In Shorts
- The Indian government has officially released the holiday schedule for all its administrative offices for the year 2026.
- The list includes 17 Gazetted Holidays, including Republic Day, Independence Day, and major religious festivals like Diwali and Eid.
- Employees are also granted 16 Restricted Holidays, allowing for personalized time off to celebrate various occasions.
NEW DELHI – In a move that allows millions of citizens and public sector employees to plan their year ahead, the Central Government has unveiled the comprehensive holiday list for 2026. The official roster details the specific dates on which government offices and institutions across India will remain closed.
The list, formulated by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), is a crucial document for scheduling official work, managing public services, and for employees to map out their leave and vacation plans for the coming year. It meticulously outlines two categories of holidays: Gazetted and Restricted.
The Gazetted Holidays are mandatory closures observed by all government establishments. The 2026 list features the three National Holidays—Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). Alongside these, major religious and cultural festivals from all communities find a place, promoting the nation’s diverse fabric. Key festivals include Maha Shivaratri (Feb 16), Holi (Mar 15), Eid-ul-Fitr (Mar 22), Janmashtami (Sep 4), and Diwali (Nov 12). The list also includes Good Friday (Apr 3), Christmas (Dec 25), and Guru Nanak’s Birthday (Nov 15).
Beyond the mandatory list, the government has also provided a schedule of 16 Restricted Holidays. This system is designed to offer flexibility, allowing employees to choose a set number of holidays based on their personal religious and cultural preferences. This inclusive approach ensures that staff can celebrate festivals specific to their faith or region that may not be on the national gazetted list.
For the public, this early release of the holiday calendar is a boon for travel and event planning. By checking the official dates, individuals can identify potential long weekends, making advanced bookings for trains, flights, and hotels, often at more economical rates.
The full list is available on the official government portals for citizens to peruse. AlwaysFirst advises its readers to cross-reference with their respective state government announcements, as local festivals may lead to additional holidays in different regions of the country.
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