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August features key holidays including Independence Day on 15 August, Milad-un-Nabi on 26 August, and Raksha Bandhan on 28 August.
Last updated on: Aug 18, 2026
Holidays in August 2026 coincide with the monsoon season, making it a popular time for festive celebrations, family gatherings, and short getaways. The month features major observances such as Independence Day, Onam, Raksha Bandhan, and Milad-un-Nabi, along with several regional holidays. With multiple bank holidays, including the regular second and fourth Saturdays, planning ahead can help you make the most of the holiday calendar.
This August includes national and regional holidays across India. You can observe Independence Day nationwide. Other celebrations vary by state. Check this list to plan your month accordingly.
| Date | Day | Name of Holiday | Celebrated in (State/Region) |
|---|---|---|---|
2 August 2026 |
Sunday |
Friendship Day |
Across India |
15 August 2026 |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
Across India (National) |
15 August 2026 |
Saturday |
Parsi New Year (Navroz) |
Maharashtra, Gujarat (Restricted) |
26 August 2026 |
Wednesday |
Onam |
Kerala |
26 August 2026 |
Wednesday |
Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday) |
National (except Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Punjab, Sikkim, West Bengal) |
28 August 2026 |
Friday |
Raksha Bandhan |
Across India |
Note: The dates and regional observance of lunar-calendar festivals may be revised through official announcements.
For detailed information on holidays observed across India in 2026, check the Indian Holidays 2026 list.
Banks across India close on specific dates in August 2026. You cannot visit branches on these days. ATM services remain available. Check your state's banking calendar.
| Date | Day | Name of Holiday | Celebrated in (State/Region) |
|---|---|---|---|
8 August 2026 |
Saturday |
2nd Saturday Bank Holiday |
Across India |
13 August 2026 |
Thursday |
Patriot's Day |
Manipur |
15 August 2026 |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
Across India (National) |
22 August 2026 |
Saturday |
4th Saturday Bank Holiday |
Across India |
26 August 2026 |
Wednesday |
Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday) |
National (except Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Punjab, Sikkim, West Bengal) |
26 August 2026 |
Wednesday |
Onam |
Kerala |
Gazetted holidays are mandatory offs for government employees in August 2026. All central and state offices remain closed. You get paid leave on these dates automatically.
| Date | Day | Name of Holiday | Celebrated in(State/Region) |
|---|---|---|---|
15 August 2026 |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
Across India (National) |
26 August 2026 |
Wednesday |
Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday) |
National (except Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Punjab, Sikkim, West Bengal) |
See the full list of Gazetted Holidays 2026.
Restricted holidays are optional in August 2026. Government employees can choose from this list. You select a limited number based on your organisation's policy. Private companies may differ.
| Date | Day | Name of Holiday | Celebrated in(State/Region) |
|---|---|---|---|
15 August 2026 |
Saturday |
Parsi New Year (Navroz) |
Maharashtra, Gujarat (Restricted) |
26 August 2026 |
Wednesday |
Onam |
Kerala |
28 August 2026 |
Friday |
Raksha Bandhan |
Across India |
In August 2026, you can enjoy the following long weekends:
14th August, Friday - Take a leave
15th August, Saturday - Independence Day
16th August, Sunday- Weekend
26th August, Wednesday- Milad-un-Nabi
26th August, Wednesday- Onam
27th August, Thursday- Take Leave
28th August, Friday- Raksha Bandhan
29th August-30th August, Saturday and Sunday - Weekend
Friendship Day: Friendship Day celebrates bonds between friends. You exchange gifts and spend time with close companions. Karnataka observes this as a holiday. People share messages and organise gatherings. The day honours meaningful friendships in life.
Independence Day: Independence Day marks India's freedom from British rule on 15 August 1947. You witness flag hoisting ceremonies nationwide. The Prime Minister addresses the nation from Red Fort. Schools and offices remain closed.
Parsi New Year (Navroz): Parsi New Year celebrates the Zoroastrian calendar's first day. You observe this in Maharashtra and Gujarat as a restricted holiday. Parsi communities perform prayers and prepare traditional meals.
Onam: Onam is Kerala's harvest festival celebrating King Mahabali's return. You see elaborate flower carpets called Pookalam. People prepare the Onasadya feast. Traditional dance performances like Kathakali take place across the state.
Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday): Milad-un-Nabi marks Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary. You observe this in Telangana's Hyderabad region. Muslims gather for prayers and processions. Communities distribute food and engage in charitable activities throughout the day.
Raksha Bandhan: Raksha Bandhan celebrates the brother-sister bond. Sisters tie sacred threads called Rakhi on brothers' wrists. You exchange gifts and sweets. Multiple northern and central Indian states observe this as a public holiday.
August 2026 brings exciting shopping opportunities with major online sales across categories. If you're planning to upgrade your gadgets, appliances, or home essentials, these sales are worth keeping an eye on:
| Sale | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Starts 8 August 2026 |
Discounts across smartphones, electronics, appliances, and other shopping categories. Select members may get early access from 7 August. |
|
Flipkart Mega Home Sale |
10 August - 16 August 2026 |
Deals on home appliances, furniture, kitchen essentials, home décor, and related products. |
Shopping Tip: For eligible purchases during these sales, you can use the Insta EMI Card to convert transactions into convenient monthly instalments.
August is a fantastic time to travel in India, with destinations offering unique cultural events and vibrant festivities. Here are some of the best places to visit this month:
Check the table below to explore popular domestic destinations to visit during the monsoon season.
| Place | What to Expect |
|---|---|
Misty hills, lush greenery, and refreshing monsoon views. |
|
Alleppey |
Scenic backwaters, greenery, and gentle monsoon showers. |
Thrissur |
Pleasant weather, green landscapes, and cultural attractions. |
Lush scenery, pleasant evenings, and light showers. |
|
Mount Abu |
Cool weather, green hills, and scenic viewpoints. |
Delhi |
Rainy days, cloudy skies, and cooler temperatures. |
Mahabaleshwar |
Waterfalls, misty valleys, and vibrant green surroundings. |
Lush plantations, waterfalls, and frequent rainfall. |
|
Lonavala |
Flowing waterfalls, misty hills, and green valleys. |
Fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and pleasant weather. |
Note: Discover popular domestic travel ideas.
Refer to the table below for international destinations to explore during the monsoon season.
| Place | What to Expect |
|---|---|
Shopping deals, food festivals, and fewer crowds. |
|
Pleasant weather, hiking trails, and scenic landscapes. |
|
Snowy mountains and excellent skiing conditions. |
|
Wildlife safaris and comfortable winter weather. |
|
Sunny beaches, island hopping, and vibrant nightlife. |
Note: Explore international travel ideas.
Reviewer
Major August 2026 holidays include Independence Day (15 August), Milad-un-Nabi (26 August), Onam/Thiruvonam (26 August), and Raksha Bandhan (28 August). The applicability of these holidays may vary by state, organisation, and institution.
Yes. Independence Day falls on Saturday, 15 August 2026, and is observed as a national gazetted holiday across India.
Bank holidays in August 2026 typically include Independence Day, the second and fourth Saturdays, Sundays, and certain state-specific holidays. The exact list varies by state.
Yes. It may be a bank holiday in some states due to Milad-un-Nabi or Onam. Since bank holiday schedules vary by location, check the applicable state-wise bank holiday calendar before visiting a branch.
Depending on the state or organisation, it may be observed as a regional, restricted, or optional holiday rather than a nationwide public holiday.
No. While some holidays are observed nationwide, others are regional, state-specific, restricted, or applicable only to certain institutions such as banks. Always check the holiday calendar for your location.
There are 4 major holidays in August 2026: Independence Day (15 August), Milad-un-Nabi (26 August), Onam (26 August), and Raksha Bandhan (28 August). However, the total number of holidays applicable to you may differ based on your state, bank, organisation, and local holiday calendar.
You can explore the list of Indian holidays for a month-wise overview of holidays and observances throughout the year.
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