List of Gazetted Holidays in January 2026

Gazetted holidays are mandatory nationwide holidays as per the central government’s official holiday calendar. All central and most state government offices, schools, and banks remain closed on these days.

For the month of January 2026, Republic Day is the only official gazetted holiday observed across India. It marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution and is celebrated with parades, flag-hoisting, and patriotic ceremonies throughout the country.

List of Restricted Holidays in January 2026

Restricted holidays (also known as optional holidays) are not mandatory government holidays. Employees may choose to take these based on personal, cultural, or religious preferences.

These holidays are commonly listed in the central government’s restricted holiday list, but observance may vary by institution, region, or personal faith. Employees typically select two or three restricted holidays of their choice during the year from the official list.

Also Read: March Holidays

Regional Holidays in January 2026

Regional holidays are celebrated within specific states or communities and reflect local traditions, seasonal festivals, or prominent historical events. These holidays are not nationwide but are officially recognized in the respective states.

Note: AR stands for Arunachal Pradesh, ML for Meghalaya, MN for Manipur, MZ for Mizoram, NL for Nagaland, PY for Puducherry, RJ for Rajasthan, SK for Sikkim, TG for Telangana, TN for Tamil Nadu, GJ for Gujarat, KA for Karnataka, OR for Odisha, AP for Andhra Pradesh, TR for Tripura, WB for West Bengal, HR for Haryana, and PB for Punjab.

Highlights of January Holidays

Here’s a round-up of the most important and widely observed January holidays in India, along with their cultural or historical relevance:

⇒ New Year’s Day (January 1): Celebrated across many Indian states as a fresh beginning to the Gregorian calendar year, often marked with family gatherings, resolutions, and public festivities.

⇒ Hazrat Ali’s Birthday (January 3): A significant date in the Islamic calendar, observed with prayer and reflection, especially in Uttar Pradesh and other Muslim-majority areas.

⇒ Makar Sankranti & Pongal (January 14): Celebrated in different forms across India, Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn, while Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu.

⇒ Magh Bihu (January 15): Assam’s traditional harvest festival, filled with folk music, feasts, and bonfires.

⇒ Thiruvalluvar Day (January 15): A Tamil Nadu observance honouring the classical poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, whose writings form a cornerstone of Tamil literature.

⇒ Uzhavar Thirunal (January 16): Also in Tamil Nadu, this day celebrates farmers and agricultural traditions.

⇒ Swami Vivekananda Jayanti / National Youth Day (January 12): Observed across India, especially in West Bengal, to commemorate the birth anniversary of one of India’s greatest spiritual leaders.

⇒ Lohri (January 13): A joyous Punjabi festival celebrating the winter harvest, featuring bonfires, folk dance, and sweets.

⇒ Republic Day (January 26): A national holiday across India that commemorates the day the Constitution came into effect in 1950, celebrated with parades, flag-hoisting, and patriotic displays.

⇒ Vasant Panchami (January 23): Celebrated primarily in North and East India, this festival marks the arrival of spring and honours Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and learning.

⇒ Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti (January 23): Observed in states like West Bengal and Odisha to honour the birth anniversary of Netaji, a key figure in India’s independence movement.

⇒ Martyrs’ Day (January 30): Observed in memory of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, often marked by silent tributes and peace prayers.

Planning tip: With a mix of bank holidays, state-level observances, and religious festivals, January is ideal for both reflection and rejuvenation. Whether you’re thinking about short travel breaks, attending local festivals, or simply realigning your financial goals for the year, being aware of these holidays can help you plan better.

Conclusion

January 2026 sets the tone for the year with a meaningful mix of national events, seasonal festivals, and regional holidays that reflect the depth and diversity of India’s cultural landscape. Whether it’s the patriotic pride of Republic Day, the spiritual celebrations of Makar Sankranti and Pongal, or the reflective tributes on Martyrs’ Day, the month offers something for everyone — from religious observances to civic commemorations.

With several bank holidays and state-specific breaks, it’s a good time to plan your schedule, personal travels, or even align your financial planning. If you’re managing year-beginning expenses or preparing for festive purchases, being aware of these January holidays helps in making informed decisions — whether it’s avoiding branch closures or syncing your to-dos around long weekends.

As you step into 2026, may this holiday calendar guide you in making the most of your time, traditions, and thoughtful moments.