The Maharashtra government has officially announced the public and government holidays for the year 2026, releasing the comprehensive list through the General Administration Department. This notification outlines a total of 24 holidays that will be applicable across all government offices, public enterprises, and local self-government institutions throughout the state. Additionally, Bhau Beej has been declared as a special holiday on November 11th.
This advance announcement enables smooth planning of year-round work activities and helps employees arrange their personal schedules and vacation plans well in advance. The holiday list encompasses all national festivals celebrated across the country, along with significant festivals that represent Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage.
Complete Holiday Calendar
Major Indian Festivals and Public Holidays
India is a nation with diverse and rich cultural heritage, home to people from various religions, castes, and communities. The major festivals and holidays are as follows:
January
- January 26: Republic Day – India’s national holiday commemorating the implementation of the Constitution in 1950.
February
- February 15: Maha Shivratri – A major Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.
- February 19: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti – Birth anniversary of the great Maratha ruler, a significant holiday in Maharashtra.
March
- March 3: Holi – The festival of colors celebrated throughout India.
- March 19: Gudi Padwa – Maharashtra’s New Year, symbolizing the beginning of the new year according to the Hindu calendar.
- March 21: Ramzan Eid (Eid-ul-Fitr) – A major festival of the Muslim community marking the end of the month of Ramzan.
- March 26: Ram Navami – Birth anniversary of Lord Ram, a significant festival for the Hindu community.
- March 31: Mahavir Jayanti – Birth anniversary of Mahavir Swami, founder of Jainism.
April
- April 3: Good Friday – A major festival of the Christian community commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- April 14: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti – Birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution and champion of Dalit rights.
May
- May 1: Maharashtra Day – Holiday celebrating the formation of Maharashtra state.
- May 1: Buddha Purnima – Birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, founder of Buddhism.
- May 28: Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha) – A major festival of the Muslim community commemorating the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim.
June
- June 26: Muharram – A major festival of the Muslim community commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain.
August
- August 15: Independence Day – National holiday commemorating India’s independence.
- August 15: Parsi New Year – New Year of the Parsi community, symbolizing the beginning of the new year according to the Iranian calendar.
- August 26: Eid-e-Milad – A major festival of the Muslim community commemorating Prophet Mohammed’s birth anniversary.
September
- September 14: Ganesh Chaturthi – Birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, a major festival for the Hindu community.
Total Number of Government Holidays in Maharashtra for 2026
This comprehensive list includes a total of 24 holidays that will be observed throughout the year.
Applicability of Public Holidays to Schools and Banks
Most of these public holidays will be applicable to banks and educational institutions. However, some holidays may be subject to changes based on banking notifications and specific institutional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many total public holidays are declared for Maharashtra in 2026?
A: The Maharashtra government has declared a total of 24 public holidays for the year 2026, along with Bhau Beej as a special additional holiday on November 11th.
Q: Are these holidays applicable to all government offices?
A: Yes, these holidays will be applicable across all government offices, public enterprises, and local self-government institutions throughout Maharashtra state.
Q: Will banks and schools observe all these public holidays?
A: Most of these holidays will be applicable to banks and educational institutions, but some holidays may be subject to changes based on specific banking notifications.
Q: Which department issued the official notification for 2026 holidays?
A: The notification for 2026 public holidays was issued by the General Administration Department of the Maharashtra government.
