Maharashtra Government Announces 2026 Public Holidays with Special Bhaubeej Holiday
Pune, 10th December 2025: Maharashtra government employees and citizens can start planning ahead as the state government has released its official public holiday calendar for 2026. The schedule includes 24 general holidays for state government offices, along with a special extra holiday for Bhaubeej on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, announced via a notification from the General Administration Department (GAD).
The early announcement of the holiday list aims to help government departments, educational institutions, and citizens organize work schedules, travel plans, and festival celebrations well in advance. The calendar reflects a careful balance between cultural observances, national holidays, and administrative requirements.
This year, Bhaubeej, celebrated during the Diwali season to honor the bond between brothers and sisters, has been given an additional holiday. Recognizing its cultural significance and widespread participation, the government’s decision is expected to be welcomed across the state.
In addition to general holidays, April 1, 2026, has been declared a bank-only holiday to facilitate annual financial closing and audits. This ensures smooth year-end accounting operations while avoiding disruption to public banking services.
Key Public Holidays in Maharashtra for 2026:
Republic Day: January 26 (Monday)
Mahashivratri: February 15 (Sunday)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: February 19 (Thursday)
Holi (Second Day): March 3 (Tuesday)
Gudi Padwa: March 19 (Thursday)
Ramzan Eid (Eid-ul-Fitr): March 21 (Saturday)
Ram Navami: March 26 (Thursday)
Mahavir Jayanti: March 31 (Tuesday)
Good Friday: April 3 (Friday)
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti: April 14 (Tuesday)
Maharashtra Day / Buddha Purnima: May 1 (Friday)
Bakri Eid (Eid-ul-Zuha): May 28 (Thursday)
Muharram: June 26 (Friday)
Independence Day / Parsi New Year (Shahenshahi): August 15 (Saturday)
Eid-e-Milad: August 26 (Wednesday)
Ganesh Chaturthi: September 14 (Monday)
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti: October 2 (Friday)
Dussehra: October 20 (Tuesday)
Diwali Amavasya (Laxmi Pujan): November 8 (Sunday)
Diwali (Balipratipada): November 10 (Tuesday)
Bhaubeej (Special Extra Holiday): November 11 (Wednesday)
Guru Nanak Jayanti: November 24 (Tuesday)
Christmas: December 25 (Friday)
Bank-Only Holiday: Annual Bank Closing Day – April 1 (Wednesday)
This comprehensive holiday calendar is designed to ensure a harmonious balance between cultural, religious, and administrative needs, allowing citizens to celebrate and observe important occasions without disrupting essential services. The addition of the special Bhaubeej holiday further underscores the government's commitment to recognizing and supporting traditional bonds and values.
