Table of Contents
Key takeaway
- A complete list of Himachal Pradesh’s gazetted and restricted holidays.
- Insights into unique festivals like Halda, Losar, and Kullu Dussehra.
- Best times to visit Spiti and Manali, aligned with local events.
- Tips for managing employee leave calendars and compliance.
- Clarity on bank holidays, long weekends, and state-specific rules.
List of Public Holidays in Himachal Pradesh for 2026
Himachal Pradesh holidays line up with national festivals, local state events, and religious holidays, all as per the government’s official word. The following table lists key public holidays to be observed in 2026.
| Sr. No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 25 | Sunday | Statehood Day | State |
| 2 | Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National |
| 3 | Feb 01 | Sunday | Guru Ravidas’s Birthday | Religious |
| 4 | Feb 15 | Sunday | Mahashivratri | Religious |
| 5 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Holi | Festival |
| 6 | Mar 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | Religious |
| 7 | Mar 26 | Thursday | Ram Navami | Religious |
| 8 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 9 | Apr 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Birthday | National |
| 10 | Apr 15 | Wednesday | Himachal Day | State |
| 11 | Apr 19 | Sunday | Parshuram Jayanti | Religious |
| 12 | May 01 | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| 13 | May 27 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | Religious |
| 14 | Jun 17 | Wednesday | Maharana Pratap Jayanti | Cultural |
| 15 | Jun 26 | Friday | Muharram | Religious |
| 16 | Jun 29 | Monday | Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti | Religious |
| 17 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 18 | Sept 04 | Friday | Janmashtami | Religious |
| 19 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 20 | Oct 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra | Regional |
| 21 | Oct 26 | Monday | Birthday of Maharishi Valmiki | Religious |
| 22 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Diwali (Deepavali) | Religious |
| 23 | Nov 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak’s Birthday | Religious |
| 24 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas | Religious |
List of Important Dates & Festivals in Himachal Pradesh in 2026
Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state in the Himalayas where people celebrate many vibrant festivals. These festivals come from Hindu, Buddhist, and local cultures. Most of the festival dates change each year because they follow the lunar calendar. In 2026, there will be lots of public holidays and fun fairs with traditional dances, prayers, and people coming together to celebrate.
Losar Festival (18th February)
The Tibetan New Year is celebrated in Lahaul and Spiti with monastery decorations, traditional dances, and prayers for prosperity.
Kullu Dussehra (20th to 26th October)
A unique celebration honoring Lord Raghunath with a grand assembly of local deities, processions, and cultural festivities.
Sazo Festival (January 14)
A winter event in tribal areas like Kinnaur, honoring local deities with music and feasts to mark seasonal renewal.
Halda Festival (January)
A winter festival in Lahaul Valley symbolizes renewal and community, marked by lighting cedar torches at night.
Doongri Fair (14th to 16th May)
A lively fair near Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali, honoring Goddess Hadimba with rituals, folk dances, and colorful stalls.
Vaisakhi (14th April)
Spring festival marking the Sikh New Year and harvest, celebrated with music, dance, fairs, and feasts across Himachal Pradesh.
Mandi Shivratri Fair (15th to 21st February)
Known as the “Mahakumbh of the Hills,” it features deity processions, rituals, and folk performances.
Chaitra Navratri (19th to 27th March)
Nine days of prayers and cultural events dedicated to Goddess Durga, prominently observed in Kangra, Una, and Bilaspur.
Minjar Fair (26th July to 2nd August)
Harvest festival in Chamba with processions, cultural events, markets, and river immersion ceremonies.
Lavi Fair (11th to 14th November)
The historic trade fair in Rampur Bushahr attracts traders, artisans, and locals for commerce and cultural festivities.
Phulaich Festival (September)
Known as the “Festival of Flowers” in Kinnaur, where villagers offer collected wildflowers to local deities in gratitude.
Manimahesh Yatra (August–september)
A significant pilgrimage to Manimahesh Lake in Chamba involves a challenging trek to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Check Other Indian States Holiday List:
FAQs
How Many Public Holidays Will Himachal Pradesh Government Employees Observe in 2026?
Himachal Pradesh government employees will observe 24 gazetted public holidays in 2026.
Are Bank Holidays in HP Only Restricted to Government Holidays?
No, bank holidays in Himachal Pradesh (HP) are not restricted only to government holidays.
Which Festivals in Himachal Pradesh Fall on a Weekend in 2026?
Id-ul-Fitr (Saturday, March 21) and Diwali (Sunday, November 8) are the festivals in Himachal Pradesh that fall on weekends in 2026.
Dates for Kullu Dussehra 2026?
The Kullu Dussehra 2026 festival is scheduled to begin on October 20 and end on October 26.
Confused about the Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley in 2026?
The best time to visit Spiti Valley in 2026 is from May to June, when roads from Manali and Shimla are open and the weather is mild, making it ideal for road trips, trekking, sightseeing, and exploring monasteries and stunning landscapes.
When is Himachal Day Celebrated in 2026?
Himachal Day is celebrated on Wednesday, 15th April in 2026
What are the Main Public Holidays in Himachal Pradesh in 2026?
The main public holidays in Himachal Pradesh in 2026 include national days (Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti) and prominent festivals like Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Guru Nanak’s Birthday, Himachal Day, and Christmas.
How Should HR Departments Publish the 2026 Holiday Calendar?
HR should publish the 2026 holiday calendar via HRMS or share it through multiple channels, email, calendar invites, or notice boards, to ensure all employees are informed.
Can I Get a Customized Himachal Pradesh 2026 Holiday Calendar for My Employees?
Yes, factoHR HR software lets you create a customized holiday calendar by adding, removing, or assigning optional/restricted holidays to different employee groups, ensuring accurate leave tracking and compliance.
What are the Holidays in January in 2026 in Himachal Pradesh?
In January 2026, Himachal Pradesh has Statehood Day on 25 Jan and Republic Day on 26 Jan as gazetted holidays; optional holidays include New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Makar Sankranti (14 Jan), and Basant Panchami (23 Jan).
What are the Holidays in February in 2026 in HP?
The holidays in the month of February in 2026 in HP are Guru Ravidas Jayanti (1 Feb) and Maha Shivratri (15 Feb).
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