Holidays in March 2026

March has a multitude of holidays. These include festival leaves, long weekends and more. Some of the most prominent occasions include Holi and Eid-ul-Fitr. 

Let’s take a look at the complete list of holidays in March 2026.

Below are the descriptions of several March holidays in 2026:

Yaosang

Celebrated mainly in Manipur, Yaosang is a vibrant spring festival that lasts several days. Marked by traditional dances, music, and community gatherings, it blends indigenous rituals with playful customs. It is often celebrated around the same period as Holi, bringing colour and joy to local communities.

Holika Dahan

Observed a day before Holi, Holika Dahan symbolises the victory of good over evil. Communities gather around large bonfires at night, performing rituals that commemorate the burning of Holika and the protection of Prahlad.

Dolyatra

Dolyatra, celebrated mainly in West Bengal and Odisha, is the regional counterpart of Holi. People place idols of Lord Krishna on decorated swings (dola), while devotees sing devotional songs and apply colours in a more traditional, ceremonial manner.

Holi

Holi, the Festival of Colours, is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm. People throw coloured powders, dance, enjoy festive foods, and commemorate the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Holi in 2026 falls on March 4 according to the central government holiday calendar.

Chapchar Kut

A major festival of Mizoram, Chapchar Kut celebrates the completion of jhum (shifting cultivation) activities. Communities come together for folk dances, drum performances, and colourful traditional attire. It marks a joyful start to spring in the region.

Jumu’atul-Wida

Also known as Jumat‑ul‑Vida, this day marks the last Friday of Ramadan. It holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims, who gather for special prayers and reflect on the holy month before Eid-ul-Fitr. 

Shab‑e‑Qadr

Shab‑e‑Qadr is among the holiest nights of Ramadan, observed with extended prayers and recitation of the Quran. Believers seek blessings during this night, which commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. It falls on March 17 in 2026. 

Ugadi

Ugadi marks the New Year for people in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Families decorate entrances with mango leaves, prepare special festive dishes, and perform puja rituals to welcome prosperity for the year ahead. It falls on March 19 in 2026. 

Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is celebrated as the Marathi New Year in Maharashtra. Homes are decorated with rangoli patterns, and people hoist the symbolic 'Gudi'—a cloth‑covered bamboo staff topped with neem leaves and garlands—outside their homes to signify victory and good fortune. It also falls on March 19, 2026.

Eid‑ul‑Fitr

Eid ul‑Fitr signifies the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. Celebrations begin with special prayers, feasting, charity (Zakat‑al‑Fitr), and festive gatherings. In 2026, it is observed on March 21 (tentative based on moon sighting). 

Bhagat Singh Martyrdom Day

Observed on March 23, this day honours freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and his sacrifice for India’s independence. People pay tribute through memorial events, discussions, and patriotic ceremonies across various states. 

Ram Navami

Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama and is celebrated with devotional singing, temple visits, and processions. In 2026, Ram Navami falls on March 26 and is a gazetted holiday in many Indian states, though not a uniform national holiday. 

Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important festivals in Jainism, celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. In 2026, it falls on March 31 and includes temple rituals, processions, and acts of charity.

March 2026 brings a mix of cultural, seasonal, and festive celebrations across India. Here are some simple and meaningful ways you can enjoy and participate in the month’s observances.

Holi / Holika Dahan / Dolyatra / Yaosang

Join vibrant Holi celebrations with colours, music, and traditional sweets. Participate in Holika Dahan bonfires or experience regional variations like Dolyatra in Bengal and Yaosang festivities in Manipur.

Ugadi & Gudi Padwa

Welcome the regional New Year by preparing festive dishes like Ugadi Pachadi, decorating your home with mango leaves, and taking part in cultural processions typical of Maharashtra and South India.

Chapchar Kut

Experience Mizoram’s cultural vibrance through traditional dances, folk music, and community celebrations. Perfect for those wanting to explore Northeast India’s rich heritage.

Ram Navami & Mahavir Jayanti

Visit temples, attend processions, and participate in community prayers. These festivals offer opportunities to reflect on the teachings of Lord Rama and Lord Mahavira.

Eid‑ul‑Fitr, Shab‑e‑Qadr & Jumu’atul‑Wida

You can join community prayers, savour festive meals, and engage in charitable activities that form the heart of Ramadan and Eid observances. 

Bhagat Singh Martyrdom Day

Attend local commemorations, watch documentaries, or read about the freedom movement to honour the bravery of Bhagat Singh and his contributions to India's independence.

March in India brings pleasant spring weather, colourful festivals like Holi, clearer skies, and excellent conditions for wildlife safaris and beach escapes. These destinations offer diverse cultural, natural, and adventure experiences perfect for March 2026.

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

A picture‑perfect blend of winter and spring, Gulmarg offers snow‑laden landscapes in early March and blooming wildflowers later in the month. It’s ideal for skiing, gondola rides, and panoramic views from Apharwat Peak.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

March brings calm seas and clear skies, making it ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving, and beach activities. The islands offer excellent visibility for underwater exploration and serene coastal experiences.

Coorg, Karnataka

Blessed with coffee plantations, waterfalls, and trekking routes, Coorg remains pleasantly cool in March. It's perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and escaping early‑summer heat in the plains.

Hampi, Karnataka

With warm but manageable temperatures in March, Hampi becomes ideal for exploring ancient ruins. Ugadi falls around this period, adding cultural vibrance with festivities and local traditions.

Munnar, Kerala

Munnar’s tea gardens turn lush and vibrant in March, with fresh greenery and pleasant daytime temperatures. It’s perfect for tea estate visits, nature walks, and spotting wildlife at Eravikulam National Park.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali welcomes March with milder temperatures, lingering snow, and clear skies. Visitors can enjoy adventure sports, explore Solang Valley, and witness the scenic beauty before peak summer crowds arrive.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

March marks the concluding phase of the Rann of Kutch season with cool desert evenings. Wildlife spotting improves, and the region’s landscapes remain photogenic under clear skies.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Soft sunshine, flowing waterfalls, and lush hills make Shillong a calm, refreshing March getaway. The month is wonderful for exploring nearby natural spots, local markets, and scenic viewpoints.

Puducherry

March offers pleasant seaside weather perfect for exploring French‑inspired architecture, cafes, and tranquil beaches. The calm sea makes it a soothing escape for relaxation and coastal walks.

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

With dry grasslands and reduced water sources, wildlife visibility peaks in March — especially tigers. It’s an excellent time for safaris before the summer heat intensifies.

March is an important month for festivals, however, it is also a crucial month for you as a taxpayer. It is the last opportunity for you to make investments that qualify for income tax benefits under various sections of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These can range from Section 80C, 80D, 10 (10D), 80CCD, etc

March is an important month for festivals, however, it is also a crucial month for you as a taxpayer. It is the last opportunity for you to make investments that qualify for income tax benefits under various sections of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These can range from Section 80C, 80D, 10 (10D), 80CCD, etc.  

Save Smartly for Travel

Now that you have a list of holidays in March, you can plan travel dates as well as create a budget for expected expenses. You may set up a holiday fund in advance, for instance, by opening an FD to make sure your travel funds remain untouched.

When you travel, you can secure your vacation with Pocket Insurance for baggage loss and medical emergencies.

Leave Travel Allowance: How to Save Tax While Travelling

March can be a viable month to plan your travels, considering the number of leaves you can access. If you’re a salaried taxpayer, you may benefit from Leave Travel Allowance or LTA, provided you have opted for the old tax regime. LTA is a component of your salary that is meant to cover your travel expenses during vacation. However, certain terms and conditions apply.

You are entitled to claim LTA exemptions for up to two journeys within a block of four calendar years. The current block period is from 1st January 2026 to 31st December 2029.

Benefits from Promotional Offers on Loans and Credit Cards During the Festive Season

Financial institutions may roll out exclusive offers on credit cards, and Personal Loan, during festivals like Holi, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Eid, etc. They may offer competitive rates on car/bike loans or credit card EMIs. The offers on credit cards can even extend to cashback. 

With such offers available you can consider financing home renovations and high ticket purchases during the festive season. You may even plan a vacation during such times and enjoy exclusive discounts on travel bookings such as flights and hotels.