Indian Holidays in April 2026

With the pleasant spring in full swing during April, it is a great time to plan vacations. Make a note of Indian holidays in this month to plan your trips accordingly. Read on to learn more about the upcoming festivals and holidays in April 2026.

Here are the descriptions of the holidays and festivities to come in April:

1 April – Odisha Day

Odisha Day, also called Utkala Dibasa, marks the formation of Odisha in 1936. The day is celebrated with cultural programmes, parades, and events showcasing the state’s history, language, and traditions.

3 April – Good Friday

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christians observe the day with fasting, prayers, and special church services reflecting on sacrifice, compassion, and faith.

5 April – Easter

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolises hope and renewal. The festival is marked by church prayers, festive gatherings, and the exchange of Easter eggs representing new life.

5 April – Jagjivan Ram Jayanti

Jagjivan Ram Jayanti honours Babu Jagjivan Ram, a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer. Observed mainly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the day highlights his contribution to social justice.

14 April – Vaisakhi (Baisakhi)

Vaisakhi marks the harvest festival in Punjab and commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth in Sikhism. It is celebrated with prayers, processions, folk dances, and community feasts.

14 April – Vishu

Vishu marks the Malayalam New Year in Kerala. The festival is celebrated with the Vishukkani ritual, temple visits, fireworks, and traditional meals symbolising prosperity and new beginnings.

14 April – Tamil New Year (Puthandu / Mesha Sankranti)

Tamil New Year marks the Sun’s transition into Mesha (Aries). Celebrated in Tamil Nadu, it signifies new beginnings and is observed with prayers, special meals, and family gatherings.

14 April – Biju Festival

Biju Festival celebrates the Tripuri tribal New Year in Tripura. It is observed with traditional rituals, dances, music, and community celebrations welcoming prosperity and harmony.

14 April – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Jayanti

Ambedkar Jayanti honours Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution. Tributes, processions, and discussions are held nationwide to celebrate his legacy of equality and social reform.

15 April – Bohag Bihu

Bohag Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and the beginning of the harvest season. Celebrations include folk dances, music, cultural programmes, and communal feasts across Assam.

15 April – Himachal Day

Himachal Day commemorates the formation of Himachal Pradesh as a province in 1948. The state observes the day with official ceremonies, cultural performances, and public celebrations.

15 April – Bengali New Year (Poila Boishakh)

Poila Boishakh marks the Bengali New Year in West Bengal. It is celebrated with cultural events, traditional meals, business inaugurations, and community gatherings symbolising renewal and prosperity.

19 April – Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. Associated with prosperity and new beginnings, people begin ventures, perform rituals, and invest in gold on this day.

19 April – Maharishi Parshuram Jayanti

Parshuram Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe the day with prayers, religious discourses, and charitable activities.

20 April – Basava Jayanti

Basava Jayanti honours Basavanna, a 12th‑century philosopher and social reformer. Celebrated in Karnataka, the day highlights his teachings on equality, social justice, and ethical living.

21 April – Garia Puja

Garia Puja is a significant tribal festival in Tripura. It is celebrated to seek blessings for prosperity, good harvests, and community well‑being through rituals, dances, and offerings.

Here are some ways in which you can celebrate major festivities and occasions this April:

Odisha Day (1 April)

Celebrate Odisha Day by attending cultural programmes, folk dance performances, and exhibitions showcasing Odia art and traditions. You can also enjoy regional dishes like pakhala bhata and participate in local community events.

Good Friday (3 April)

Good Friday can be observed through quiet reflection, prayer, and attending church services. Many people choose to fast or abstain from meat and spend time in contemplation or charity.

Easter (5 April)

Celebrate Easter by attending church services and participating in special prayers. Families often organise Easter egg hunts, prepare festive meals, exchange greetings, and spend quality time together.

Jagjivan Ram Jayanti (5 April)

You can mark Jagjivan Ram Jayanti by reading about his life and contributions, attending community programmes, and taking part in discussions or initiatives focused on social welfare and equality.

Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) (14 April)

In Punjab, celebrate Vaisakhi by joining Bhangra or Gidda performances and visiting gurdwaras for special prayers. Participating in langar and local fairs reflects the festival’s strong community spirit.

Vishu (14 April)

Vishu celebrations begin with viewing the Vishukkani, followed by temple visits and family gatherings. Prepare a traditional festive meal, exchange gifts, and light firecrackers to welcome the New Year.

Tamil New Year / Puthandu / Mesha Sankranti (14 April)

Celebrate Tamil New Year by cleaning and decorating homes with kolams, offering prayers, preparing festive dishes, and exchanging greetings with family and friends to begin the year positively.

Biju Festival (14 April)

In Tripura, Biju Festival is celebrated through traditional dances, music, rituals, and community gatherings. Families participate in cultural activities that welcome the tribal New Year with joy and unity.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Jayanti (14 April)

Ambedkar Jayanti can be observed by attending commemorative events, paying floral tributes, reading his works, and participating in discussions on equality, rights, and constitutional values.

Bohag Bihu (15 April)

Celebrate Bohag Bihu by enjoying folk songs, dances, and cultural performances. Families prepare traditional foods, take part in community feasts, and welcome the Assamese New Year together.

Himachal Day (15 April)

Himachal Day is celebrated by attending cultural events, watching local performances, and participating in community programmes that highlight the state’s traditions and achievements.

Bengali New Year / Poila Boishakh (15 April)

Poila Boishakh can be celebrated by wearing traditional attire, attending cultural events, sharing festive meals, and exchanging sweets and greetings to mark fresh beginnings.

Akshaya Tritiya (19 April)

Celebrate Akshaya Tritiya by performing religious rituals, donating to charity, and starting new ventures or investments. Many people also buy gold, symbolising prosperity and good fortune.

Maharishi Parshuram Jayanti (19 April)

Parshuram Jayanti is observed through temple visits, prayers, and participation in spiritual or charitable activities. Devotees reflect on values of discipline and righteousness.

Basava Jayanti (20 April)

Basava Jayanti can be celebrated by attending processions, lectures, and cultural programmes. Many people reflect on Basavanna’s teachings on equality, ethical living, and social reform.

Garia Puja (21 April)

Garia Puja is celebrated with rituals, offerings, traditional music, and dances. Communities gather to seek blessings for prosperity, good harvests, and overall well‑being.

If you are planning for an outing in April 2026, here are some places you can consider visiting:

Jammu & Kashmir

April is the perfect time to visit Srinagar as the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden, is in full bloom. The garden comes alive with over 10 lakh vibrant tulips of different hues, set against the stunning backdrop of the Zabarwan Range. The annual Tulip Festival held in April adds cultural vibrancy, featuring traditional Kashmiri music, dance, and local handicrafts. The pleasant spring weather further enhances the charm of Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, and Mughal Gardens, making it an ideal month for exploring Srinagar’s beauty.

Assam

April marks the end of the tourist season in Kaziranga National Park, offering an excellent chance to spot wildlife before the park closes for the monsoon. The grasslands are still lush, and animals like the one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, and elephants are more visible as they frequent water sources. The weather in April is warm but manageable, making jeep safaris and elephant rides comfortable. Visiting in April also helps you avoid the larger crowds of earlier months, providing a more peaceful wildlife experience.

Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi’s fascinating ruins and temples are best explored in April, just before the intense summer heat sets in. The pleasant early summer weather allows for a comfortable exploration of Vijaya Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, and the iconic Stone Chariot. This April consider visiting this region’s unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites to enjoy the landscape of boulders and lush fields full of cultural significance.

Himachal Pradesh

April marks the start of the season for visiting Spiti Valley, as the snow begins to melt and the roads become accessible. The valley's stark beauty, with its snow-capped peaks and arid landscapes, is breathtaking during this time. Visit iconic monasteries like Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery, and enjoy the serene beauty of Chandra Taal Lake. The early spring season ensures fewer tourists, offering a tranquil experience. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy trekking and exploring offbeat trails under pleasant weather conditions in April.

Uttarakhand

April is a great time to visit destinations such as Mussoorie, Nainital, and Rishikesh. Hill stations offer refreshing weather, scenic views, and blooming forests, while Rishikesh provides opportunities for river rafting, yoga retreats, and spiritual exploration. The mild climate makes sightseeing and short treks enjoyable.

Meghalaya

April brings pleasant temperatures to Meghalaya, making it ideal for exploring Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Mawlynnong. Waterfalls begin flowing with renewed vigour, and lush green landscapes dominate the region. Visitors can explore living root bridges, limestone caves, and scenic viewpoints without heavy monsoon crowds.

Kerala

Destinations like Munnar and Wayanad offer cool climates, tea plantation views, and nature trails. Travelers can also combine their visit with Vishu celebrations, enjoying local traditions, food, and cultural experiences.

Arunachal Pradesh

April offers favourable conditions to explore Arunachal Pradesh before monsoon rains set in. Scenic destinations such as Tawang, Ziro Valley, and Bomdila are accessible and less crowded during this period. Visitors can explore ancient monasteries, tribal villages, and lush mountain landscapes. The mild spring weather makes road travel and sightseeing more comfortable across this largely untouched region.

Nagaland

Nagaland in April provides a calm and culturally rich travel experience. Kohima and nearby villages offer pleasant weather for exploring war memorials, traditional homes, and local markets. April is a good time to experience Naga cuisine, tribal crafts, and village life without the heavy tourist inflow seen during festival months. Rolling hills and green landscapes add to the visual appeal.

Mizoram

April brings warm yet comfortable temperatures to Mizoram, making it suitable for exploring Aizawl and nearby scenic spots. Visitors can enjoy panoramic hill views, waterfall visits, and peaceful surroundings. The state’s quiet charm, well‑preserved traditions, and scenic terrain make it a relaxing destination for travellers seeking offbeat experiences.

Here is how you can plan for a long weekend holiday in April 2026:

• 28th March to 1st April
  Saturday, 28th March - Weekend
  Sunday, 29th March – Weekend / Chaitra Sukhladi / Ugadi / Gudi Padwa
  Monday, 30th March - Ramzan Eid / Eid-ul-Fitar
  Tuesday, 1st April - Odisha Day

• 3rd April to 5th April
  Friday, 3rd April - Good Friday
  Saturday, 4th April – Weekend
  Sunday, 5th April - Easter

• 14th April to 15th April
  Tuesday, 14th April - Vaisakhi / Vishu / Meshadi / Ambedkar Jayanti
  Wednesday, 15th April - Bohag Bihu / Himachal Day

If you are planning a trip in the spring of April, it is crucial to make prior planning. Financial planning is equally essential to enjoy the best possible vacation.

To get instant funds for your trip requirements, you can always get a personal loan at affordable rates on Bajaj Markets. By comparing different lenders and offers, you can get a loan on favourable terms that suit your finances and plan a great trip!