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India has 17 gazetted (mandatory) holidays in 2026, declared by the Government of India through the DoPT's annual notification. Every central government office, PSU, and most banks observe these dates. The next upcoming gazetted holiday is Independence Day on Saturday, 15th August 2026.
Last updated on: Aug 29, 2026
Gazetted holidays in 2026 are compulsory closures notified by the Government of India. Offices, banks, and public institutions are shut on these dates, and no employee can be recalled without a written order. Restricted holidays in 2026, by contrast, are optional: employees pick any two from a longer list based on their own faith or region. This list of gazetted holidays in 2026 covers the 17 dates that apply nationwide to central government offices, helping you plan work, leave, and travel around India's public holidays calendar.
Looking for next month's gazetted holidays? Here's what's coming up over August and September 2026:
| Date | Day | Holiday | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
15-Aug-2026 |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
Nationwide |
26-Aug-2026 |
Wednesday |
Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad* |
Nationwide (moon-sighting dependent) |
04-Sep-2026 |
Friday |
Janmashtami (Vaishnava) |
Nationwide |
*Disclaimer: The date for Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad is subject to moon sighting and may vary based on official announcements.
One of the easiest ways to stretch your annual leave is to pair long weekends in 2026 with gazetted and restricted holidays. Several dates fall right next to a weekend, and a single day of leave can turn a few of them into 4-day breaks. Here's how to plan long weekends around the confirmed calendar:
| Dates | Days Off | Leave to Take | Occasion | Total Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
17–20 Oct |
Sat–Tue |
1 (Monday) |
Dussehra |
4 |
21-24 Nov 2026 |
Sat-Tue |
1 (Monday, 23 Nov) |
Guru Nanak's Birthday |
4 Days |
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Here is the complete gazetted holiday list 2026 with dates, days, and short descriptions for each holiday:
| Month | Date | Day | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January |
26-Jan-2026 |
Monday |
Republic Day |
Marks the adoption of India's Constitution in 1950 |
March |
04-Mar-2026 |
Wednesday |
Holi |
Festival of colours celebrating joy and unity |
March |
21-Mar-2026 |
Saturday |
Id-ul-Fitr* |
Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan |
March |
26-Mar |
Thursday |
Ram Navami |
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama |
March |
31-Mar |
Tuesday |
Mahavir Jayanti |
Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara |
April |
3-Apr |
Friday |
Good Friday |
Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ |
May |
1-May |
Friday |
Buddha Purnima |
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Gautama Buddha |
May |
27-May |
Wednesday |
Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)* |
Muslim festival symbolising sacrifice and faith |
June |
26-Jun |
Friday |
Muharram* |
Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala |
August |
15-Aug |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
Celebrates India's independence from British rule in 1947 |
August |
26-Aug |
Wednesday |
Id-e-Milad (Milad-un-Nabi)* |
Birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad |
September |
4-Sep |
Friday |
Janmashtami (Vaishnava) |
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna |
October |
02-Oct |
Friday |
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
Commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi |
October |
20-Oct |
Tuesday |
Dussehra |
Celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana |
November |
8-Nov |
Sunday |
Diwali (Deepavali) |
Festival of lights symbolising the victory of good over evil |
November |
24-Nov |
Tuesday |
Guru Nanak's Birthday |
Celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji |
December |
25-Dec |
Friday |
Christmas Day |
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ |
Disclaimer: Dates marked with * are subject to the sighting of the moon and may vary by a day depending on official announcements.
Discover the cultural, historical, and social significance of each holiday featured in the gazetted list for 2026.
Republic Day - 26 January 2026
Republic Day, observed on 26th January, commemorates the adoption of India’s Constitution in 1950. The day is marked by a grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, highlighting India’s military prowess and rich cultural heritage. It fosters a deep sense of national pride and unity among citizens.
Maha Shivaratri - 15 February 2026
Maha Shivaratri is a revered Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with prayers, fasting, and night-long vigils. Devotees visit temples, offer milk and bel leaves to Shiva Lingams, and seek blessings for spiritual growth, prosperity, and well-being.
Ram Navami - 26 March 2026
Ram Navami is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Rama. Devotees celebrate the birth of Lord Rama on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra during spring time.
Holi - 4th March 2026
Holi, the festival of colours, marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People celebrate by applying colours, sharing sweets, and dancing in joy. It strengthens bonds between families and communities through love and togetherness.
Eid-ul-Fitr - 21 March 2026
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan by Muslims. It begins with prayers at mosques and is followed by festive meals, charity, and exchanging greetings. The day highlights compassion, generosity, and gratitude to God.
Mahavir Jayanti - 3 April 2026 2026
Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Devotees engage in charitable activities, prayers, and teachings that promote peace and non-violence. It serves as a reminder of Jain values of truth and compassion.
Good Friday - 03 April 2026
Good Friday is observed by Christians to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of reflection, prayer, and attending church services. The solemn observance highlights sacrifice, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.
Buddha Purnima - 1 May 2026 2026
Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha. Devotees visit monasteries to chant prayers, meditate, and offer alms to monks. The day symbolises peace, compassion, and the pursuit of spiritual awakening.
Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) - 27 May 2026 2026
Eid-ul-Zuha, or Bakrid, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims celebrate by offering prayers, sacrificing animals, and sharing food with the poor. The festival underlines faith, humility, and generosity.
Muharram - 26 June 2026 2026
Muharram is a significant observance for Muslims, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Processions and recitations recall his sacrifice at the Battle of Karbala. It represents courage, justice, and standing for truth.
Independence Day - 15 August 2026
Independence Day, observed on 15th August, marks India’s liberation from British rule in 1947. The national flag is hoisted at the Red Fort, followed by patriotic celebrations across the nation. The day evokes pride and honour for India’s historic journey to freedom.
Milad-un-Nabi / Eid-e-Milad - 26 August 2026
Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad, commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The occasion is observed with prayers, sermons, and community feasts, emphasising compassion, kindness, and the pursuit of a righteous life.
Janmashtami - 04 September 2026
Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of Hinduism’s most revered deities. The celebrations feature fasting, devotional songs, and dramatic re-enactments of Krishna’s childhood tales. The festival embodies faith, joy, and divine love.
Gandhi Jayanti - 2 October 2026
Gandhi Jayanti, observed on 2nd October, pays tribute to the Father of the Nation and his enduring principles of truth and non-violence.
Dussehra - 20 October 2026
Dussehra signifies the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated with grand processions, effigies of Ravana being burnt, and cultural performances across India.
Diwali / Deepavali - 08 November 2026 2026
Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families illuminate their homes with lamps, exchange sweets, and worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. The festival fosters joy, hope, and renewal.
Guru Nanak’s Birthday - 24 November 2026 2026
Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Devotees participate in prayers, processions, and community service at Gurudwaras. His teachings inspire equality, humility, and devotion to God.
Christmas - 25 December 2026
Christmas, celebrated on 25th December, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Families gather for church services, adorn homes with Christmas trees, and exchange gifts. The festival embodies love, generosity, and the spirit of togetherness.
Understanding the difference between gazetted holidays and restricted holidays in 2026 helps you plan leave more effectively, one is fixed, the other is flexible.
| Aspect | Gazetted Holidays | Restricted Holidays |
|---|---|---|
Nature |
Compulsory — office closed for all |
Optional — employee chooses to take the day off |
Count |
17 |
Choose any 2 from a list of ~33 |
Who decides |
Government of India (DoPT) |
Employee, based on personal/religious preference |
Applies to |
All central government offices nationwide |
Central government employees, self-selected |
Leave deduction |
None — automatic day off |
Declared in advance; not carried forward or encashed |
Reviewer
Gazetted holidays are mandatory public holidays declared by the government, observed nationwide across government offices, banks, and institutions. Restricted holidays are optional, allowing employees to choose from a list. While gazetted holidays ensure uniform observance, restricted holidays provide flexibility based on cultural or religious preferences.
Gazetted holidays like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti are observed nationwide without exception. Others, such as Milad-un-Nabi or Janmashtami, may see regional variation in timing depending on local practice. The government issues an official list each year to clarify both nationwide and regional observances.
Yes, banks generally follow the gazetted holiday list issued by the RBI and state governments, which closely mirrors the central government holiday list 2026. Schools and colleges also align their academic calendars to these dates, though some regional holidays depend on the state.
There are 17 gazetted holidays in 2026 for Central Government offices, as notified by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). These are separate from restricted holidays, from which employees may avail a limited number as per applicable rules.
Several long weekends can be planned in 2026, including 23-26 January (Republic Day), 26-29 March (Ram Navami), 3-5 April (Good Friday), 17-20 October (Dussehra), and 21-24 November (Guru Nanak's Birthday). In many cases, taking just one day of leave can turn a regular weekend into a 4-day break.
The next gazetted holiday after Independence Day is Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad on 26 August 2026 (subject to moon sighting), followed by Janmashtami (Vaishnava) on 4 September 2026.
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