List of Holidays in India 2026

Planning a year well in advance makes a real difference, whether it is for travel, family events, or simply taking meaningful breaks from work. Knowing the holidays in India 2026 helps individuals and families align personal plans with official days off and avoid last-minute confusion.

India follows a mix of national, regional, banking, and stock market holidays. While some holidays remain fixed every year, others depend on religious calendars or official notifications. This article presents a structured and easy-to-understand overview of Indian holidays 2026, along with practical ideas on how weekends and leave days can be combined for longer breaks. It also touches briefly on financial planning options, such as travel-related borrowing, when people plan larger expenses around holidays.

National Holidays in India 2026

National holidays are observed across the country and apply to government offices, most private organisations, and institutions.

These holidays remain fixed.

List of National Holidays 2026

Date	Day	Occasion
26 January 2026	Monday	Republic Day
15 August 2026	Saturday	Independence Day
02 October 2026	Friday	Gandhi Jayanti

These form the core of public holidays in India and are uniformly recognised.

Bank Holidays in India 2026

Bank holidays follow guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India, along with state-specific observances. While some holidays are common across states, others vary depending on local festivals.

Below is a consolidated list of commonly observed bank holidays at the national level. State-wise variations may apply.

Common Bank Holidays 2026

Date	Day	Occasion
26 January	Monday	Republic Day
06 March	Friday	Holi
02 April	Thursday	Ram Navami
14 April	Tuesday	Dr Ambedkar Jayanti
01 May	Friday	Labour Day
25 May	Monday	Buddha Purnima
15 August	Saturday	Independence Day
02 October	Friday	Gandhi Jayanti
26 October	Monday	Diwali
25 December	Friday	Christmas

These dates are relevant for people scheduling financial transactions, repayments, or using tools like a loan EMI calculator to avoid missed due dates.

Stock Market Holidays in 2026

The stock exchanges in India, including NSE and BSE, follow a specific holiday calendar. Trading remains closed on national holidays and selected festivals.

While the final exchange calendar is issued closer to the year, the following list reflects commonly observed stock market holidays in 2026, subject to official confirmation.

Expected Stock Exchange Holidays 2026

Date	Day	Occasion
26 January	Monday	Republic Day
06 March	Friday	Holi
14 April	Tuesday	Dr Ambedkar Jayanti
02 October	Friday	Gandhi Jayanti
26 October	Monday	Diwali
25 December	Friday	Christmas

Popular Festival Holidays to Watch in 2026

Apart from national and banking holidays, several festivals result in state-level or optional holidays.

Some widely observed festivals include • Makar Sankranti in January • Eid celebrations depending on moon sighting • Dussehra in October • Diwali in October • Guru Nanak Jayanti in November

These dates differ across states, so confirming local notifications is essential.

How to Plan Long Vacations Using Holidays in 2026

Strategic leave planning can turn a few days off into extended breaks.

January Long Weekend

Republic Day falls on a Monday. Taking leave on Friday gives a four-day break from Friday to Monday.

October Festive Break

Gandhi Jayanti falls on a Friday, and Diwali is expected on Monday later in October. With planned leaves in between, it is possible to enjoy a long festive vacation.

December Year-End Break

Christmas falls on a Friday. Combined with the weekend, this creates a three-day break. Adding a few days off can extend it into a longer holiday.

These combinations are especially useful for people planning trips or family events.

Planning Travel and Expenses Around Holidays

Holidays often come with expenses such as travel bookings, accommodation, or event planning. Some people plan these costs well in advance, while others handle them closer to the date.

When expenses are unexpected or time sensitive, people sometimes explore options like a</span> travel loan <span style="font-weight: 400;">or a</span> wedding loan<span style="font-weight: 400;">, depending on the occasion. Short-term needs such as medical travel or urgent family requirements may lead people to consider a loan through a digital platform.

Using an online loan</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> facility can help manage timing, but repayment capacity should always be assessed carefully.

Closing Note

The holidays in India 2026 offer several opportunities for rest, travel, and meaningful time with family. With a clear understanding of national, bank, and stock exchange holidays, planning becomes smoother and more predictable. Whether the goal is a long vacation, a family celebration, or managing finances responsibly, a well-planned calendar sets the tone for a balanced year ahead.

FAQs

Q1. Are all bank holidays the same across India?

No. Some bank holidays are state-specific and depend on local festivals.

Q2. Will stock market holidays change later?

The final list is officially issued closer to the year, so minor changes are possible.

Q3. Can loan repayments be scheduled on holidays?

Repayments are usually auto-debited, but processing may shift if the date falls on a holiday.

Q4. Is it useful to plan loans around holidays

Yes. Planning borrowing and repayments around holidays helps avoid delays and missed deadlines.