India Public Holidays

India has 3 national (gazetted) holidays observed across all states and Union Territories. Republic Day on 26 January, Independence Day on 15 August, and Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October. Beyond these, the central government publishes a list of restricted (optional) holidays, and each state notifies its own holiday calendar.

Most private employers in India give 10 to 14 paid public holidays per year. The exact count depends on state Shops and Establishments Act rules and company policy. Companies typically cover the 3 national holidays plus 7 to 11 state and restricted holidays.

National holidays are gazetted by the central government and observed compulsorily across India. Restricted holidays are from a longer central list where employees can pick 2 to 3 per year. Restricted holidays are not auto-applied to every employee.

No. Diwali is a lunar holiday and shifts by 1 to 3 weeks each year. In 2026, Diwali is expected around 7 to 8 November. Confirm with the official central and state gazette before publishing your company calendar.

Yes. Employees receive full wages for declared paid public holidays. No salary deduction is allowed for the day off. This is mandatory under state Shops and Establishments Acts and the Factories Act 1948 for covered employers.

If employees work on a declared holiday, they are entitled to double wages plus compensatory off in most states. Exact rules vary by state notification and industry. Companies should track holiday-day attendance separately for payroll.

No. Banks follow the Reserve Bank of India holiday list which is wider and includes specific bank holidays. Private companies follow state Shops and Establishments Act calendars which differ from RBI dates.

Click any state or Union Territory card above to open its specific 2026 holiday calendar. Each state notifies its own list covering regional festivals, foundation days, and local observances.