Holi 2026 will be celebrated on March 4, following Holika Dahan on March 3 evening. While not a single nationwide holiday, most Indian states will observe bank and school closures on different dates based on local calendars.
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Public Holidays: Holi, one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, brings colour, bonfires, and a short break from daily routine. In 2026, Holi will be observed on March 4, with Holika Dahan taking place on the evening of March 3. However, when it comes to public holidays, there is no one-size-fits-all rule. Holi holidays for schools and banks vary across states, depending on regional traditions, panchang calculations, and local government notifications. Here’s a simple, state-wise breakdown of what to expect.
HOLI 2026: OFFICIAL DATES AT A GLANCE
Holika Dahan: March 3, 2026 (evening)
Holi (colour play): March 4, 2026
Purnima Tithi: Spans March 2–3
The Central Government holiday list marks March 4 as Holi, but several states adjust holidays to include Holika Dahan or a second day of celebrations.
IS HOLI A PUBLIC HOLIDAY?
Holi is listed as a gazetted holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act in many states. This means banks, government offices, and schools often remain closed. However, final decisions rest with state governments, leading to different holiday dates across India.
- Uttar Pradesh observes March 2 as a holiday for Holika Dahan
- Many states declare holidays on March 3 or March 4
- Some regions extend closures depending on local customs
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS FOR HOLI 2026
Most schools close for one to two days around Holi. As per early state-level schedules:
March 3–4: Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
March 2–3: Rajasthan
March 3 only: Some southern states, where local festivals like Attukal Pongala take priority
Parents and students are advised to check school circulars, as private schools may add or adjust holidays.
BANK HOLIDAYS: STATE-WISE BREAKDOWN
Banks follow RBI holiday guidelines, which vary by state.
| Date | States / UTs where banks remain closed | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| March 2, 2026 | Uttar Pradesh | Holika Dahan |
| March 3, 2026 | Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Telangana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Goa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh | Holi / Dol Jatra / Dhulandi |
| March 4, 2026 | Tripura, Gujarat, Mizoram, Odisha, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh | Holi / Dhuleti / Yaosang |
Online banking and ATM services will remain available even on bank holidays.
WHY HOLI HOLIDAYS DIFFER ACROSS STATES
The confusion around Holi holiday dates comes from:
- Different regional panchangs
- Observance of Holika Dahan vs colour day
- Local festivals merging with Holi, such as Yaosang in Manipur
- State-specific government notifications
- This is why some states mark March 3, while others prefer March 4.
QUICK TIPS FOR PLANNING
- Check state government holiday lists
- Confirm school circulars in advance
- Plan bank visits before March 2 if needed
- Holi 2026 promises colour and celebration, but a little planning will help you avoid last-minute confusion.
