Learn about the key public holidays and long weekends in Odisha for 2026, and discover the best ways to plan your holidays.
Last updated on: March 23, 2026
From cultural and religious celebrations to long weekends, Odisha observes several important holidays in 2026. Knowing these dates will help you plan your holidays in Odisha and make the most of your time off. Whether you want to relax or explore the state’s vibrant festivals, understanding the public holidays in Odisha is the first step.
Here is a list of the key public holidays in Odisha for 2026, including the date, day, and region of observance:
| Festival Name | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
Makar Sankranti |
14th January |
Wednesday |
Subash Chandra Bose Jayanti |
23rd January |
Friday |
Vir Surendrasai Jayanti |
23rd January |
Friday |
Basanta Panchami |
23rd January |
Friday |
Republic Day |
26th January |
Monday |
Dola Purnima |
3rd March |
Tuesday |
Holi |
4th March |
Wednesday |
Id-ul-Fitre |
21st March |
Saturday |
Shree Rama Navami |
27th March |
Friday |
Utkal Divas |
1st April |
Wednesday |
Good Friday |
3rd April |
Friday |
Dr. B.R Ambedkar Jayanti |
14th April |
Tuesday |
Maha Visuva Sankranti |
14th April |
Tuesday |
Buddha Purnima |
1st May |
Friday |
Pandit Raghunath Murumu's Birthday |
1st May |
Friday |
Sabitri Amabasya |
16th May |
Saturday |
Id-ul-Zuha |
27th May |
Wednesday |
Raja Sankranti |
15th June |
Monday |
Muharram |
26th June |
Friday |
Rath Yatra |
16th July |
Thursday |
Independence Day |
15th August |
Saturday |
Birthday of Prophet Muhammad |
26th August |
Wednesday |
Jhulana Purnima |
27th August |
Thursday |
Janmasthami |
4th September |
Friday |
Ganesh Puja |
14th September |
Monday |
Nuakhai |
15th September |
Tuesday |
Day following Nuakhai |
16th September |
Wednesday |
Gandhi Jayanti |
2nd October |
Friday |
Mahasaptami |
17th October |
Saturday |
Mahanavami |
19th October |
Monday |
Vijaya Dasami |
20th October |
Tuesday |
Rahas Purnima |
24th November |
Tuesday |
Christmas |
25th December |
Friday |
In 2026, you can enjoy the following long weekends in Odisha:
Saturday, 24th January – Weekend
Sunday, 25th January – Weekend
Monday, 26th January – Republic Day
Saturday, 28th February – Weekend
Sunday, 1st March – Weekend
Monday, 2nd March – Take a day off
Tuesday, 3rd March – Dola Purnima
Wednesday, 4th March – Holi
Friday, 3rd April – Good Friday
Saturday, 4th April – Weekend
Sunday, 5th April – Weekend
Friday, 26th June – Muharram
Saturday, 27th June – Weekend
Sunday, 28th June – Weekend
Thursday, 16th July - Ratha Yatra
Friday, 17th July - Take a day off
Saturday, 18th July – Weekend
Sunday, 19th July – Weekend
Friday, 4th September – Janmashtami
Saturday, 5th September – Weekend
Sunday, 6th September – Weekend
Saturday, 12th September – Weekend
Sunday, 13th September – Weekend
Monday, 14th September - Take a day off
Tuesday, 15th September - Nuakhai
Wednesday, 16th September - Day following Nuakhai
Friday, 2nd October – Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
Saturday, 3rd October – Weekend
Sunday, 4th October – Weekend
Saturday, 17th October – Mahasaptami
Sunday, 18th October – Weekend
Monday, 19th October – Mahanavami
Tuesday, 20th October – Vijaya Dasami/ Dussehra
Friday, 25th December – Christmas
Saturday, 26th December – Weekend
Sunday, 27th December – Weekend
Odisha has a lot to offer during your holidays, from cultural experiences to nature-based activities. Here are some of the best things to do:
One of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, the Jagannath Temple is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. It’s a must-visit, especially during religious festivals.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple is famous for its detailed stone carvings and unique chariot-like structure. It’s a great spot to learn about Odisha’s architectural history.
A peaceful place to relax, Puri Beach is perfect for unwinding. Whether you're walking along the shore, enjoying local snacks, or watching the sunset, it’s a great way to spend your day.
Known as Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake is ideal for nature lovers. You can enjoy birdwatching, boat rides, and scenic views. It’s particularly famous for its migratory birds in winter.
Odisha’s tribal communities offer a unique cultural experience. In Koraput, you can explore traditional crafts, festivals, and customs that are deeply rooted in the state’s heritage.
Located near Bhubaneswar, Dhauli Peace Pagoda is a calm and serene place, perfect for meditation. It’s also known for its historical significance as the site of the Kalinga War.
If you enjoy the outdoors, Simlipal National Park offers a great opportunity for trekking. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and a variety of birds, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
If you're visiting Odisha during the summer, don’t miss the Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) in Puri. It’s one of the largest religious festivals in India, with grand processions and cultural celebrations.
To make your holiday in Odisha easier to manage financially, here are a few practical tips:
If you need funds for your trip, personal loans could be a great option. You can borrow up to ₹55 Lakhs on Bajaj Markets from several lenders, depending on your eligibility, without needing collateral. Use the loan for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, and repay in manageable instalments.
Credit cards offer a convenient way to manage travel expenses by converting them into easy EMIs. Whether it’s for hotel stays, meals, or shopping, spreading out payments makes budgeting for your trip simpler. Additionally, many credit cards offer rewards for travel-related purchases, especially during festivals like Makar Sankranti or Durga Puja, allowing you to save more on future expenses.
Travel insurance is a smart way to protect yourself while on holiday. It’s particularly useful if you’re travelling during the monsoon season or planning outdoor activities like trekking. Insurance can cover unexpected events like cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage, giving you peace of mind during your holiday.
Reviewer
Yes, several long weekends are available, including from 23rd January to 26th January, 28th February to 4th March, and 15th August to 17th August, among others.
The long weekend from 28th February to 4th March offers a great opportunity to explore the state, as it combines two key festivals: Dola Purnima and Holi.
While the monsoon season (June to September) may bring heavy rains, it is still a great time to enjoy Odisha's lush green landscapes, especially in areas like Chilika Lake and Simlipal National Park.
Yes, you can get personal loans for travel that can help finance your holiday expenses. Lenders on Bajaj Markets offer loans up to ₹55 Lakhs with flexible repayment terms.
The best time to visit Odisha is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring both cultural and natural attractions.