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If you want to travel more without exhausting your leave balance, planning ahead is everything. The 2026 calendar is filled with festivals, national holidays, and religious observances that can easily be turned into long weekends with a little strategy.
Here is a complete, month-wise guide to holidays and long weekends in India in 2026, including cultural, religious, and widely celebrated observances, along with practical leave-planning ideas.
January 2026
Republic Day – Monday, January 26
A perfect long weekend with no leaves required.
Ideal for short trips or a relaxed start to the year.
February 2026
February is relatively quiet in terms of public holidays, making it a good month to save leaves for later.
Valentine’s Day – Saturday, February 14
Not a public holiday, but great for a romantic weekend getaway.
March 2026
March is one of the most holiday-rich months of the year.
Holi – Tuesday, March 3
By taking Monday, March 2 and Wednesday, March 4 off, you can enjoy a long break from Saturday, Feb 28 to Wednesday, March 4.
Perfect for a festive trip or a relaxed family vacation.
Id-ul-Fitr – Saturday, March 21 (Tentative)
Falls on a weekend, making it easy to plan a short break.
Ram Navami – Thursday, March 26
Take Friday off to create a 4-day long weekend (Mar 26–29).
Mahavir Jayanti – Tuesday, March 31
Taking Monday off gives you a comfortable extended break.
April 2026
Good Friday – Friday, April 3
A clean 3-day long weekend (Apr 3–5) without taking any leave.
Ambedkar Jayanti – Tuesday, April 14
Often observed alongside Vaisakhi / Mesha Sankranti (Solar New Year).
Take Monday off for a mid-month break.
May 20264
Buddha Purnima / International Workers’ Day – Friday, May 1
Another perfect Friday long weekend (May 1–3).
Great for early summer travel.
Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 10
Not a public holiday, but ideal for planning a family-focused weekend or staycation.
Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha) – Wednesday, May 27 (Tentative)
Taking Tuesday and Thursday off can turn this into a longer mid-week break.
June 2026
Muharram – Friday, June 26 (Tentative)
Creates a neat 3-day weekend (June 26–28).
Well-suited for monsoon destinations.
July 2026
July has fewer holidays, making it a good buffer month between summer and festive travel.
August 2026
Independence Day – Saturday, August 15
Falls on a weekend, useful for short breaks.
Milad un-Nabi – Wednesday, August 26 (Tentative)
Can be combined with leaves for a longer pause.
Raksha Bandhan – Friday, August 28
Creates a lovely long weekend (Aug 28–30).
Perfect for family visits or quick trips.
September 2026
September offers multiple long weekend options.
Janmashtami – Friday, September 4
Creates a 3-day weekend (Sep 4–6) without taking leave.
Ganesh Chaturthi – Monday, September 14
Another easy long weekend (Sep 12–14).
October 2026
October is one of the best months for holidays in India.
Gandhi Jayanti – Friday, October 2
A guaranteed 3-day long weekend (Oct 2–4).
Sharad Navratri Begins – Sunday, October 11
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) – Tuesday, October 20
Take Monday off to enjoy a 4-day break (Oct 17–20).
Karwa Chauth – Thursday, October 29
Can be paired with Friday leave for a festive long weekend.
November 2026
Diwali – Sunday, November 8
Govardhan Puja – Monday, November 9
Mostly weekend-heavy, but taking Monday or Tuesday off can extend the break.
Guru Nanak Jayanti – Tuesday, November 24
Taking Monday off creates a clean long weekend.
December 2026
Christmas – Friday, December 25
Ends the year with a perfect long weekend (Dec 25–27).
Ideal for year-end travel, staycations, or family time.
Final Thoughts
With thoughtful planning, 2026 offers plenty of opportunities to travel without using too many leaves. From Holi and spring festivals to festive October breaks and year-end holidays, the year is well-spaced for both short trips and longer vacations.
Mark your calendar early, plan your leaves smartly, and make the most of every long weekend in 2026.
