Managing state-wise holidays in 2026 is not just about marking days off on a calendar. In India, holidays affect payroll timelines, work schedules, compliance, and employee satisfaction across various states.
At Bharat Payroll, we work with Indian employers and businesses that operate across multiple states. Every year, one question comes up repeatedly: How do we track holidays in 2026 accurately without payroll errors or confusion?
India follows a layered holiday system that includes national holidays, state holidays, and public holidays. Some holidays are fixed. Some are observed on the following Monday. Others stay on a Saturday or Sunday without change. This article provides a clear overview, tables, and planning guidance to help employers and employees prepare confidently.
Overview of Holidays in India for 2026
India does not follow a single national holiday calendar. Instead, holidays are declared at different levels of governance and vary across states.
In holidays 2026, Indian employers must consider:
- National holidays are established at the country level
- State holidays declared by individual states
- Public holidays based on regional traditions and festivals
- Observed holidays when dates fall on weekends
This system is different from countries like the United States, where federal holidays are governed by federal law and apply uniformly under the federal government. In contrast, India gives states more authority, which is why state-wise planning is critical.
National Holidays in India 2026
National holidays are celebrated across the entire country and apply to all employers.
In holidays in 2026, India observes the following three national holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Day | Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Day | January 26 | Monday | Nationwide |
| Independence Day | August 15 | Saturday | Nationwide |
| Gandhi Jayanti | October 2 | Friday | Nationwide |
These holidays are observed by:
- Government offices
- Private sector businesses
- Educational institutions
Even when Independence Day falls on a Saturday, observance rules depend on employer policy and state guidance.
How State Holidays Are Declared in India
Each Indian state releases its own list of state holidays every year through official notifications.
State holidays are based on:
- Local traditions and customs
- Religious festivals
- Historical events unique to the state
For example:
- Pongal is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu
- Friday Buddha Purnima is observed in select states
- Regional festivals vary across various states
Employers must apply holidays based on the employee’s work location, not the company’s registered office.
Public Holidays and Observance Rules
Public holidays may be fixed or flexible, depending on the state and festival calendar.
Some holidays follow observance rules:
- If a holiday falls on Sunday, it may move to the following Monday
- In rare cases, observance may shift to the preceding Friday
- Some holidays remain fixed regardless of the day
| Scenario | Observance Example |
|---|---|
| Holiday on Sunday | Observed on the following Monday |
| Holiday on Saturday | Usually remains unchanged |
| Festival cluster | Observed as notified by the state |
Employers should always check state circulars before finalizing work schedules.
India vs US: Holiday System Comparison
India’s holiday structure differs from that of the United States.
| Aspect | India | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Governing authority | States + country | Federal government |
| Uniform holidays | Limited | US federal holidays |
| Examples | Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti | Columbus Day, Veterans Day |
| Observance | State-based | Federal law |
This distinction is important for global companies managing teams in both countries.
State-Wise Holiday Highlights for 2026
Tamil Nadu Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pongal | January | Celebrated across four consecutive days |
| Tamil New Year | April | State holiday |
| Good Friday | April | Public holiday |
| Christmas Day | December | Public holiday |
January and April see high holiday density in Tamil Nadu.
Maharashtra Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra Day | May | State holiday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | August | Widely celebrated |
| Diwali | October | Multi-day observance |
| Christmas Day | December | Public holiday |
October impacts work schedules significantly.
Karnataka Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sankranti | January | State holiday |
| Ugadi | March | Regional festival |
| Good Friday | April | Public holiday |
| Kannada Rajyotsava | November | State holiday |
West Bengal Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saraswati Puja | February | Regional observance |
| Durga Puja | September | Multi-day festival |
| Gandhi Jayanti | October | National holiday |
| Christmas Day | December | Public holiday |
Kerala Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vishu | April | State holiday |
| Onam | September | Extended observance |
| Diwali | October | Public holiday |
| Christmas Day | December | Public holiday |
Month-Wise Holiday Overview for 2026
| Month | Major Holidays |
|---|---|
| January | January 1, Pongal, Republic Day |
| February | Saraswati Puja |
| March | Holi, regional festivals |
| April | Good Friday, Vishu, Bihu |
| June | Bakrid, Rath Yatra |
| July | Regional observances |
| August | Independence Day |
| September | Onam, Durga Puja |
| October | Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra |
| November | State formation days |
| December | Christmas Day |
October and September require advanced planning due to clustered holidays.
Why State-Wise Holidays Matter for Employers
State-wise holidays affect more than leave planning.
They influence:
- Payroll processing days
- Attendance calculations
- Shift coverage and work allocation
- Compliance with state regulations
Incorrect holiday data can delay salaries and create disputes.
Impact on Work Schedules and Payroll
Holidays affect:
- Payroll cut-off dates
- Overtime calculations
- Shift-based industries like BPOs and manufacturing
Accurate calendars ensure payroll remains consistent across states.
How Bharat Payroll Simplifies Holiday Planning
At Bharat Payroll, we transform static holiday lists into dynamic systems.
Our platform allows employers to:
- Assign holidays by employee state
- Apply observed rules automatically
- Sync calendars with attendance and payroll
- Download holiday calendars instantly
This removes manual checks and reduces errors.
Bharat Payroll Holiday Automation Features
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| State-wise mapping | Accurate holiday assignment |
| Observance handling | Automatic Monday shifts |
| Calendar sync | Google and Outlook integration |
| Employee access | Self-service holiday visibility |
| Compliance | Audit-ready records |
Planning Holidays for Employees
Clear holiday calendars help employees:
- Plan leave in advance
- Balance personal and professional time
- Avoid last-minute conflicts
This improves transparency and trust.
Conclusion
Managing state-wise holidays in 2026 in India requires more than a static list.
Employers must account for state variations, observance rules, and payroll impact. With accurate planning, holidays become predictable instead of disruptive.
At Bharat Payroll, we help Indian businesses manage holidays, payroll, and compliance seamlessly. With automation and clarity, even India’s complex holiday structure becomes easy to handle.
Plan State-Wise Holidays 2026 Without Errors
Manage India’s complex holiday calendars, payroll timelines, and work schedules accurately using Bharat Payroll’s automated system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the state-wise holiday list for 2026 in India?
The state-wise holiday list for 2026 includes national holidays, state holidays, and public holidays declared by individual states. Employers must follow the list applicable to the employee’s work location to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
2. How many holidays are there in India in 2026?
India observes three national holidays in 2026. Including state and public holidays, most states observe between twenty and twenty-five holidays, depending on regional traditions and official notifications.
3. Are observed holidays mandatory for private employers?
Observed holidays depend on state notifications. Some states move holidays to the following Monday when they fall on Sunday. Private employers must follow applicable state rules to remain compliant.
4. How do holidays affect payroll and work schedules?
Holidays affect payroll cut-offs, attendance, and overtime calculations. Incorrect holiday mapping can delay salaries or cause disputes, making accurate calendars essential for employers and businesses.
5. How does Bharat Payroll help manage holidays in 2026?
Bharat Payroll automates state-wise holiday calendars, applies observance rules, syncs updates, and integrates holidays with payroll and attendance systems for accurate and compliant workforce planning.
