Holidays In August 2026

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: 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.

Friendship Day

You can celebrate Friendship Day by meeting your close friends in person. Organise a small gathering at home or visit a restaurant together. You may exchange handmade cards or meaningful gifts that reflect your bond. Plan activities like watching films or playing games together. Social media platforms allow you to share appreciation posts for distant friends.

You can also reconnect with old friends you haven't spoken to recently. Send messages or make phone calls to people who matter. Small gestures strengthen friendships over time. You create lasting memories through shared experiences on this day.

Independence Day

You can attend flag hoisting ceremonies in your neighbourhood or local community centres. Schools and residential societies organise patriotic events you may participate in. Watch the Prime Minister's speech from Red Fort on television. You can also visit historical monuments related to India's freedom struggle.

You may decorate your home with tricolour flags and ribbons. Participate in cultural programmes showcasing Indian heritage and traditions. You can watch patriotic films with family members. Many people prepare traditional Indian meals to celebrate the occasion together.

Parsi New Year

You can visit Parsi friends or neighbours to exchange greetings and good wishes. Parsi communities welcome guests during this celebration. You may try traditional dishes like Sali Boti, Dhansak, or Ravo at Parsi restaurants. Fire temples hold special prayers you can attend if permitted.

You can learn about Zoroastrian culture and traditions during this festival. Wear new clothes and keep your home clean to mark new beginnings. You may also donate to charitable causes as generosity is valued in Parsi traditions.

Onam

You can create Pookalam flower carpets at your home entrance using fresh flowers. Kerala restaurants serve Onasadya feasts on banana leaves during this period. You may attend Kathakali dance performances or Vallamkali boat races if visiting Kerala. Traditional games like Talappanthukali are organised in communities.

You can wear traditional Kerala attire like Kasavu sarees or mundus. Prepare sweet dishes like Payasam at home with family members. You may also visit temples to offer prayers. The festival spans multiple days, allowing various celebration activities.

Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday)

You can attend special prayer gatherings at mosques in your area. Many communities organise processions and religious discussions about the Prophet Muhammad's life. You may participate in charitable activities like distributing food to the needy. Mosques often arrange communal meals for attendees.

You can read about Islamic teachings and the Prophet's life history. Spend time with family discussing moral values and compassion. You may decorate your home with lights and banners. Many people wear new clothes to mark this special occasion.

Raksha Bandhan

You celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying Rakhi threads on your brother's wrist. Sisters perform aarti and apply tilak before the tying ceremony. Brothers give gifts or money to sisters as tokens of protection. You can prepare traditional sweets like ladoos or barfi at home.

You may organise family gatherings with extended relatives for the celebration. Visit siblings who live in different cities if possible. You can also celebrate with cousins. Many people fast until the Rakhi ceremony completes. Exchange phone calls or video calls with distant siblings to maintain the tradition.

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:

Domestic Destinations 

You can explore these domestic spots during Independence Day on 15 August, Onam on 26 August, and Raksha Bandhan on 28 August. Monsoon beauty peaks across India during this month. Consider a travel loan to fund your holiday trips. Planning ahead helps manage expenses better.

Munnar

Tea gardens turn lush green during the August monsoons. Visit Eravikulam National Park to spot Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife. The cool climate offers relief from summer heat. Walk through tea plantations and learn about tea processing methods. Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point become more scenic during this period. Onam celebrations bring cultural performances to the town centre. Stay in hillside resorts overlooking misty valleys for the best experience.

Alleppey

Houseboats glide through calm backwaters surrounded by coconut groves. Watch traditional snake boat races during Onam festivities across the region. Flower carpets called Pookalam appear everywhere in the town streets. Enjoy fresh Kerala cuisine on houseboat rides through the waterways. Vembanad Lake looks beautiful during monsoon months with lush surroundings. Local markets sell handicrafts and spices for purchase. Experience authentic Kerala village life along the scenic waterways.

Thrissur

Tiger dance performers gather during Onam celebrations in August here. Traditional drumbeats from Chenda instruments echo through the streets constantly. Join Pulikali performances where artists paint themselves as tigers. Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple for special festival prayers and rituals. The town becomes a cultural hub during this festive period. Taste traditional Onasadya meals served on banana leaves at restaurants. Local art forms and theatre performances happen throughout the month.

Udaipur

Lake Pichola fills up with monsoon rains, creating stunning reflections. Boat around City Palace enjoying royal architecture views from the water. Celebrate Raksha Bandhan at lakeside temples and bustling markets. Visit Jag Mandir island palace during the boat ride. Monsoon Palace offers panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli hills. Local bazaars sell traditional Rajasthani Rakhis and beautiful handicrafts. Enjoy cultural shows at Bagore Ki Haveli in the evenings.

Mount Abu

Cool hills welcome families seeking relief from August heat effectively. Trek scenic Aravali mountain paths surrounded by thick greenery. Visit the Dilwara Temples, known for intricate marble architecture and detailed carvings. Nakki Lake has become a popular spot for boating activities. Explore Guru Shikhar, the highest peak in Rajasthan state. Raksha Bandhan celebrations bring local fairs and markets to life. Stay in hillside hotels with valley views for comfortable accommodation.

Delhi

Red Fort hosts the main Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony. See the Prime Minister's address and cultural shows on 15 August. India Gate becomes a popular spot for patriotic gatherings and celebrations. Visit museums showcasing India's freedom struggle history and heritage. Markets sell tricolour flags, badges, and decorative items throughout August. Historical monuments like Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb remain open. Explore street food at Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place areas.

Mahabaleshwar

Waterfalls rush down hills, creating spectacular natural views during monsoons. Picnic at Venna Lake surrounded by lush forests and greenery. Strawberry farms remain closed, but viewpoints offer misty panoramas. Visit ancient temples like the Mahabaleshwar Temple and the Panchganga Temple. Arthur's Seat provides breathtaking views of the Konkan coast below. This makes a perfect spot for Independence Day weekend breaks. Stay in cosy hill station hotels with valley views.

Coorg

Coffee estates smell fresh during August rains across the region. Trek to Abbey Falls, witnessing powerful water cascades during monsoons. Raja's Seat offers sunset views over misty hills and valleys. Visit coffee plantations and learn about cultivation processes in detail. Dubare Elephant Camp lets visitors interact with elephants closely. Nagarhole National Park offers wildlife spotting opportunities during this period. Taste authentic Coorgi cuisine at local homestays throughout the region.

Lonavala

Ancient caves hide in misty hills, attracting history enthusiasts here. See dams like Bhushi Dam overflow, creating small waterfalls. Monsoon transforms the landscape into lush green carpets everywhere. Trek to Tiger's Leap point for panoramic views of the valleys. Local markets sell chikki, a traditional sweet made from jaggery. This makes a quick weekend getaway spot from Mumbai and Pune. Explore Karla and Bhaja caves dating back centuries.

Ladakh

High mountain passes stay open for travel during August. Drive to Pangong Lake, enjoying the changing colours of the water. This dry region beats monsoon rains, affecting other Indian destinations. Visit Nubra Valley and ride Bactrian camels across sand dunes. Magnetic Hill and monasteries offer unique cultural experiences throughout the region. Clear skies provide excellent conditions for photography and stargazing. Acclimatisation time becomes necessary due to high altitude conditions.

International Destinations

Singapore

Singapore celebrates its National Day on 9 August with grand parades. Watch fireworks displays lighting up the Marina Bay skyline at night. The Singapore Night Festival illuminates Bras Basah Bugis district with installations. Explore Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa Island attractions easily. The weather stays warm and humid with temperatures between 26°C to 33°C. Brief tropical showers provide relief during the afternoon hours regularly. Use efficient public transport systems to travel across the city. Hawker centres offer affordable local cuisines like chicken rice and laksa. The cost of a trip to Singapore can be optimized by utilizing efficient public transport and enjoying affordable local cuisines at hawker centres.

Switzerland

August brings warm summer weather and clear alpine views across Switzerland. Explore charming towns like Lucerne, Zermatt, and Interlaken easily. Scenic rail journeys like the Glacier Express offer breathtaking mountain views. Swiss National Day on 1 August adds festive charm to visits. Go hiking, biking, or paddleboarding in pristine alpine lakes. The Matterhorn peak becomes clearly visible during this period. Use Swiss Travel Passes to reduce the cost of a trip to Switzerland significantly. Booking mid-range accommodations in advance helps manage travel budgets better.

New Zealand

August marks late winter in New Zealand, offering excellent skiing opportunities. Visit premier ski resorts in Queenstown and Wanaka regions. Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers provide unique hiking experiences during winter. The South Island offers stunning snow-capped mountain landscapes throughout August. Spot whales off the Kaikoura coast regularly during this season. Fewer tourists visit during winter, making attractions less crowded. The cost of a trip to New Zealand can be managed by considering RV travel and utilizing free campsites, as highlighted by travelers who have balanced expenses effectively..

South Africa

August offers clear skies and moderate temperatures across South Africa. Enjoy the prime wildlife safari season in Kruger National Park. Animals congregate around water sources, making spotting easier for visitors. The Western Cape witnesses spectacular wildflower blooms during this month. Watch southern right whales along the coastline near Hermanus. Fewer tourists visit during winter, making experiences more peaceful. Cape Town's Table Mountain offers clear views without summer clouds. Planning South Africa trips during August provides diverse natural experiences.

Greece

August brings vibrant festivals and beach activities across Greek islands. Explore picturesque islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete easily. Warm Aegean waters reach perfect temperatures for swimming and water sports. Local festivals provide insights into traditional Greek culture and customs. Visit ancient ruins like the Acropolis in Athens during the trip. Peak tourist season means higher prices for accommodation and flights. Exploring lesser-known islands like Naxos or Paros offers savings. The cost of a trip to Greece during this time can be higher due to demand, but early bookings and exploring lesser-known islands can offer savings.

In August 2026, you can enjoy the following long weekends:

14th August to 16th August

• 14th August, Friday - Take Leave

• 15th August, Saturday - Independence Day

• 16th August, Sunday- Weekend
   

25th August to 30th August

• 25th August, Tuesday- 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