Telangana holidays in 2026 include 17 mandatory public holidays and up to 5 optional holidays that every employer must grant. As a relatively young state formed in 2014, Telangana has developed its own holiday calendar under the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act.
Hyderabad’s booming IT sector makes Telangana’s holiday calendar particularly important for employers managing large tech teams. This guide covers every holiday, 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
- Telangana observes 17 mandatory public holidays and 5 optional holidays in 2026
- Bonalu and Bathukamma are Telangana-specific festivals significant to employers
- Hyderabad’s IT corridor 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 Telangana 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 |
| Bonalu | 28 July | Tuesday |
| Independence Day | 15 August | Saturday |
| Vinayakar Chaturthi | 25 August | Tuesday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Dasara (Vijaya Dashami) | 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. Bonalu is a Telangana-specific festival; dates may vary by the Hindu calendar.
Optional Holidays in Telangana 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 |
What the Law Requires
Telangana Shops and Establishments Act
- 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 all public holidays
Three Non-Negotiable National Holidays
- Republic Day (26 January)
- Independence Day (15 August)
- Gandhi Jayanti (2 October)
Telangana-Specific Holidays
Bonalu is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, celebrated primarily in Hyderabad and surrounding districts. It’s a significant local holiday, and many businesses close on this day.
Bathukamma is another Telangana-specific festival celebrating the goddess Gauri. While not always a gazetted holiday, many employers grant leave for it.
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.
Hyderabad IT Sector Considerations
Hyderabad’sHITEC City and Financial District house major IT 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
- Labour department proceedings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bonalu mandatory for private companies in Telangana?
Bonalu is a gazetted public holiday in Telangana. Private establishments are expected to observe it. If an employee works on Bonalu, they must be paid double wages or given a substitute holiday.
Can Hyderabad IT companies use a different holiday calendar?
No. IT companies must follow the Telangana 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 Saturday?
If a public holiday falls on a Saturday, the next working day is typically observed as a substitute. Check the state government’s annual notification for specific substitution rules.
Tracking Telangana’s unique holidays like Bonalu and Bathukamma alongside national holidays? Leave Balance auto-applies state-specific holidays, manages optional holiday requests, and keeps your compliance records in order.