Public holidays in India are divided into two categories: gazetted holidays (mandatory for all establishments) and restricted holidays (optional, chosen by employees based on religion or region). The Central Government declares gazetted holidays for Central Government offices, and state governments declare their own lists for state-level establishments. Private-sector employers must follow the Shops and Establishments Act applicable in their state.
India’s public holiday landscape is among the most complex in the world — a country of 1.4 billion people observing festivals across Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi traditions. As an employer, you need to know which holidays apply, how to handle restricted holidays, and how to pay employees correctly.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your state and industry.
2026 Central Government Gazetted Holidays
These holidays are mandatory for Central Government offices and recommended for private-sector establishments:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Republic Day | 26 January | Monday |
| Maha Shivaratri | 15 February | Sunday |
| Holi | 10 March | Tuesday |
| Id-ul-Fitr | 20 March | Friday |
| Mahavir Jayanti | 4 April | Sunday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Buddha Purnima | 22 May | Friday |
| Id-ul-Zuha | 27 May | Thursday |
| Independence Day | 15 August | Saturday |
| Janmashtami | 5 September | Saturday |
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Dussehra | 20 October | Tuesday |
| Milad-un-Nabi | 27 October | Tuesday |
| Diwali | 8 November | Sunday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | 24 November | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
Note: Maha Shivaratri (15 February) falls on a Sunday. Diwali (8 November) falls on a Sunday. Check state-specific observance dates.
Restricted Holidays
Restricted holidays are optional holidays that individual employees can choose based on their religion, region, or personal preference. Common restricted holidays include:
- Makar Sankranti / Pongal (14-15 January)
- Basant Panchami (varies)
- Shab-e-Qadr (varies)
- Jamshedi Navroz (20 March)
- Bihu (14-15 April)
- Vaisakhi (14 April)
- Maharishi Parashurama Jayanti (varies)
- Rath Yatra (varies)
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day (24 November)
- Christmas Eve (24 December)
Employees are typically entitled to 2 restricted holidays per year from the official list. The specific holidays available depend on the state and the employee’s religion.
State Variations
Each state declares its own list of public holidays under the Shops and Establishments Act. Key variations:
Tamil Nadu
- Pongal (14-15 January) — gazetted
- Tamil New Year (14 April) — gazetted
- Karthigai Deepam — gazetted
- Thanthai Periyar Day — gazetted
Kerala
- Onam — gazetted (varies, typically August-September)
- Vishu (14-15 April) — gazetted
West Bengal
- Poila Baisakh (Bengali New Year) — gazetted
- Rath Yatra — gazetted
Maharashtra
- Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year) — gazetted
- Ashadi Ekadashi — gazetted
Punjab
- Baisakhi (14 April) — gazetted
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — gazetted
Always check your state’s holiday list — it may include holidays not on the Central Government list.
Employer Obligations
Shops and Establishments Act
Every state has a Shops and Establishments Act that governs:
- Which holidays are mandatory
- How many holidays employees are entitled to
- Holiday pay requirements
- Working hours on holidays
Central Shops and Establishments Act
For employees covered by the Central Act:
- National holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti) are mandatory
- State holidays are determined by the state where the establishment is located
- Employees are entitled to at least 10 holidays per year, including national holidays
Holiday Pay
Under the Payment of Wages Act, employees are entitled to wages for holidays. The calculation depends on:
- Fixed salary employees: Regular monthly salary
- Daily-wage employees: Average daily wages over the last 3 months
- Overtime: If an employee works on a public holiday, they’re entitled to overtime pay (typically 2× regular rate)
Working on a Public Holiday
If an employee works on a public holiday:
- They are entitled to overtime pay (2× regular rate or as specified by the applicable law)
- They are entitled to a substitute day off within 30 days
- The employer cannot compel work on a public holiday without the employee’s consent (except in essential services)
Essential Services
Certain industries can operate on public holidays:
- Hospitals and healthcare
- Fire services
- Power and utilities
- Transportation
- Hotels and restaurants
Employees in these industries may be required to work, but they must still receive overtime pay and a substitute day off.
Common Mistakes
Not Providing State-Specific Holidays
If your establishment is in Tamil Nadu, you must observe Pongal. Ignoring state-specific holidays is a violation of the Shops and Establishments Act.
Confusing Gazetted and Restricted Holidays
Gazetted holidays are mandatory. Restricted holidays are optional. You cannot force employees to use restricted holidays if they don’t want to.
Incorrect Overtime Calculations
Holiday overtime must be calculated correctly. Using the wrong base rate or forgetting to include allowances can result in underpayment.
Not Granting Substitute Days
If an employee works on a public holiday, they must receive a substitute day off. Failing to provide one is a violation.
Key Takeaways
- India has gazetted holidays (mandatory) and restricted holidays (optional) — the total varies by state
- The Central Government declares 17 gazetted holidays; states add their own
- Private-sector employers follow the Shops and Establishments Act applicable in their state
- Employees are typically entitled to 2 restricted holidays per year
- Working on a public holiday entitles employees to overtime pay and a substitute day off
- Always check your state’s specific holiday list for compliance
Managing public holidays across a diverse Indian workforce — with employees observing different festivals — requires sensitivity and precision. Leave Balance tracks gazetted and restricted holidays by state so every employee gets their correct entitlements.