India Weekends & Holidays

Weekend and Holiday Calendar for India

In India, the weekend falls on Saturday (often) and Sunday. The standard work week is MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday.

Public Holidays 2026

India observes 9 official public holidays in 2026. On these days, government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed. Tourist attractions may have limited hours or special schedules.

Holiday Calendar

• 2026-01-26: Republic Day - Constitution adoption celebration
• 2026-03-14: Holi - Festival of Colors
• 2026-04-02: Eid al-Fitr (estimated) - End of Ramadan
• 2026-04-14: Baisakhi/Vishu - New Year in Punjab and Kerala
• 2026-08-15: Independence Day - Freedom from British rule
• 2026-10-02: Gandhi Jayanti - Mahatma Gandhi's birthday
• 2026-10-24: Dussehra - Victory of good over evil
• 2026-11-13: Diwali - Festival of Lights - biggest holiday
• 2026-12-25: Christmas - Christian holiday, national holiday in India

Best Times to Visit India

Understanding tourist seasons helps you plan better:

Peak Tourist Season

October - March

Shoulder Season

September, April

Low Season

May - August (monsoon and heat)

Travel Planning Tips

Best Travel Dates

• October to March (pleasant weather)
• Diwali is magical but crowded
• Avoid monsoon (June-September) unless visiting hills

Important Notes

• Many regional holidays not listed (varies by state)
• Alcohol banned on specific days (varies by state)
• Diwali is the biggest holiday - book early
• Holi - color festival, can be overwhelming for tourists
• Some offices work 5.5 days (Saturday half-day)

Weekend Culture in India

The Saturday (often) and Sunday weekend affects business hours, transportation schedules, and tourist activities.