Maharashtra holidays in 2026 include 17 mandatory public holidays and up to 8 optional holidays that employers must accommodate. Under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, every establishment must observe these holidays and grant leave to employees accordingly.
Missing compliance with Maharashtra’s holiday rules exposes your business to penalties under the Shops and Establishments Act, employee grievances, and potential disputes with labour authorities. This guide covers every holiday, your obligations as an employer, and how to structure your holiday policy.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organisation.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra observes 17 mandatory public holidays and 8 optional holidays in 2026
- Employers must grant at least 18 holidays per year, including national holidays
- Employees are entitled to paid leave on public holidays that fall on working days
- Establishments must display a holiday list at the workplace
- Festive holidays like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi vary by region each year
Mandatory Public Holidays in Maharashtra 2026
The Government of Maharashtra notifies mandatory public holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act and the Shops and Establishments Act. Every commercial establishment must observe these holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Republic Day | 26 January | Monday |
| Maha Shivaratri | 15 February | Sunday |
| Holi (Dulhendi) | 10 March | Tuesday |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti | 14 April | Tuesday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Buddha Purnima | 1 May | Friday |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | 21 March | Saturday |
| Eid-ul-Adha | 28 May | Thursday |
| Independence Day | 15 August | Saturday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | 25 August | Tuesday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Dasara (Vijaya Dashami) | 20 October | Tuesday |
| Diwali | 13 November | Friday |
| Diwali (Balipratipada) | 14 November | Saturday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | 3 November | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
Note: Some dates like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are subject to moon sighting and may shift by a day. The state government confirms dates closer to the holidays.
Optional Holidays in Maharashtra 2026
Employees are entitled to two optional holidays from the following list. Employers must grant these if requested:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Id-e-Milad | 5 September | Saturday |
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day | 24 November | Tuesday |
| Christmas Eve | 24 December | Thursday |
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
What the Law Requires
Shops and Establishments Act
Maharashtra’s Shops and Establishments Act requires every establishment to:
- Grant at least 18 paid holidays per year, including all national holidays
- Display the list of holidays at a conspicuous place in the establishment
- Grant one day off per week in addition to public holidays
- Pay employees for all public holidays, even if the establishment closes
Shops Act Categories
The Act applies to shops, commercial establishments, residential hotels, restaurants, theatres, and other places of business. Establishments with more than 10 employees have additional obligations regarding holiday registers and leave records.
National Holidays Are Non-Negotiable
Three national holidays are mandatory for all establishments in India, including Maharashtra:
- Republic Day (26 January)
- Independence Day (15 August)
- Gandhi Jayanti (2 October)
You cannot substitute these with other holidays.
Paying Employees on Public Holidays
When the Holiday Falls on a Working Day
If a public holiday falls on a day your employee would normally work, you must:
- Grant paid leave at their ordinary rate of pay
- Or, if the employee works, pay double wages for that day
When the Holiday Falls on a Weekly Off
If a public holiday coincides with the employee’s weekly off, you must provide a substitute holiday on another working day.
For Employees Required to Work
If business operations require an employee to work on a public holiday, you must:
- Obtain the employee’s written consent
- Pay double wages or grant a substitute holiday within the same month
Festive Holidays and Regional Variation
Maharashtra has unique regional holidays that vary by district. Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival that affects businesses across the state, particularly in Pune and Mumbai. The actual date may shift depending on the Hindu calendar.
Diwali is the most significant business holiday in Maharashtra. Most establishments close for 2-3 days during Diwali, and it’s common practice to grant additional days beyond the mandatory requirement.
Employers in Mumbai and Pune should plan staffing carefully around these festivals, as entire supply chains and vendor networks may be unavailable.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintain the following records:
- Holiday calendar for each year
- Register of holidays taken by each employee
- Proof of double wages paid for working on holidays
- Employee consent forms for working on public holidays
Retain these records for at least three years from the date of the record.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the Shops and Establishments Act can result in:
- Fine up to ₹5,000 for first-time violations
- Fine up to ₹10,000 for repeat offences
- Imprisonment up to 3 months in serious cases
- Labour court proceedings and compensation orders
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give all optional holidays to my employees?
No. Employees are entitled to two optional holidays per year from the notified list. They must submit a written request specifying which holidays they want to avail.
Can I make employees work on Diwali?
Yes, but only with the employee’s written consent and you must pay double wages or provide a substitute holiday within the same month. Most employers in Maharashtra close for Diwali voluntarily.
What if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday or the employee’s weekly off, you must grant a substitute holiday on another working day.
Are IT companies in Maharashtra exempt from these holidays?
No. The Shops and Establishments Act applies to all commercial establishments, including IT companies. However, some IT companies operate under different shift patterns with central government approval.
Managing holiday schedules across multiple states gets complicated fast. Leave Balance tracks regional holidays, manages optional holiday requests, and keeps your compliance records in one place — so you never miss a mandatory holiday or miscalculate leave entitlements.