Holidays in September 2026: Bank, Public, & Long Weekend List

Discover the cultural, religious, and national significance of the holidays observed in September 2026, along with their importance across different communities in India.

4th September – Janmashtami

Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism, symbolising compassion, wisdom, and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated with great devotion across India, the festival includes midnight prayers, devotional singing, dramatic enactments of Krishna’s life, and the popular Dahi Handi tradition. Homes and temples are beautifully decorated, and devotees observe fasts, offering sweets and butter-based delicacies to honour Krishna.

14th September – Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and prosperity. The festival is especially vibrant in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, and parts of South India. Elaborate idols are installed in homes and public pandals, accompanied by prayers, cultural performances, and community gatherings. The celebration concludes with Visarjan, where idols are immersed in water, symbolising Ganesha’s return to his celestial abode.

Note: Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi are among the most significant festivals observed in September, bringing communities together through religious devotion, cultural celebrations, and traditional festivities. Their observance adds to the festive spirit of the month, making September an important period for spiritual reflection, social bonding, and cultural heritage across India.

September is a festive month in India, bringing communities together through devotion, fasting, prayer, colourful decorations, cultural performances, and public celebrations. Here are some traditional and meaningful ways to participate in these joyous festivals and experience their rich cultural heritage:

Celebrating Janmashtami

You can celebrate Janmashtami by observing a day-long fast, decorating your home with flowers and lights, and preparing traditional sweets like makhan mishri and panjiri. Many people participate in midnight prayers and sing devotional songs to mark Lord Krishna’s birth. If available in your city, visiting local temples or attending community events such as Dahi Handi celebrations adds to the festive spirit and sense of togetherness.

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi can be celebrated by bringing home a Ganesha idol or setting up a small symbolic altar for prayers. Daily aarti, offerings of modak and sweets, and family gatherings form the heart of the celebration. Participating in neighbourhood pandals, cultural programs, and processions enhances the experience. On the final day, take part in an eco-friendly visarjan to conclude the festival with respect for nature.

Note: To make the most of September’s festive season, devotees can participate in Janmashtami celebrations through fasting, devotional singing, temple visits, and Dahi Handi events, while Ganesh Chaturthi can be observed with daily aartis, traditional offerings, community gatherings, and eco-friendly visarjan ceremonies. Celebrating these festivals with family and community helps deepen spiritual connections and keeps cherished cultural traditions alive.

September is a great month to explore India’s rich cultural and natural diversity. Here’s a simple guide to some top destinations during this time.

Domestic Destinations

Explore the popular domestic destinations described below, during the September holidays, offering the perfect blend of culture, heritage, spirituality, and scenic experiences across India.

West Bengal — Kolkata

September 2026 is when the countdown to Kolkata's biggest festival visibly begins. Mahalaya falls on October 10, 2026, marking the start of Devi Paksha, while the main five days of Puja run October 17–21, 2026. Through September, visitors can walk the narrow lanes of Kumartuli on the eastern bank of the Hooghly, where generations of kumars hand-shape clay idols of Durga. Meanwhile, big pandal committees — Bagbazar Sarbojanin, College Square, and Ekdalia Evergreen — begin raising bamboo pandal structures.

For sweets, head to KC Das (founded 1866, credited with commercializing the rasgulla) or Bhim Chandra Nag near Bowbazar Market (established 1826, famous for sandesh and mishti doi). In North Kolkata, Nobin Chandra Das in Shobha Bazar and Girish Chandra Dey & Sons, known for using pure chhena (cottage cheese) in their sandesh, are worth the detour. Inside New Market (Sir Stuart Hogg Market), don't miss Nahoum & Sons, Kolkata's century-old Jewish bakery, known for fruit cake and marzipan. In Barabazar, Ganguram (est. 1880s) is a reliable stop for Dilkhush and Mango Sandesh. For heritage, Victoria Memorial and the cantilever Howrah Bridge remain must-see landmarks.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

The Ziro Festival of Music 2026 is confirmed for September 24–27, 2026, spread across three stages — Danyi (Sun), Pwlo (Moon), and Takvr (Star) — in the paddy fields of Ziro Valley, at roughly 5,500 ft elevation. The Apatani tribe here practices a distinctive wet-rice-cum-fish farming system, without ploughs or draft animals — recognized enough to be on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list. For local crafts and produce, the Hapoli market (Ziro's main town bazaar) is the place to browse Apatani handloom shawls, cane and bamboo work, and locally grown kiwis. Visitors can also trek through Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, about 32 km away. Note: Ziro requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) before entry.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

By September, Varanasi's post-monsoon weather turns pleasant. The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat happens every evening around sunset. A sunrise boat ride from Assi Ghat toward Manikarnika Ghat is a classic way to see the city wake up.

For Banarasi silk, Thatheri Bazaar is where much of the weaving actually happens — looms set up inside homes — while Vishwanath Gali, right by Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is lined with silk, brassware, and souvenir shops. Rastogi Benarasi Silk House, established in 1944, is one of the city's oldest wholesalers of handloom silk sarees. For food, Kachori Gali in Chowk is the go-to lane for kachori-sabzi and Banarasi paan, and Ksheer Sagar and Rajbandhu are established sweet shops that pack treats for travel. About 10 km northeast, Sarnath marks the site of Buddha's first sermon, home to the Dhamek Stupa.

Note: If you're planning a trip around September's festivities, holidays to vibrant locations like West Bengal offer the perfect opportunity to explore one of India's most culturally rich regions. Other popular domestic destinations such as Ziro Valley and Varanasi provide unique experiences that combine local traditions, heritage, cuisine, and post-monsoon beauty, making them ideal choices for a memorable getaway.

International Destinations

Discover an international destination this September, where pleasant weather, unique cultural experiences, and iconic attractions come together for an unforgettable holiday abroad.

Italy

September is a perfect time to explore Italy—summer crowds thin out, and the weather is warm and inviting. From vineyard tours to historic sites in Rome and Florence, the country dazzles with culture. The cost of a trip to Italy is often more manageable this month, with shoulder-season discounts on travel and stay.

Iceland

September in Iceland offers a magical blend of autumn colours and early glimpses of the Northern Lights. It's a great time for scenic drives, geothermal spas, and waterfall hikes. 

As peak summer ends, planning a trip to Iceland becomes more economical, making it an attractive option for adventure and nature lovers.

Nepal

Nepal welcomes travellers in September with clear skies, lush greenery, and ideal trekking conditions. Whether you're hiking the Annapurna Circuit or visiting Kathmandu's temples, the post-monsoon freshness enhances the experience.

Planning a trip to Nepal is relatively cheaper than other destinations, making it perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking spiritual or outdoor journeys.

Sri Lanka

With pleasant weather in most regions, September is great for discovering Sri Lanka’s beaches, hill stations, and heritage sites. Wildlife safaris, tea plantations, and coastal retreats await. 

The trip cost to Sri Lanka remains budget-friendly, offering excellent value for travellers looking for a diverse and tropical escape close to home.

Greece

Greece in September offers warm seas, quiet ruins, and relaxed island life without the summer rush. Santorini, Athens, and Crete showcase the best of Mediterranean beauty.

Planning a trip to Greece from India during this month is more reasonable, letting you enjoy sun-soaked adventures and cultural tours with fewer crowds.

Norway

September is a serene time to visit Norway, with golden landscapes, fjord cruises, and early chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. Outdoor experiences are rich, and cities like Oslo stay vibrant. The Norway trip cost from India may be moderate, but early autumn offers value through fewer tourists and off-peak travel deals.

You can apply for a travel loan to fund your trips and make the best out of them.

You get two long weekends in September 2026 to plan a trip without using too many of your paid leaves.

Here’s how:

4th September to 6th September (Friday to Sunday)

• 4th September (Friday): Janmashtami

• 5th September (Saturday): Weekend

• 6th September (Sunday): Weekend
   

12th September to 14th September (Saturday to Monday)

• 12th September (Saturday): Weekend

• 13th September (Sunday): Weekend

• 14th September (Monday): Ganesh Chaturthi
   

You can take advantage of these long weekends and plan a family outing without using your leaves.

Read in Hindi: September me kitni chutti hai (2026)? View the complete September 2026 holiday list in Hindi.

The September long weekends around Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi can be convenient for a short family trip, but travel tickets, accommodation, food and festive shopping can increase the total cost. A personal loan may help eligible borrowers manage these expenses without pledging collateral. Depending on the lender, features may include online application, limited documentation, flexible repayment tenure and interest rates starting from 10% p.a.. Compare the annual percentage rate, processing fee, foreclosure terms and total repayment before applying. Check your eligibility and choose a loan amount and tenure that fit your budget.

Disclaimer: Terms, rates, fees and eligibility are subject to the lender’s policy.