Holiday List 2026 Released: Offices To Remain Closed Across India
Holiday List 2026 India Released
The Holiday List 2026 India has officially been released by the central government. The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has published the complete schedule of public holidays for next year, covering both compulsory and optional holidays for government offices across the country.
The calendar includes 14 compulsory holidays and 12 optional holidays. These holidays apply to all central government offices, banks, and public departments. Employees stationed outside Delhi and New Delhi will follow a slightly different system, with mandatory national holidays and a choice of optional days.
📌 Compulsory Holidays in 2026
Every government office in India will remain closed on the following 14 compulsory holidays:
- Republic Day – January 26
- Independence Day – August 15
- Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday – October 2
- Buddha Purnima – May 1
- Christmas Day – December 25
- Dussehra (Vijay Dashmi) – October 20
- Diwali (Deepavali) – November 8
- Good Friday – April 3
- Guru Nanak’s Birthday – November 24
- Idu’l Fitr – March 21
- Idu’l Zuha (Bakrid) – May 27
- Mahavir Jayanti – March 31
- Muharram – June 26
- Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday (Id-e-Milad) – August 26
These dates are non-negotiable holidays across India.
📌 Optional Holidays in 2026
In addition to the compulsory list, employees can choose three holidays from the following 12 optional days:
- An additional day for Dussehra
- Holi
- Janmashtami (Vaishnavi)
- Ram Navami
- Maha Shivratri
- Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayak Chaturthi
- Makar Sankranti
- Rath Yatra
- Onam
- Pongal
- Sri Panchami / Basant Panchami
- Vishu / Vaisakhi / Ugadi / Cheti Chand / Gudi Padava / 1st Navratra / Naoraz / Chhath Pooja / Karva Chauth
Delhi vs Other States: Who Decides the Holidays?
For offices in Delhi and New Delhi, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) selects three optional holidays.
For offices outside Delhi, the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee in each state capital decides the three optional holidays, often in consultation with other committees. This ensures regional festivals and traditions are respected.
Full Holiday Calendar 2026 (Highlights)
Here are some of the major holidays with exact dates:
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Republic Day – January 26
- Holi – March 4
- Ram Navami – March 26
- Good Friday – April 3
- Buddha Purnima – May 1
- Independence Day – August 15
- Janmashtami – September 4
- Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday – October 2
- Dussehra (Vijay Dashami) – October 20
- Diwali (Deepavali) – November 8
- Christmas Day – December 25
Other regional holidays include Onam (August 26), Raksha Bandhan (August 28), Ganesh Chaturthi (September 14), and Chhath Puja (November 15).
Why the Holiday List Matters
The Holiday List 2026 India is more than just dates. It helps:
- Employees plan vacations in advance.
- Schools and colleges align academic calendars.
- Businesses schedule operations around closures.
- Families prepare for festivals and travel.
For government employees, the restricted holiday system allows flexibility to celebrate regional and religious festivals.
Regional Diversity Reflected in Holidays
India’s holiday calendar reflects its cultural and religious diversity. From Diwali in the north to Onam in Kerala, from Bihu in Assam to Pongal in Tamil Nadu, the list ensures representation of all major traditions.
This balance between compulsory national holidays and optional regional holidays highlights India’s pluralism.
Holiday Planning Tips for 2026
- Combine weekends with holidays for longer breaks.
- Use optional holidays to celebrate regional festivals.
- Plan travel early around Diwali, Holi, and Christmas, as these are peak seasons.
- Keep track of restricted holidays for flexibility.
📢 External Links for Readers
- Government of India – DoPT Circulars
- Public Holidays in India – Wikipedia
- IndiaWorld Latest News
- Quora Discussions on Indian Holidays
- Reddit – r/India
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