter of the indian festival calendar 2026 moves from winter solar harvest celebrations to major spring equinox festivals. In mid-January, the sun’s astronomical transition into Capricorn (Makara Rashi) initiates multi-day agricultural festivities and state bank closures across northern, western, and southern India.
- Makar Sankranti & Pongal (January 14, 2026 — Wednesday): Celebrated nationwide as a premier solar harvest festival. Classified as a Restricted Holiday at the central level, it is a full gazetted public holiday in Tamil Nadu (Pongal), Gujarat (Uttarayan), Karnataka, Telangana, and Assam (Magha Bihu).
- Republic Day (January 26, 2026 — Monday): One of India’s three compulsory national holidays, commemorating the enforcement of the Constitution of India in 1950. Falling on a Monday in 2026, it delivers the year’s first nationwide three-day weekend.
- Maha Shivaratri (February 15, 2026 — Sunday): Observed on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight in the lunar month of Phalguna with fasting and night vigils dedicated to Lord Shiva. Because it lands on a Sunday in 2026, standard weekday working schedules remain unaffected.
- Holika Dahan & Holi (March 3–4, 2026 — Tuesday & Wednesday): The spring festival of colors starts with the ceremonial Holika Dahan bonfire on Tuesday, March 3 (Restricted Holiday), followed by the gazetted public holiday for Holi (Dhulandi) on Wednesday, March 4, coinciding with Doljatra in West Bengal and Odisha.
- Ugadi & Gudi Padwa (March 19, 2026 — Thursday): Marking the Chaitra Sukladi lunisolar New Year, observed as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Goa, Ugadi in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, and Cheti Chand among the Sindhi community.
- Id-ul-Fitr / Ramzan Id (March 21, 2026 — Saturday): Marking the conclusion of the fasting month of Ramadan on the first day of Shawwal. Because Islamic festivals follow the lunar calendar, the official date depends on local crescent moon sighting.
- Ram Navami (March 26, 2026 — Thursday): Celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Rama on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra, observed as a gazetted holiday across central offices and most northern and western states.
- Mahavir Jayanti (March 31, 2026 — Tuesday): The principal Jain festival honoring the birth of Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, closing banks and government offices in Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
April to June 2026: Solar New Years & Sacred Observances
The second quarter of the 2026 calendar india festival schedule features regional solar new year days in mid-April alongside major Christian, Buddhist, and Islamic gazetted holidays, while schools across India begin their summer recess in May.
- Good Friday (April 3, 2026 — Friday): A compulsory gazetted holiday nationwide commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, creating a three-day weekend ahead of Easter Sunday on April 5.
- Ambedkar Jayanti & Vaisakhi (April 14, 2026 — Tuesday): Honors the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, chief architect of the Indian Constitution, declared as a public and bank holiday across most states. April 14 also marks the solar New Year of Vaisakhi in Punjab, Vishu in Kerala, and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, followed by Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal and Bohag Bihu in Assam on April 15.
- Buddha Purnima / Vesak (May 1, 2026 — Friday): Observed on the Vaisakha full moon to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. In 2026, May 1 also coincides with International Workers’ Day (May Day) and Maharashtra Day.
- Id-ul-Zuha / Bakrid (May 27, 2026 — Wednesday): The Islamic festival of sacrifice honoring Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion, notified as a central gazetted holiday on Wednesday, May 27, subject to moon sighting.
- Muharram / Ashura (June 26, 2026 — Friday): Observing the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram, landing on a Friday in 2026 to form a three-day weekend for government and banking staff.
July to September 2026: Monsoon Festivals & Patriotic Days
Spanning the southwest monsoon season, the third quarter of the festival calendar 2026 india includes historic temple processions, patriotic milestones, and late-summer harvest celebrations. Checking the holiday list 2026 india during these months helps travelers plan around monsoon transit schedules.
- Rath Yatra (July 16, 2026 — Thursday): The famous chariot procession of Lord Jagannath in Puri, designated as a central Restricted Holiday and a full gazetted holiday throughout Odisha.
- Independence Day & Parsi New Year (August 15, 2026 — Saturday): India’s mandatory national holiday celebrating independence in 1947. In 2026, August 15 falls on a Saturday and coincides with Nauraj (Parsi New Year).
- Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad & Onam (August 26, 2026 — Wednesday): Milad-un-Nabi honors the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad as a central gazetted holiday, while Kerala simultaneously celebrates Thiru Onam Day, the culmination of its state harvest festival.
- Raksha Bandhan (August 28, 2026 — Friday): Celebrated on the Shravana full moon to honor the bond between siblings. It serves as a central Restricted Holiday and a state public holiday in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
- Janmashtami (September 4, 2026 — Friday): Marking the birth of Lord Krishna on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in Bhadrapada, providing a Friday gazetted holiday and a three-day weekend.
- Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi (September 14, 2026 — Monday): Celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha on the same date as Hindi Diwas. It is a central Restricted Holiday and a mandatory public holiday in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
October to December 2026: Navratri, Diwali & Year-End Holidays
The final quarter represents the peak of the indian festivals 2026 calendar, driving the highest volume of retail commerce, domestic aviation travel, and corporate leave applications. Verifying exact indian festival dates 2026 in October and November is essential for managing banking and supply chain schedules.
- Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday / Gandhi Jayanti (October 2, 2026 — Friday): India’s third compulsory national holiday, honoring Mahatma Gandhi (born 1869) and creating a nationwide three-day Friday weekend.
- Sharad Navratri & Durga Puja (October 11–20, 2026): Nine nights of devotion to Goddess Durga commence on Sunday, October 11. In West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura, state holidays cover Maha Saptami (October 18), Maha Ashtami (October 19), and Maha Navami (October 20).
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami (October 20, 2026 — Tuesday): Celebrating the victory of good over evil on the tenth day of Ashvin. Taking Monday, October 19 off bridges a four-day festive break across India.
- Karwa Chauth (October 29, 2026 — Thursday): Observed on the fourth day after the Kartika full moon as a Restricted Holiday across northern India.
- Diwali / Deepavali Cluster (November 6–11, 2026): The five-day festival of lights opens with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6. Naraka Chaturdashi and the main Lakshmi Puja of Diwali fall on Sunday, November 8, 2026 (Gazetted Holiday), followed by Govardhan Puja on Monday, November 9 (Restricted Holiday) and Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11.
- Chhath Puja / Pratihar Shashthi (November 15, 2026 — Sunday): Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya), observed as a central Restricted Holiday and a major public holiday in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- Guru Nanak Jayanti / Gurpurab (November 24, 2026 — Tuesday): Honoring the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji on Kartik Purnima as a central gazetted holiday.
- Christmas Day (December 25, 2026 — Friday): Commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ on Friday, December 25, concluding 2026 with a three-day weekend following Christmas Eve (Restricted Holiday) on December 24.
Central vs. State Government Holiday Rules in India
To apply a 2026 calendar with holidays india accurately for payroll and statutory compliance, employers and citizens must distinguish between India’s three holiday tiers:
- Compulsory National Holidays (3 Days): Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday (October 2) are strictly mandatory nationwide across all government departments, banks, schools, and private enterprises.
- Central Government Gazetted Framework (17 Days): The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) mandates 14 fixed nationwide holidays plus 3 additional holidays chosen from 12 regional festivals by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee (CGEWCC) in state capitals outside New Delhi, alongside 2 individual Restricted Holidays (RH).
- State & Bank Holidays (Negotiable Instruments Act): Banking closures and state administrative leaves are notified independently by each State Government and published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Scheduled commercial banks also close on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, while operating normal hours on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays.
2026 Long Weekends & Leave Planning Guide in India
Because several gazetted holidays land near weekends, the indian leave calendar 2026 provides 14 extended break opportunities. By combining statutory holidays with Casual Leave (CL) or Restricted Holidays (RH), employees can maximize their annual vacation days using this festival chart:
| Month | Festival / Public Holiday | Holiday Date & Day | Leave Strategy (Bridge Day) | Total Days Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Republic Day | Jan 26 (Monday) | No leave needed (Sat Jan 24 – Mon Jan 26) | 3 Days |
| March 2026 | Holika Dahan & Holi | Mar 3 (Tue) & Mar 4 (Wed) | Take Mon Mar 2 as CL + Tue Mar 3 as RH | 5 Days (Feb 28 – Mar 4) |
| March 2026 | Ram Navami | Mar 26 (Thursday) | Take Fri Mar 27 as Casual Leave | 4 Days (Mar 26 – Mar 29) |
| March / April | Mahavir Jayanti & Good Friday | Mar 31 (Tue) & Apr 3 (Fri) | Take Mon Mar 30, Wed Apr 1, Thu Apr 2 off | 9 Days (Mar 28 – Apr 5) |
| May 2026 | Buddha Purnima / May Day | May 1 (Friday) | No leave needed (Fri May 1 – Sun May 3) | 3 Days |
| June 2026 | Muharram | Jun 26 (Friday) | No leave needed (Fri Jun 26 – Sun Jun 28) | 3 Days |
| August 2026 | Raksha Bandhan | Aug 28 (Friday) | Use 1 RH on Fri Aug 28 (or state holiday) | 3 Days (Aug 28 – Aug 30) |
| September 2026 | Janmashtami | Sep 4 (Friday) | No leave needed (Fri Sep 4 – Sun Sep 6) | 3 Days |
| September 2026 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Sep 14 (Monday) | Use 1 RH on Mon Sep 14 (or state holiday) | 3 Days (Sep 12 – Sep 14) |
| October 2026 | Gandhi Jayanti | Oct 2 (Friday) | No leave needed (Fri Oct 2 – Sun Oct 4) | 3 Days |
| October 2026 | Maha Navami & Dussehra | Oct 19 (Mon) & Oct 20 (Tue) | Use 1 RH on Mon Oct 19 (Maha Ashtami) | 4 Days (Oct 17 – Oct 20) |
| November 2026 | Diwali & Govardhan Puja | Nov 8 (Sun) & Nov 9 (Mon) | Use 1 RH on Mon Nov 9 (Govardhan Puja) | 3 Days (Nov 7 – Nov 9) |
| November 2026 | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Nov 24 (Tuesday) | Take Mon Nov 23 as Casual Leave | 4 Days (Nov 21 – Nov 24) |
| December 2026 | Christmas Eve & Christmas | Dec 24 (Thu) & Dec 25 (Fri) | Use 1 RH on Thu Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) | 4 Days (Dec 24 – Dec 27) |
How to Download & Print Your 2026 Indian Calendar PDF
Use the interactive export bar at the top of this page to generate a custom 2026 calendar india pdf for your home, school, or office. You can select either the full-year single-page layout or individual monthly sheets in three downloadable formats:
- Printable PDF (.pdf): Formatted for standard A4 paper at 300 DPI resolution with clear color coding for public holidays, weekends, and lunar phases.
- Excel Spreadsheet (.xlsx): Designed for HR managers and payroll teams who require an editable festival chart to track employee leave balances and regional bank closures.
- Word Document (.docx): Built for educators, students, and families who want to add custom notes, exam dates, or personal events before printing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 India Holiday Calendar
Q: How many gazetted holidays are there in India in 2026?
A: There are 17 Central Government gazetted holidays in India in 2026, alongside 34 Restricted Holidays from which central employees can select two optional days off. State governments notify between 15 and 25 public holidays based on regional observances.
Q: Which are the three mandatory national holidays in India in 2026?
A: The three compulsory national holidays in 2026 are Republic Day on Monday, January 26, Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, and Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, October 2. All government and private organizations across India must close on these dates.
Q: When is Diwali in 2026 in the Indian calendar?
A: Diwali (Deepavali) falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The five-day festive period starts with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, followed by Govardhan Puja on Monday, November 9, and Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Q: When is Holi celebrated in India in 2026?
A: Holi (Dhulandi) is celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as a gazetted public holiday. The preceding evening bonfire ritual of Holika Dahan takes place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Q: What is the difference between a Gazetted Holiday and a Restricted Holiday in India?
A: A Gazetted Holiday is a mandatory paid public holiday when government offices, banks, and schools close. A Restricted Holiday (RH) is an optional leave where offices stay open, allowing employees to take pre-approved time off for specific festivals.
Q: Why do Islamic festival dates like Eid-ul-Fitr and Bakrid shift in the 2026 India calendar?
A: Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar and depend on the local visual sighting of the crescent moon. In 2026, Eid-ul-Fitr is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, and Bakrid (Id-ul-Zuha) for Wednesday, May 27, subject to official moon sighting confirmation.
Q: Are banks in India closed on all Saturdays in 2026?
A: No, scheduled commercial banks in India close only on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, in addition to Sundays and state-notified holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The first, third, and fifth Saturdays are regular working days.
Explore 2026 Month by Month
Plan your upcoming schedule across years and months using our India holiday and festival calendars hub and our 2027 Calendar With Indian Holidays PDF guide.
Chokri Hamouda runs Calendarena.com. He makes simple, printable calendar templates. His goal is to help people organize their time better. He updates the site with monthly and yearly calendars for users worldwide. Chokri focuses on making calendars that are easy to read and use. He also researches holidays and date systems to keep everything accurate.