Haryana holidays in 2026 include 17 mandatory public holidays and up to 8 optional holidays that every employer must grant. The Haryana Shops and Establishments Act requires all commercial establishments to observe these holidays and provide paid leave.
Gurugram’s position as a major IT and corporate hub makes Haryana’s holiday calendar particularly important for national and multinational employers. This guide covers the complete 2026 calendar, your obligations, and compliance best practices.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organisation.
Key Takeaways
- Haryana observes 17 mandatory public holidays and up to 8 optional holidays in 2026
- Haryana Day (1 November) is a state-specific holiday
- Gurugram’s IT sector requires careful holiday shift planning
- Employers must grant at least 18 paid holidays per year
- Establishments must display the holiday list at the workplace
Mandatory Public Holidays in Haryana 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Republic Day | 26 January | Monday |
| Maha Shivaratri | 15 February | Sunday |
| Holi | 10 March | Tuesday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti | 14 April | Tuesday |
| Buddha Purnima | 1 May | Friday |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | 21 March | Saturday |
| Eid-ul-Adha | 28 May | Thursday |
| Independence Day | 15 August | Saturday |
| Haryana Day | 1 November | Sunday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Dussehra | 20 October | Tuesday |
| Diwali | 13 November | Friday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | 3 November | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
Note: Eid dates are subject to moon sighting. Haryana Day is a state-specific holiday.
Optional Holidays in Haryana 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Milad-i-Sharif | 5 September | Saturday |
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Christmas Eve | 24 December | Thursday |
| New Year’s Eve | 31 December | Thursday |
| Basant Panchami | 25 January | Sunday |
What the Law Requires
Haryana Shops and Establishments Act
- 18 paid holidays per year, including national holidays
- Display of the holiday calendar at a conspicuous place
- Weekly off in addition to public holidays
- Payment of wages on all public holidays
Three Non-Negotiable National Holidays
- Republic Day (26 January)
- Independence Day (15 August)
- Gandhi Jayanti (2 October)
Haryana-Specific Holidays
Haryana Day (1 November) celebrates the formation of the state. Government offices and banks are closed. Private establishments are expected to observe it.
Diwali and Holi are the most significant business holidays. Most businesses close for 2-3 days during each festival.
Paying Employees on Public Holidays
Holiday on a Working Day
Grant paid leave at the ordinary rate of pay, or pay double wages if the employee works.
Holiday on a Weekly Off
Provide a substitute holiday on another working day within the month.
Working on a Public Holiday
With written consent, employees may work but must receive double wages or a substitute holiday.
Gurugram IT Sector Considerations
Gurugram houses major IT and corporate operations. Key considerations:
- 24/7 shifts require rotating holiday schedules
- Flexible holiday policies let employees choose which regional holidays to observe
- Minimum 18 holidays must be granted regardless of shift patterns
- Companies with global teams should maintain a common holiday calendar
Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintain:
- Annual holiday calendar
- Employee leave register
- Double wages payment records
- Consent forms for working on holidays
Keep records for at least three years.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fine up to ₹5,000 for first violation
- Fine up to ₹10,000 for repeat violations
- Imprisonment up to 3 months for serious breaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haryana Day mandatory for private companies?
Haryana Day is gazetted by the state government. Private establishments are expected to observe it. If employees work on Haryana Day, they must receive double wages or a substitute holiday.
Can Gurugram IT companies use a different holiday calendar?
No. IT companies must follow the Haryana government’s holiday calendar. However, they can use flexible shift scheduling to accommodate global operations while ensuring employees get their entitled holidays.
What if a holiday falls on a weekend?
If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the state government typically notifies a substitute holiday. Check the annual notification for the exact date.
Managing Haryana holidays across your organisation? Leave Balance auto-applies state-specific holidays, manages optional holiday requests, and keeps your compliance records in order.