Maharashtra Government Releases 2026 Public Holiday List: 24 Statewide Holidays Announced, Separate Schedule for Banks

The Maharashtra government has officially released the list of public holidays for the year 2026, offering clarity to government offices, educational institutions, banks, and employees across the state. According to the notification, a total of 24 public holidays will be observed statewide in 2026. In addition, the government has also announced separate special holidays for banks and certain government offices.

These holidays have been declared under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which means they will be applicable to all state government offices, semi-government institutions, schools, colleges, and other public establishments across Maharashtra.

The announcement allows citizens, employees, and organizations to plan their work schedules, travel, and personal commitments well in advance.

Public Holidays to Apply Across Maharashtra in 2026

As per the official list, the year 2026 will begin with Republic Day on Monday, January 26, marking the first public holiday of the year. Several major religious festivals, national events, and birth anniversaries of prominent leaders have been included to ensure representation of cultural and social diversity.

The holiday calendar covers important Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi festivals, along with national observances such as Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.

Key Holidays in the First Half of 2026

February will include Mahashivratri on Sunday, February 15, followed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on Thursday, February 19. March will be one of the busiest months in terms of holidays, featuring Holi (second day), Gudi Padwa, Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Eid), Ram Navami, and Mahavir Jayanti.

In April, the state will observe Good Friday on April 3 and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, both of which are widely observed across Maharashtra.

May will be notable as Maharashtra Day and Buddha Purnima both fall on Friday, May 1, giving employees a significant combined holiday. Later in the month, Bakri Eid (Eid-ul-Zuha) will be observed on Thursday, May 28.

Holidays in the Second Half of the Year

The second half of 2026 includes several important national and religious occasions. Muharram will be observed on Friday, June 26. Independence Day and Parsi New Year (Shahenshahi) both fall on Saturday, August 15, which may limit extended breaks for some employees.

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of Maharashtra’s most significant festivals, will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, providing a long weekend opportunity. Gandhi Jayanti will be observed on Friday, October 2, followed by Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20.

November will include two Diwali-related holidays: Diwali Amavasya (Lakshmi Pujan) on Sunday, November 8, and Bali Pratipada on Tuesday, November 10. Later in the month, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be observed on Tuesday, November 24.

The year will conclude with Christmas on Friday, December 25, offering another extended weekend for many.

Separate Holidays for Banks and Government Offices

Apart from the general public holidays, the Maharashtra government has also announced special category holidays.

• Banks only will observe a holiday on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, for annual financial account closing. This holiday will not apply to state government offices.

• State government and local body offices will receive an additional holiday on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, on account of Bhai Beej (Bhai Dooj).

Complete List of Maharashtra Public Holidays 2026

Some of the major statewide holidays include:

• Republic Day – January 26 (Monday)

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti – February 19 (Thursday)

• Gudi Padwa – March 19 (Thursday)

• Ramzan Eid – March 21 (Saturday)

• Maharashtra Day & Buddha Purnima – May 1 (Friday)

• Independence Day – August 15 (Saturday)

• Ganesh Chaturthi – September 14 (Monday)

• Gandhi Jayanti – October 2 (Friday)

• Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) – November 8 (Sunday)

• Christmas – December 25 (Friday)

What This Means for Employees and Institutions

With the official holiday calendar now available, government departments, schools, colleges, and private organizations can plan their operational schedules accordingly. Employees can also strategically plan leaves around weekends and festivals to maximize time off.

Overall, the Maharashtra government’s 2026 holiday list provides a well-balanced mix of national, regional, and religious holidays, ensuring inclusivity while maintaining administrative efficiency across the state.