March Holidays 2026

March in India is more than just a seasonal transition — it’s a month woven with color, culture, and quiet reflection. As winter gives way to spring, the country gears up for a rich lineup of public celebrations, spiritual festivals, and state-specific observances that make March one of the most dynamic months of the year.

The March Holidays 2026 calendar is especially diverse — from the exuberance of Holi, the vibrancy of Gudi Padwa to the serenity of Mahavir Jayanti and the spiritual depth of Ram Navami. Whether you’re syncing up travel plans, marking school calendars, or simply organizing your finances around March bank holidays, having a clear view of what’s ahead can make a world of difference.

Let’s read on to understand more about the March Holiday 2026:

List of March Government Holidays 2026

Here’s a state-wise list of important government holidays in March 2026 observed across India. While some are nationally recognized, others are celebrated only in specific states based on regional and cultural significance.

Date	Day	Holiday	Remarks
March 4	Wednesday	Holi	Gazetted Holiday (All-India)
March 19	Thursday	Ugadi	Restricted Holiday (South India)
March 19	Thursday	Gudi Padwa	Restricted Holiday (Maharashtra)
March 21	Saturday	Eid al-Fitr (Tentative)	Gazetted Holiday (Subject to moon)
March 26	Thursday	Rama Navami	Gazetted Holiday (All-India)
March 31	Tuesday	Mahavir Jayanti	Gazetted Holiday (All-India)

Note: Eid dates are tentative and based on lunar sightings. Final confirmation is issued by the government closer to the date.

Bank Holidays in March 2026

Bank holidays in March 2026 include both national-level closures and region-specific observances. These holidays impact banking operations such as branch availability, NEFT/RTGS services, and check clearances—so it’s wise to plan your financial tasks around them.

Date	Day	Holiday	States Observed
March 4	Wednesday	Holi	All states (except TN, PY, KL)
March 19	Thursday	Ugadi	Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
March 19	Thursday	Gudi Padwa	Maharashtra
March 20	Friday	March Equinox (Seasonal)	Not a holiday — observance only
March 21	Saturday	Eid al-Fitr (tentative)	Declared as per moon sighting
March 23	Monday	Bhagat Singh Martyrdom Day	Punjab, Haryana (state-level observance)
March 26	Thursday	Ram Navami	All major states
March 31	Tuesday	Mahavir Jayanti	Nationwide

Note: Actual bank holidays may vary by region and bank branch. Always check your state-wise RBI holiday circular or local bank notification closer to the date.

List of Gazetted Holidays in March 2026

Gazetted holidays are officially declared by the Government of India and are observed across central government institutions, public sector offices, and many schools and banks. These are mandatory closures unless otherwise stated for specific departments or states.

Date	Day	Gazetted Holiday
March 4	Wednesday	Holi
March 21*	Saturday	Eid al-Fitr (tentative)
March 26	Thursday	Ram Navami
March 31	Tuesday	Mahavir Jayanti

Note: Eid al-Fitr is subject to the lunar calendar and will be confirmed by government notification closer to the date.

List of Restricted Holidays in March 2026

Restricted holidays (also called optional holidays) give employees the flexibility to take time off based on personal, cultural, or religious beliefs. Each employee can typically choose 2–3 such holidays per year from a pre-approved government list.

Date	Day	Restricted Holiday
March 1	Sunday	Saint David’s Day (observed in Christian communities)
March 19	Thursday	Ugadi
March 19	Thursday	Gudi Padwa
March 21*	Saturday	Eid al-Fitr (tentative)

Note: Restricted holidays vary by institution and region. Some holidays like Ugadi or Gudi Padwa may be treated as full holidays in specific states.

Regional Holidays in March 2026

Regional holidays are state-specific and reflect local culture, festivals, and historic observances. These aren’t observed nationwide but are officially recognized within particular states or union territories.

Below is the curated list of March 2026 regional holidays in India, along with the states where they are typically observed:

Date	Day	Holiday	State(s)
March 1	Sunday	Gahm-Ngai	Manipur
March 4	Wednesday	Holi	Most states (except Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu)
March 8	Sunday	International Women’s Day	Cultural observance, not an official state holiday
March 19	Thursday	Ugadi	Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
March 19	Thursday	Gudi Padwa	Maharashtra
March 20	Friday	Bihar Day	Bihar
March 21*	Saturday	Eid al-Fitr (tentative)	Observed in most Muslim-majority regions
March 23	Monday	Shaheed Diwas	Punjab, Haryana
March 26	Thursday	Ram Navami	Widely observed in northern, central, and southern India
March 27	Friday	Rajasthan Day	Rajasthan
March 31	Tuesday	Mahavir Jayanti	Observed in all states, especially Jain communities

Note: Final confirmation of some regional holidays may be announced by the respective state governments closer to the date.

Highlights of March Holidays

March 2026 is a culturally rich month in India, offering a wonderful blend of religious festivals, regional observances, and globally recognized days. Here’s a snapshot of the most notable holidays and their significance:

• Holi (March 4): Known as the festival of colors, Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil and marks the arrival of spring. It’s observed with color play, sweets, and community gatherings across most of North and Central India.

• Ugadi (March 19): The Telugu and Kannada New Year, Ugadi is a time for fresh beginnings, celebrated with traditional foods, rituals, and family prayers in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.

• Gudi Padwa (March 19): This marks the Marathi New Year and is celebrated with rangoli, traditional attire, and a symbolic Gudi (flag) hoisted outside homes in Maharashtra.

• Eid al-Fitr (March 21, tentative): A major Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, celebrated with communal prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. Observance depends on moon sighting.

• Ram Navami (March 26): A Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, observed with temple visits, bhajans, and Ramayana readings.

• Mahavir Jayanti (March 31): Celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavir, this day holds deep significance for the Jain community with spiritual discourses and processions.

• Rajasthan Day (March 27): A state-specific celebration marking the formation of Rajasthan, with cultural events, parades, and public programs.

• Shaheed Diwas (March 23): Also known as Martyrs’ Day, it honors the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. Observed in Punjab and across India with solemn tributes.

• Bihar Day (March 22): Marks the formation of Bihar state, celebrated with official events and cultural programs within the state.

Conclusion

March Holidays 2026 bring together a meaningful mix of cultural celebrations, religious festivals, and official observances that reflect the diversity and unity of India. From the vibrant hues of Holi to the reflective rituals of Mahavir Jayanti, this month is a colorful tapestry of traditions across regions and communities.

Whether it’s a national holiday like Ram Navami, state-specific events such as Rajasthan Day or Bihar Day, or globally recognized days like World Water Day and International Women’s Day, March offers a balanced blend of festivity, awareness, and remembrance.

If you’re planning personal travel, managing finances, or syncing your professional calendar, being aware of the March bank holidays, government holidays, and regional breaks can help you organize better. Plus, if you’re observing spiritual milestones or simply enjoying seasonal transitions, this holiday calendar ensures you don’t miss a beat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What holiday comes in March?
March includes major holidays like Holi (March 4), Ugadi (March 19), Gudi Padwa (March 19), Eid al-Fitr (tentatively March 21), Ram Navami (March 26), and Mahavir Jayanti (March 31).

How many bank holidays are there in March?
There are approximately 8–10 bank holidays in March 2026, including national holidays, weekends, and regional observances depending on the state.

How many days will banks be closed in March 2026?
Banks may be closed for up to 10 days in March 2026, including 2nd and 4th Saturdays, Sundays, and regional/state holidays like Holi and Ram Navami.

Is Holi a bank holiday?
Yes, Holi (March 4, 2026) is a gazetted bank holiday in many states across North and Central India.

Is Ram Navami a bank holiday?
Yes, Ram Navami (March 26, 2026) is a gazetted holiday and banks remain closed in most parts of the country.

Is Ugadi a bank holiday?
Yes, Ugadi (March 19, 2026) is a regional bank holiday in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.

What are the special days in March?
Special days include International Women’s Day (March 8), World Consumer Rights Day (March 15), World Water Day (March 22), and Holi (March 4), among others.

Is Eid al-Fitr a bank holiday in March?
Yes, if Eid al-Fitr falls on March 21, 2026 (subject to moon sighting), it will be a gazetted bank holiday in India.