The year 2025 is almost over, and as we move towards 2026, the new holiday calendar has already been released. According to the General Administration Department, schools and government offices are set to get a total of 50 holidays in 2026, including 31 public holidays and 19 optional holidays. However, the number of holidays has gone down compared to last year — nine holidays have been reduced because several festivals will fall on weekends.
50 Holidays Announced for 2026
Government employees will receive 31 fixed public holidays and can select any 2 out of 19 optional holidays, depending on their preference. Overall, this makes 50 holidays for the year 2026. The updated holiday calendar has already been shared with all government departments.
There will be 12 weeks in 2026 when employees can enjoy three consecutive holidays due to weekends combining with public holidays. However, because some major festivals fall on Saturdays and Sundays, the total number of holidays has slightly decreased.
Additionally, district collectors will have the authority to declare two extra local holidays in their respective districts. For bank employees, a separate holiday calendar will be issued by the Finance Department.
Major Holidays in January and February 2026
The new year will begin with several important festivals and public holidays.
- January 14: Makar Sankranti / Magh Bihu / Pongal
- January 23: Basant Panchami
- January 26: Republic Day
In February, there will also be a few notable holidays:
- February 1: Guru Ravidas Jayanti
- February 12: Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti
- February 15: Mahashivratri
- February 19: Shivaji Jayanti
Holi and Diwali Holidays in 2026
The festival of colors, Holi, will bring a cheerful break in March. Holika Dahan will be observed on March 2, followed by Dhulandi on March 3. Later in the year, several major Hindu festivals will add to the list of holidays.
- September 21: Ramdev Jayanti and Teja Dashami
- October 19: Durgashtami
- November 8: Diwali
- November 9: Govardhan Puja
Fewer Holidays in 2026
Even though there are 50 holidays in 2026, employees will get nine fewer holidays than last year. This is because many festivals are falling on weekends. Still, the new year will have plenty of long weekends and festive breaks for both schools and offices, giving everyone enough time to celebrate and relax.
