India Public Holidays 2026 & Festivals: Diwali, Holi, Long Weekends

Understanding India's Holidays

India’s public holidays in 2026 are closely tied to religious festivals, cultural observances, and national commemorations. Unlike many Western countries where holidays are evenly distributed, India’s calendar creates distinct travel peaks around major festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Dussehra.

For international travelers, understanding India public holidays 2026 helps with planning flights, accommodation, and intercity transport, especially during periods when domestic travel surges and services operate on reduced schedules.

India Public Holidays 2026

India observes three nationwide national holidays, alongside a larger number of gazetted and festival holidays that may vary by state. The list below reflects widely observed public holidays in 2026, based on official government and diplomatic calendars.

Public holiday observance may vary by state and employer.

Public Holiday Structure in India

India’s holiday system includes national holidays, gazetted holidays, and restricted holidays. While national holidays are observed nationwide, gazetted and restricted holidays depend on state regulations and workplace policies.

As a result, the total number of public holidays in India typically ranges between 15 and 20 days per year, depending on location. For travelers, the practical impact of holidays is shaped less by the official count and more by how festivals cluster and affect transport availability.

Major Festivals That Shape Travel in India

India has dozens of religious and cultural festivals, but only a handful consistently create nationwide travel impact. These are the festivals most likely to affect flights, accommodation availability, and intercity transport for visitors in 2026.

Beyond Diwali and Holi, several other festivals also influence travel patterns, depending on region and religion.

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

Diwali (Deepavali) is India’s most significant festival and the single most disruptive period for travel. In 2026, Diwali falls on 8 November.

This period sees:

• Mass domestic travel as families return home
• High demand for flights and trains days before and after Diwali
• Reduced business operations alongside busy shopping districts

For travelers, Diwali combines cultural richness with logistical challenges that require advance planning.

Holi (Festival of Colours)

Holi takes place on 4 March 2026 and marks the arrival of spring. Celebrations are especially intense in northern India, where streets fill with colour, music, and crowds.

City movement slows during Holi day itself, and some attractions may close early, while transport schedules remain limited but operational.

Navratri and Dussehra

Navratri is a multi-day festival culminating in Dussehra on 20 October 2026. Celebrations vary widely by region, from dance festivals in Gujarat to large-scale religious processions in northern India.

This period often creates extended travel demand, particularly in October, and affects accommodation availability in culturally significant cities.

Eid and Other Religious Observances

Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr (Id-ul-Fitr) and Eid-e-Milad are widely observed across India. Dates vary slightly each year based on moon sighting, and regional observance levels differ.

In addition, festivals like Janmashtami (celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna) and Guru Nanak’s Birthday influence travel in specific regions, particularly in northern India.

While these holidays may not cause nationwide disruption, they can significantly affect travel in certain cities and states.

Restricted Holidays and Regional Observance

Restricted holidays are optional days off selected by employees from a government-approved list. They are not mandatory nationwide closures and are commonly referred to as restricted holidays or RH. In Hindi, they may be described as वैकल्पिक अवकाश (optional leave).

For travelers, restricted holidays rarely cause widespread shutdowns, but government offices may operate with reduced staffing on these days.

Long Weekends and Peak Travel Periods in 2026

India’s holiday calendar does not rely heavily on traditional long weekends. Instead, festival clustering creates periods of concentrated travel demand.

Key travel peaks in 2026 include:

• March, around Holi and spring religious holidays
• October to November, covering Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali
• Late August, combining Independence Day and Eid-e-Milad
• December, with Christmas and year-end travel

During these periods, travelers should expect higher prices and limited availability on domestic routes.

What Remains Open During Public Holidays in India

India generally continues operating during public holidays, though service levels vary.

Usually open

• Hotels, resorts, and international restaurants
• Shopping malls and major attractions
• Ride-hailing services and taxis

Often closed or limited

• Government offices
• Banks on gazetted holidays
• Small family-run shops during major festivals

Seasonal Travel Considerations

• January–March: Pleasant weather, high festival activity
• April–June: Hot season, fewer crowds in major cities
• July–September: Monsoon conditions in many regions
• October–November: Peak season with ideal weather and festivals
• December: Cooler temperatures and strong international travel demand

Staying Connected During Indian Public Holidays

Traveling around India during major festivals often means navigating crowded transport hubs, changing schedules, and long distances between cities. During periods like Diwali or Holi, reliable mobile data helps travelers manage bookings, track trains and flights, and adjust plans when services run on limited schedules.

Eskimo’s eSIM options are designed to support different types of journeys. Travelers staying mainly within the country often use an India eSIM for local connectivity, while those combining India with nearby destinations may prefer an APAC eSIM. For longer, multi-country itineraries, a Global eSIM allows the same connection to continue beyond India without switching plans.

Across all plans, travelers can:

• Try 500 MB of free global data before purchasing
• Keep unused data when topping up
• Share data with friends or family traveling together

This makes staying connected simpler during India’s busiest travel periods, when flexibility matters most.

FAQs

How many public holidays are there in India?

India typically observes between 15 and 20 public holidays per year, including national, gazetted, and restricted holidays.

When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali (Deepavali) falls on 8 November 2026.

Is Holi a public holiday in India?

Holi is a widely observed public holiday, though the level of closure varies by region.

What are restricted holidays in India?

Restricted holidays are optional days off chosen by employees and are not nationwide closures.

Is it a good idea to travel during Indian festivals?

Festivals offer rich cultural experiences, but travelers should plan ahead due to increased domestic travel demand.