India’s holiday system is one of the most complex in the world because each of its 28 states and 8 union territories maintains its own list of public holidays based on local demographics and cultural traditions. In 2026, central government gazetted holidays provide the baseline, but state-specific holidays can add 5-10 additional days depending on where your operations are located.
For employers with multi-state operations in India, managing state-specific holidays is a significant compliance challenge. This guide maps the key differences across major states.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Central government gazetted holidays (approximately 17) apply nationwide
- Each state adds 5-10 additional holidays based on local demographics
- Religious and cultural composition drives state-specific holiday choices
- The Shops and Establishments Act of each state governs holiday obligations
- Multi-state employers need state-specific holiday calendars
Central Government Gazetted Holidays 2026
These holidays apply to central government offices and are widely observed by private employers:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Republic Day | 26 January | Monday |
| Maha Shivaratri | 26 February | Thursday |
| Holi | 10 March | Tuesday |
| Id-ul-Fitr | ~21 March* | Saturday |
| Ram Navami | ~27 March* | Friday |
| Mahavir Jayanti | ~5 April* | Sunday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Buddha Purnima | 1 May | Friday |
| Id-ul-Zuha | ~28 May* | Thursday |
| Muharram | ~16 July* | Thursday |
| Independence Day | 15 August | Saturday |
| Janmashtami | ~16 August* | Sunday |
| Milad-un-Nabi | ~6 September* | Sunday |
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Dussehra | ~9 October* | Friday |
| Diwali | ~17 October* | Saturday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | ~13 November* | Friday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
*Dates are estimated. Actual dates are announced by the central government based on lunar/solar calendars.
State-Specific Holiday Examples
Maharashtra
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Makar Sankranti | 14 January | Restricted |
| Maharashtra Day | 1 May | Gazetted |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | ~30 August* | Restricted |
| Bandi Chhor Divas | ~17 October* | Restricted |
Tamil Nadu
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pongal | 14 January | Restricted |
| Tamil New Year (Puthandu) | 14 April | Restricted |
| Ayudha Pooja | ~9 October* | Restricted |
West Bengal
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Poila Baisakh (Bengali New Year) | 14 April | Restricted |
| Durga Puja | ~8 October* | Restricted |
| Lakshmi Puja | ~10 October* | Restricted |
Kerala
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Onam | ~28 August* | Restricted |
| Vishu | 14 April | Restricted |
Karnataka
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka Rajyotsava | 1 November | Restricted |
| Ugadi | ~30 March* | Restricted |
Gujarat
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Day | 1 May | Restricted |
| Navratri | ~17 October* | Restricted |
Punjab
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lohri | 13 January | Restricted |
| Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | ~5 January* | Restricted |
Uttar Pradesh
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Gazetted |
| Ayodhya Ram Navami | ~27 March* | Restricted |
Delhi
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| No additional state holidays | — | — |
| Follows central government list | — | — |
Restricted Holidays: The State-Religion Connection
Each state’s restricted holiday list reflects its demographic composition:
- Hindu-majority states: Include more Hindu festival holidays (Makar Sankranti, Onam, Pongal)
- Muslim-minority holidays: Available as restricted holidays nationwide
- Christian-majority states (e.g., Goa, Kerala): Include additional Christian holidays
- Sikh-majority states (Punjab): Include Sikh religious holidays
How Restricted Holidays Work
- Employees select 2 restricted holidays per year from the available list
- The employer approves the selection
- Selected restricted holidays are treated as paid holidays
- The employer can deny specific restricted holidays for operational reasons
Employer Obligations Under State Law
The Shops and Establishments Act
Each state’s Shops and Establishments Act governs:
- The minimum number of holidays employers must grant
- Which holidays are mandatory vs optional
- Pay requirements for holidays
- Record-keeping obligations
Key Compliance Requirements
- Display a notice showing the holidays observed at your establishment
- Grant all gazetted holidays applicable to your state
- Honour restricted holiday selections made by employees
- Maintain records of holidays observed and pay provided
Common Multi-State Challenges
1. Different Holiday Lists Per State
A company with offices in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka needs three separate holiday calendars. Using a single national calendar will miss state-specific obligations.
2. Religious Holiday Sensitivity
India’s diverse religious landscape means employees may have strong expectations about which holidays are observed. An inclusive policy that allows restricted holiday choices helps manage this.
3. Holiday Pay Calculations
Different states have different formulas for calculating holiday pay. The most common method:
Holiday pay = Total wages in the last 30 days / Number of days worked
4. Factory vs Commercial Establishment
Factories and commercial establishments may have different obligations under their respective state laws. A factory may need to observe more holidays than a commercial office in the same state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holidays are employees in India entitled to?
Employees are entitled to all central government gazetted holidays (approximately 17) plus state-specific holidays plus 2 restricted holidays per year. The total can exceed 20 days in some states.
Can an employer reduce the number of holidays?
No. Gazetted holidays and state-specific holidays are mandated by law. Employers can offer more but cannot reduce below the statutory minimum.
Do IT companies need to observe all state holidays?
Yes. IT companies registered in a state must observe all gazetted holidays notified for that state under the Shops and Establishments Act.
Can an employee take more than 2 restricted holidays?
With employer approval, yes. However, additional restricted holidays are typically treated as unpaid leave.
Are central government holidays mandatory for private employers?
Yes, for gazetted holidays. The Negotiable Instruments Act mandates paid leave on all notified gazetted holidays for commercial establishments.