Uttar Pradesh observes a mix of national and state-specific public holidays governed by the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and state government notifications. Employers operating in UP must distinguish between mandatory holidays (on which establishments remain closed) and optional holidays employees can elect to observe.
Getting the holiday calendar wrong exposes you to compliance risks under the Shops and Establishments Act and potential employee disputes. This guide lists every public holiday in UP for 2026, explains mandatory vs optional holidays, and covers pay obligations.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Uttar Pradesh observes all Indian national public holidays plus state-specific occasions
- Banks and government offices follow the Negotiable Instruments Act holidays; private establishments follow state notifications
- Employers must decide which holidays are mandatory vs optional for their staff
- Employees working on a mandatory public holiday are entitled to paid leave or double wages
- Religious holidays may shift based on moon sightings — always verify dates annually
National Public Holidays in UP (2026)
All Indian establishments in UP observe these nationally mandated holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Republic Day | 26 January | Monday |
| Maha Shivaratri | 15 February | Sunday |
| Holi | 10 March | Tuesday |
| Id-ul-Fitr | 21 March | Saturday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti | 14 April | Tuesday |
| Ram Navami | 26 March | Thursday |
| Buddha Purnima | 1 May | Friday |
| Independence Day | 15 August | Saturday |
| Id-ul-Zuha | 28 May | Thursday |
| Janmashtami | 16 August | Monday |
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 2 October | Friday |
| Dussehra | 20 October | Tuesday |
| Milad-un-Nabi | 6 September | Sunday |
| Diwali | 10 November | Tuesday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | 5 November | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
Note: Islamic holiday dates depend on moon sightings and may shift by a day. Always confirm with official state government notifications.
State-Specific Holidays in Uttar Pradesh
UP observes several additional state holidays not mandated nationally:
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basant Panchami | 1 February | Celebrated widely across UP |
| Chhat Puja | 25 October | Major festival in UP and Bihar |
| Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day | 24 November | Observance in some districts |
| Mahavir Jayanti | 4 April | Jaina holiday, widely observed |
Regional Variations Within UP
Some districts observe additional local holidays. For example, Varanasi may declare a local holiday during Dev Deepawali, while Agra may observe a holiday during the Taj Mahotsav period. Check with your district magistrate’s office for local notifications.
Mandatory vs Optional Holidays
Understanding the distinction is critical for compliance:
Mandatory Holidays
These are holidays on which your establishment must remain closed or provide an alternative day off:
- All gazetted holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act (for banks)
- National holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti)
- State-declared holidays under the UP Shops and Establishments Act
Optional Holidays
Employees can choose to observe these instead of a mandatory holiday:
- Religious holidays from a faith different from the employee’s
- Regional festivals not declared mandatory by the state
- Employees must give advance notice (typically 15 days) to opt for an optional holiday
Tip: Maintain a policy document listing which holidays are mandatory and how employees can request optional holidays.
Pay Rules for Public Holidays
Fixed-Salary Employees
If a public holiday falls on an employee’s ordinary working day, they receive their full regular pay regardless of whether they work or not. This applies to monthly-rated employees under the Payment of Wages Act.
Daily-Wage Employees
Daily-wage workers are entitled to wages for the holiday if it falls on a day they would normally work. If the employer requires them to work, they must be paid double wages for that day.
Shops and Establishments Act Provisions
Under the UP Shops and Establishments Act:
- Every employee is entitled to at least one rest day per week
- If a public holiday coincides with a rest day, the employer may grant an alternative holiday
- Employees who work on a mandatory public holiday are entitled to double wages or a compensatory day off within 30 days
Employer Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to stay compliant in UP:
- Publish your holiday calendar at the start of the year — display it at the workplace and share digitally
- Allow optional holiday requests — maintain a system for employees to elect alternative holidays
- Track compensatory off — if an employee works on a mandatory holiday, grant a substitute day within 30 days
- Verify Islamic holiday dates — Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Zuha depend on moon sightings; confirm each year
- Check district-level notifications — local holidays may add days not on the state list
- Maintain records — keep a register of holidays observed and wages paid for inspection
Common Mistakes
Applying National Holidays Only
Some employers only observe national holidays and ignore state-specific ones. UP mandates additional holidays — skipping them can trigger compliance action.
Not Offering Compensatory Off
When an employee works on a mandatory public holiday and you fail to offer a substitute day off or double wages, you violate the Shops and Establishments Act.
Ignoring Religious Sensitivity
India’s workforce is diverse. Denying an employee’s request to observe an optional holiday from their religious tradition can lead to grievances and potential discrimination claims.
Failing to Update for Moon Sightings
Islamic holidays in India are confirmed by moon-sighting committees. Dates published in January may shift by a day — update your calendar when official announcements are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Uttar Pradesh observe in 2026?
UP observes approximately 17-20 public holidays per year, combining national gazetted holidays and state-declared occasions. The exact number depends on district-level additions.
Can an employer reduce the number of public holidays?
No. Employers cannot reduce the mandatory holidays prescribed by the Negotiable Instruments Act or the UP Shops and Establishments Act. You can, however, choose not to declare additional optional holidays beyond the legal minimum.
Do contract workers get public holiday pay?
Contract workers engaged through a staffing agency are typically covered by the agency’s compliance obligations. The principal employer should verify that the staffing partner observes mandatory holidays and pays accordingly.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
If a mandatory public holiday falls on a Sunday (or another rest day), the employer should grant an alternative holiday or ensure the employee receives double wages.
Are private companies required to observe all state holidays?
Private companies must observe holidays mandated by the Shops and Establishments Act applicable to their state. Beyond that, the employer decides which additional holidays to observe based on industry norms and company policy.