2026 is almost upon us, and every corporate person and student alike is scrambling to look for the long weekends this year has in store. Be it for taking a break from a hectic work life or to have a little
getaway, long weekends are the best way to break free without taking too many leaves. 2026 has several such long weekends, some of which fall naturally, while some require a leave and some planning. Take a look at all long weekends in 2026
January
Some notable dates this month includes Vasant Panchami on January 23 (restricted holiday) and Republic Day on Monday, January 26, creating another window from January 23–26.
March-April
March offers fewer early breaks. Toward the end of the month, Jamat-ul-Vida on Friday, March 28, followed by the weekend, creates a three-day window from March 28–30.
Good Friday on April 3 delivers a straightforward long weekend when paired with Saturday and Sunday, with Easter Sunday on April 5.
May and June
Buddha Purnima arrives on Friday, May 1, setting up May 1–3 as a ready-made long weekend. In June, Muharram falls on Friday, June 26, creating another Friday-to-Sunday stretch from June 26–28. July offers no natural long weekend this year.
August and September
Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 28, creates an August 28–30 break. September adds two more: Janmashtami on Friday, September 4, and Ganesh Chaturthi on Monday, September 14, opening windows from September 4–6 and September 12–14.
October
October is the most travel-friendly month in 2026. Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, October 2 builds a three-day weekend (Oct 2–4). The Durga Puja–Dussehra stretch from October 17–20 spans a Saturday to Tuesday sequence, allowing for extended leave. Valmiki Jayanti on Monday, October 26, follows a weekend, offering yet another break.
November and December
In November, Guru Nanak Jayanti on Tuesday, November 24, allows a longer pause if Monday is taken as leave, making November 21–24 a practical window.
December ends the year on a festive note, with Christmas on Friday, December 25, leading into the weekend from December 25–27.
Where to travel during these long weekends
From snow to sea, 2026’s long weekends open doors to varied escapes across India. Hill lovers can head to Manali, Gulmarg, Auli, or Darjeeling for winter charm and cool summers. Those seeking beaches can look toward Goa, Gokarna, Varkala, or the Andaman Islands.
Cultural travellers may prefer Jaipur, Udaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi, or Madurai, while nature enthusiasts can explore Coorg, Munnar, Kaziranga, or Jim Corbett. For quick city breaks, Pondicherry, Rishikesh, Kochi, or Hampi offer relaxed itineraries. Booking early, especially around festival periods, can make these short breaks smoother and more affordable.
