Due to the fact that India is a country with an incredibly rich culture and religion, its holiday calendar is full of various events. We present the most important holidays in India 2026.
Indian Holidays 2026 – January
Makar Sankranti / Pongal – January 14 (Wednesday)
Makar Sankranti/Pongal is one of the most widely celebrated harvest festivals. Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu, while Makar Sankranti is celebrated in northern and western India. People prepare traditional sesame dishes, fly kites, and pay homage to the Sun God.
Republic Day – January 26 (Monday)
Republic Day is one of the most important national holidays in India, commemorating the establishment of the constitution. A ceremonial military parade is held in New Delhi, and flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural events are organized across the country.
Indian Holidays 2026 – March
Holi – March 3 (Tuesday)
Holi (Festival of Colors) is one of the most joyous festivals in the Indian calendar. Celebrations of this festival mainly involve throwing colored powders at each other, dancing in the streets and enjoying sweets. The holiday symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
Ram Navami – March 26 (Thursday)
Hindus celebrate Ram Navami to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees, especially in the north of the country, read from the Ramayana, visit temples and organize processions.
Holidays in India 2026 – April
Ugadi / Gudi Padwa – April 1 (Wednesday)
In India, the New Year is traditionally celebrated according to a different calendar. Homes are decorated with flowers, and families eat festive meals together and visit temples.
Good Friday – April 3 (Friday)
Christians in India celebrate Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day for reflection and participation in special masses and prayers.
Mahavir Jayanti – April 8 (Wednesday)
Mahavir Jayanti honors the birth of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. Believers organize prayers, processions and charity events, promoting the principles of non-violence.
Holidays in India 2026 – May
Buddha Purnima – May 1 (Friday)
Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Devotees visit Buddhist temples, meditate, chant mantras, and support charitable causes.
Holidays in India 2026 – June
Eid al-Fitr – June 21 (Saturday)
Eid al-Fitr is a holiday that ends the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. The daily routine includes morning prayer, feasting, giving gifts and giving to charity.
Indian Holidays 2026 – August
Independence Day – 15 August (Saturday)
India’s Independence Day commemorates India’s independence from Britain in 1947. The Prime Minister of India hoists the flag at the Red Fort in Delhi and delivers a speech. Schools and communities organize performances and processions.
Indian Holidays 2026 – October
Gandhi Jayanti – 2 October (Friday)
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India celebrated to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. This day is primarily dedicated to promoting peace.
Navratri – 11–20 October (Sunday–Tuesday)
Navratri is a nine-day festival honoring the goddess Durga. Celebrations vary by region, but typically include special dances, fasting, and prayers.
Holidays in India 2026 – November
Diwali – November 9 (Monday)
Diwali (Festival of Lights) commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. On this occasion, people decorate their homes with oil lamps and candles, set off fireworks, and gift sweets and presents.
Holidays in India 2026 – Calendar
We have covered some of the most important holidays celebrated in India in 2026. Before you travel to India, check the upcoming dates of holidays and bank holidays, as the dates of holidays may vary depending on the calendar used.
