Public Holidays in India for 2026

New Year’s Day Introduction

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the new calendar year and is a time of reflection, resolution, and renewal across the globe. Rooted in ancient traditions, the earliest recorded New Year celebrations date back to 4,000 years ago in Babylon, where festivities coincided with the vernal equinox. Today, diverse cultures celebrate this day with unique customs—fireworks light up the sky in many cities, while others partake in symbolic foods, such as lentils in Italy or grapes in Spain, believed to bring good fortune. The day is often associated with resolutions, where individuals commit to personal improvement, fostering a spirit of hope and ambition. In many countries, New Year’s Day is a public holiday, allowing families and friends to gather and celebrate new beginnings together.

Hazarat Ali’s Birthday Introduction

Hazrat Ali’s Birthday, celebrated on the 13th of Rajab in the Islamic lunar calendar, holds great significance for millions of Muslims around the world. Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, is revered as the first Shia Imam and the fourth caliph in Sunni tradition. His life is marked by bravery, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice. This day not only commemorates his birth but also serves as a reminder of his contributions to Islam, including his pivotal role in the early Muslim community and his profound teachings on equality and compassion. Festivities often include prayers, recitations of poetry, and communal gatherings, reflecting his enduring legacy as a symbol of righteousness and moral integrity.

Pongal Introduction

Pongal is a vibrant and significant harvest festival celebrated predominantly in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, typically observed from January 14 to 17 each year. This four-day festival holds great cultural and agricultural importance, marking the end of the winter solstice and the onset of the sun’s movement northward. The name ‘Pongal’ itself refers to the traditional dish made of newly harvested rice, cooked with milk and jaggery, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

One of the unique aspects of Pongal is its connection to nature and gratitude; it honors the sun god, Surya, and the cattle that assist farmers in their work. The festival is characterized by colorful kolams (decorative patterns made with rice flour) adorning doorsteps, joyful family gatherings, and traditional music and dance. Each day of Pongal has its own significance, with the first day, Bhogi, dedicated to discarding old belongings and celebrating new beginnings. The second day, Thai Pongal, is the main event, where families prepare the Pongal dish and offer it to the sun. The third day, Mattu Pongal, celebrates livestock, particularly cows and bulls, which are adorned and worshiped. The final day, Kaanum Pongal, is a time for family reunions and outings.

Pongal not only showcases the rich agricultural heritage of Tamil Nadu but also emphasizes unity, gratitude, and the importance of sustainable living.

Makar Sankranti Introduction

Makar Sankranti, celebrated annually in mid-January, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar), symbolizing the end of winter and the onset of longer days. This vibrant festival is observed across India with unique regional variations, such as Lohri in Punjab and Pongal in Tamil Nadu. Traditionally, it is a harvest festival, honoring the sun god, Surya, and is associated with various cultural practices, including kite flying, feasting on sesame and jaggery sweets, and taking holy dips in rivers. Interestingly, Makar Sankranti is one of the few Indian festivals that follows the solar calendar, making it a fixed date celebration, unlike most others that are based on lunar cycles. The festival not only embodies joy and community spirit but also signifies new beginnings and the importance of agriculture in Indian culture.

Vasant Panchami Introduction

Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal, marking the arrival of spring. Observed on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magh, this festival heralds new beginnings and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom. Traditionally, devotees wear yellow attire, symbolizing prosperity and the blooming mustard fields, and offer prayers, sweets, and fruits to the goddess. Educational institutions often hold special ceremonies, as students seek blessings for success in their studies. Unique customs include the ritual of writing with a new pen, signifying the pursuit of knowledge. In regions like West Bengal and Odisha, the festival is characterized by vibrant cultural programs, folk dances, and music, reflecting the rich heritage of the land. Vasant Panchami not only celebrates the beauty of spring but also emphasizes the importance of learning and creativity in human life.