Central and State Government Holidays 2026: October to December Calendar
Government holidays in India differ based on whether offices fall under Central Government or State Government jurisdiction. The holiday calendar varies across states because of regional festivals and local observances. This guide covers government holidays for October, November, and December 2026, including both Central and State government calendars.
The Central Government holiday calendar includes gazetted and restricted holidays. The National Portal of India provides separate holiday calendars for states and union territories. These calendars help employees and citizens plan their leave and office visits accordingly.
Central Government Holidays October, November, December 2026
The Central Government observes major festivals throughout these months. Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and Christmas feature prominently in the calendar. The exact observance depends on the applicable central or state government calendar for each office.
Here is the complete list of Central Government holidays for the final quarter of 2026:
- October 2, 2026 (Friday): Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday — Central and State
- October 18, 2026 (Sunday): Saptami — Central and State
- October 19, 2026 (Monday): Mahashtami — Central and State
- October 20, 2026 (Tuesday): Mahanavmi, Dussehra — Central and State
- October 26, 2026 (Monday): Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti — Central and State
- November 8, 2026 (Sunday): Deepawali — Central and State
- November 9, 2026 (Monday): Govardhan Puja — Central and State
- November 11, 2026 (Wednesday): Bhai Dooj — Central and State
- November 15, 2026 (Sunday): Chhath Puja — Central and State (Bihar)
- November 24, 2026 (Tuesday): Guru Nanak’s Birthday — Central and State
- December 23, 2026 (Wednesday): Hazrat Ali’s Birthday — Central
- December 24, 2026 (Thursday): Christmas Eve — Central
- December 25, 2026 (Friday): Christmas — Central and State
Important Notes on Government Holiday Observance
These dates come from official sources like the National Portal of India. State governments’ individual offices may issue additional instructions or follow different regional holiday arrangements. Employees should verify with their specific department before planning leave.
When a holiday falls on Sunday or another weekly off day, employees must check whether their department has announced a separate closure or substitute holiday. A festival date alone does not guarantee that every government office will remain closed. The National Portal of India lists Christmas Day as a gazetted holiday and shows restricted holidays such as Christmas Eve and Hazrat Ali’s Birthday.
State Government Holidays October 2026
State government holidays vary significantly because different festivals are celebrated across regions. Holiday dates can shift in certain circumstances, particularly for festivals whose dates depend on religious or regional calendars.
Uttar Pradesh Government Holidays:
- October 2, 2026 (Friday): Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
- October 11, 2026 (Sunday): Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti
- October 19, 2026 (Monday): Dussehra or Mahashtami
- October 20, 2026 (Tuesday): Dussehra or Vijayadashami
- October 26, 2026 (Monday): Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti
- October 31, 2026 (Saturday): Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Acharya Narendra Dev Jayanti
Bihar Government Holidays:
- October 2, 2026 (Friday): Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
- October 4, 2026 (Sunday): Jivitputrika Vrat
- October 11, 2026 (Sunday): Jayaprakash Narayan Jayanti and Durga Puja Kalash Sthapana
- October 17, 2026 (Saturday): Durga Puja
- October 18, 2026 (Sunday): Durga Puja
- October 19, 2026 (Monday): Durga Puja
- October 20, 2026 (Tuesday): Durga Puja
- October 21, 2026 (Wednesday): Shri Krishna Singh Jayanti and Durga Puja Ekadashi (Restricted)
Maharashtra Government Holidays:
- October 2, 2026 (Friday): Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
- October 20, 2026 (Tuesday): Dussehra
Rajasthan Government Holidays:
- October 2, 2026 (Friday): Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
- October 11, 2026 (Sunday): Navratri Stapana and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti
- October 19, 2026 (Monday): Durga Puja (Ashtamin)
- October 20, 2026 (Tuesday): Vijaya Dashami, Mahanavmi
- October 29, 2026 (Thursday): Karva Chauth (Restricted)
Planning Your Leave Around Government Holidays 2026
Readers should check official notifications before planning any leave or visiting government offices. State governments may announce additional holidays or changes based on regional requirements. Contact your specific department or check the National Portal of India for the most current information.
Government holidays 2026 provide important dates for planning personal and professional schedules. Whether you work in Central or State government offices, verify the applicable holiday calendar for your location. This ensures smooth operations and helps avoid unnecessary visits to closed offices during festive periods.
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