Tamil Nadu holidays in 2026 include 17 mandatory public holidays and up to 4 optional holidays that every employer must grant. The Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act requires all commercial establishments to observe these holidays and provide paid leave to employees.
Tamil Nadu has unique regional holidays like Pongal and Tamil New Year (Puthandu) that employers outside the state may not anticipate. This guide covers the complete 2026 calendar, your obligations, 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
- Tamil Nadu observes 17 mandatory public holidays and 4 optional holidays in 2026
- Pongal and Puthandu (Tamil New Year) are state-specific holidays significant to employers
- Employers must grant at least 18 paid holidays per year
- Chennai’s IT corridor has specific shift-scheduling considerations
- Establishments must display the holiday list and maintain a leave register
Mandatory Public Holidays in Tamil Nadu 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Pongal (Sankranti) | 14 January | Wednesday |
| Tamil New Year (Puthandu) | 14 April | Tuesday |
| Republic Day | 26 January | Monday |
| Maha Shivaratri | 15 February | Sunday |
| 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 |
| Vinayakar Chaturthi | 25 August | Tuesday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Ayutha Pooja / Dasara | 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 and may shift by a day.
Optional Holidays in Tamil Nadu 2026
Employees may select two optional holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Milad-i-Sharif | 5 September | Saturday |
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Christmas Eve | 24 December | Thursday |
What the Law Requires
Shops and Establishments Act
Tamil Nadu’s Shops and Establishments Act mandates:
- 18 paid holidays per year, including national holidays
- Display of the holiday calendar at a visible location
- Weekly off in addition to public holidays
- Payment of wages on public holidays
Three National Holidays (Non-Negotiable)
- Republic Day (26 January)
- Independence Day (15 August)
- Gandhi Jayanti (2 October)
These cannot be substituted or waived.
Tamil Nadu-Specific Holidays
Pongal (14 January) is the most significant harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. Most establishments close for 2-3 days during Pongal, and it’s common practice to grant additional days.
Puthandu (Tamil New Year, 14 April) is also widely observed. Employers in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai typically close on this day.
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.
Working on a Public Holiday
With written consent, you may require employees to work, but must pay double wages or grant a substitute holiday within the month.
Chennai IT Sector Considerations
Chennai’s IT corridor, particularly the Sholinganallur and OMR areas, has unique scheduling needs. Many IT companies:
- Maintain 24/7 operations across global time zones
- Use flexible holiday calendars allowing employees to choose which regional holidays to observe
- Ensure minimum 18 holidays are granted even with shift rotations
The Shops and Establishments Act applies to IT companies, so holiday entitlements cannot be reduced regardless of operational needs.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintain records of:
- Annual holiday calendar for each year
- Employee leave register showing holidays taken
- Double wages payment records
- Written consent forms for working on holidays
Keep records for at least three years.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fine up to ₹5,000 for first offence
- Fine up to ₹10,000 for repeat offences
- Imprisonment up to 3 months for serious violations
- Labour department inspections and proceedings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pongal mandatory for all employers in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. Pongal is a gazetted public holiday in Tamil Nadu, and all establishments must observe it. If an employee works on Pongal, they must be paid double wages or given a substitute holiday.
Can an IT company in Chennai use a different holiday calendar?
No. IT companies must follow the state government’s holiday calendar. However, they can use flexible shift scheduling to ensure employees get their entitled holidays while maintaining business operations.
What if Pongal falls on a weekend?
If Pongal falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the next working day is typically observed as a substitute holiday. Check the state government notification for the exact substitution.
Managing Tamil Nadu holidays across teams? Leave Balance auto-applies state-specific holidays including Pongal and Puthandu, manages optional holiday requests, and keeps your leave records audit-ready.