Ganesh Chaturthi: A Nationwide Celebration with Regional Holidays
Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is one of India’s most prominent festivals. In 2026, the main day falls on Monday, September 14. While the festival is observed for up to ten days, the primary holiday is on the first day. It is a significant
public and bank holiday in several states. Banks in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Telangana, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to be closed on September 14. Some states observe a second day of holiday; for instance, banks in Ahmedabad and Panaji will be closed on September 15. The festival is marked by the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, especially in Mumbai and Pune. The celebrations conclude with the immersion of the idols, known as Ganesh Visarjan.
Onam: A Harvest Festival Focused in Kerala
Onam is a major harvest festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, primarily in Kerala. While some calendars note the main day, Thiruvonam, as falling in late August, associated holidays often extend into September or are marked separately. In 2026, Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi, a key observance in Kerala, will lead to bank holidays in the state on Monday, September 21. Banks in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi will be closed for this occasion. Though celebrated by Malayalis across the globe, Onam’s status as a public holiday is largely concentrated in Kerala, where it is a significant cultural event for all communities. This highlights the regional nature of many festival holidays, where celebrations in one state do not necessarily mean closures in another.
Milad-un-Nabi: A Gazetted Holiday with Local Variations
Milad-un-Nabi, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, is another significant date on the holiday calendar. In 2026, it is expected to be observed on Wednesday, August 26, though dates can shift based on moon sightings. It is listed as a gazetted holiday by the central government, but its observance as a public holiday can vary by state and even by institution. For instance, banks are expected to be closed in states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. However, in some regions, it may be treated as an optional or restricted holiday, particularly for private companies. This makes it important for individuals to confirm with their local school or workplace calendars.
Other Regional Holidays and Observances
September’s holiday schedule is further diversified by several other regional festivals and commemorative days. In Assam, banks will be closed on September 12 for the Tirubhav Tithi of Srimanta Sankardeva, and again in some areas on September 21 for the Janmotsav of Srimanta Sankardeva. Jharkhand celebrates with a holiday for Karma Puja on September 22. In Jammu and Srinagar, banks will be closed on September 23 to mark the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji. Sikkim observes Indrajatra, with a bank holiday on September 25. These local holidays, while not affecting the entire country, are crucial for residents and businesses operating within these states. They underscore the importance of checking region-specific holiday lists released by the RBI and state governments when planning financial or official work.
