With 2026 starting from today, employees, families and frequent travellers are already mapping out holidays to stretch their leave and maximise downtime. This year offers several well-timed national and regional holidays that fall close to weekends, opening up multiple long-weekend opportunities throughout the year.
January
Republic Day – Monday, January 26
Long weekend: Saturday (Jan 24) to Monday (Jan 26)
Break: 3 days
March
Holi – Friday, March 6 (in most states)
Long weekend: Friday to Sunday
Break: 3 days
April
Good Friday – Friday, April 3
Long weekend: Friday to Sunday
Break: 3 days
Ambedkar Jayanti – Tuesday, April 14
Take Monday (April 13) off
Break: 4 days (Saturday to Tuesday)
May
Labour Day – Friday, May 1
Long weekend: Friday to Sunday
Break: 3 days
August
Independence Day – Saturday, August 15
No long weekend, but can be combined with Raksha Bandhan depending on regional calendars
Janmashtami – Monday, August 24 (in many states)
Long weekend: Saturday to Monday
Break: 3 days
September–October
Gandhi Jayanti – Friday, October 2
Long weekend: Friday to Sunday
Break: 3 days
Dussehra – Sunday, October 25
Tip: Taking Friday or Monday off (depending on state holidays) can extend the break
November
Diwali – Wednesday, November 11
Take Monday and Tuesday off
Potential break: Up to 5 days with the weekend
Guru Nanak Jayanti – Monday, November 30
Long weekend: Saturday to Monday
Break: 3 days
December
Christmas – Friday, December 25
Long weekend: Friday to Sunday
Break: 3 days
Bonus Tip: New Year’s Day on Friday, January 1, 2027, adds to year-end planning options.
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