Table of Contents
Key Highlights
- Includes a complete list of national and state-specific public holidays for 2026.
- Covers major tribal festivals such as Sarhul, Karam, and Jawa, which are unique to Jharkhand’s cultural identity.
- Helps HR teams streamline leave management, payroll cycles, and yearly workforce planning.
- Useful for travelers planning trips around long weekends, cultural festivals, and seasonal events.
- Designed as a quick-reference Jharkhand calendar for employees, organizations, and residents.
Jharkhand, often referred to as the Land of Waterfalls, is home to more than 32 vibrant tribal communities, including the Santhal, Munda, Ho, Oraon, and Kharia. Known for its natural beauty and deep-rooted cultural traditions, the state celebrates festivals that reflect its unique identity, such as Sarhul, Karam, and Jawa.
Understanding the holidays in Jharkhand in 2026 will help you plan work schedules, family vacations, and leave calendars more efficiently. This guide also simplifies the process for HR teams managing attendance, payroll timelines, and yearly planning.
List of Jharkhand Public Holidays in 2026
| Sr. No. | Date (2026) | Day | Holiday Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 01 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Restricted / Observance |
| 2 | January 14 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti | Restricted / Regional |
| 3 | January 23 | Friday | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti | Restricted / Regional |
| 4 | January 26 | Monday | Republic Day | Gazetted (National) |
| 5 | March 03 | Tuesday | Holika Dahan | Restricted / Religious |
| 6 | March 04 | Wednesday | Holi (Dhulandi) | Gazetted |
| 7 | March 05 | Thursday | Day after Holi | Local / Restricted |
| 8 | March 21* | Saturday | Eid-ul-Fitr | Gazetted |
| 9 | March 21 | Saturday | Sarhul | Gazetted (State) |
| 10 | March 27 | Friday | Ram Navami | Gazetted |
| 11 | March 31 | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti | Gazetted |
| 12 | April 01 | Wednesday | Annual Accounts Closing | Bank Holiday |
| 13 | April 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Gazetted |
| 14 | April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti | Gazetted |
| 15 | May 01 | Friday | Labour Day | Gazetted |
| 16 | May 27* | Wednesday | Eid-al-Adha (Bakrid) | Gazetted |
| 17 | June 26* | Friday | Muharram | Gazetted |
| 18 | August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | Gazetted (National) |
| 19 | August 25* | Tuesday | Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday) | Gazetted |
| 20 | September 04 | Friday | Janmashtami | Restricted / Gazetted |
| 21 | September 22 | Tuesday | Karam Festival | Restricted (State) |
| 22 | October 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday | Gazetted (National) |
| 23 | October 19 | Monday | Durga Ashtami | Restricted / Regional |
| 24 | October 20 | Tuesday | Maha Navami | Restricted / Regional |
| 25 | October 21 | Wednesday | Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) | Gazetted |
| 26 | November 08 | Sunday | Diwali (Deepavali) | Gazetted |
| 27 | November 15 | Sunday | Surya Shashthi (Chhath – Sandhya) | Gazetted (State) |
| 28 | November 16 | Monday | Chhath (Morning Arghya) | Gazetted (State) |
| 29 | November 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Gazetted |
| 30 | December 25 | Friday | Christmas | Gazetted |
Note: Bank holidays in Jharkhand occur on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month. Some industries may follow specific internal schedules.
Top 3 Celebrated Festivals of Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in tribal heritage, and its festivals reflect a close connection with nature, community, and traditional rituals. Many of these celebrations are unique to the state and offer a glimpse into its rich tribal customs, vibrant music, indigenous dance forms, and centuries-old beliefs.
Whether you’re planning travel, cultural exploration, or employee leave schedules, these festivals provide meaningful opportunities to understand Jharkhand’s traditions and participate in its lively celebrations.
Sarhul
The festival of welcoming the spring and celebrating nature, especially the Sal tree. This is the sign of a new beginning or a new year for many tribal communities. This includes worshipping the village deity and performing traditional songs and dances.
Karam
This festival includes the worship of Karam Devta (God of power as well as youthfulness). It took place in August or September, when villagers went to the jungle to bring wood for worshipping Lord Karam. On this day, everyone dances, sings traditional songs, and plays drums.
Jawa
This is the festival celebrated by unmarried tribal girls to pray for good fertility and healthier households. The girls prepared a basket full of germinating seeds, symbolizing the wish for good germination and increased fertility.
View State Holiday Calendars for 2026
FAQs
What are the Major Public Holidays in Jharkhand in 2026?
The major public holidays in Jharkhand in 2026 include national observances like Republic Day and Independence Day, alongside key regional festivals such as Sarhul, Holi, Durga Puja, Diwali, and the highly significant Chhath Puja.
How Many Official Holidays Will Jharkhand have in 2026?
While the definite notification awaits release, the Jharkhand government typically grants a robust list of holidays. Based on the 2026 calendar, employees can expect approximately 28 to 30 official holidays, covering a mix of national events and state-specific tribal and cultural festivals.
What are the Unique State-Specific Holidays in Jharkhand?
The unique state-specific holidays in Jharkhand include Sarhul (March 21), Karam Festival (September 22), and Chhath Puja (November 15-16), which are celebrated with immense fervor across the state.
How Can Employees Use the 2026 Holiday List for Leave Planning?
Employees can map out the festivals early, particularly the October-November festive cluster (Durga Puja to Chhath). Since festivals like Sarhul (Saturday) and Karam (Tuesday) offer specific breaks, employees can plan long weekends or bridge leaves accordingly.
How Many Bank Holidays are there in Jharkhand in 2026?
The exact number of bank holidays is determined by the state notification under the Negotiable Instruments Act. However, banks in Jharkhand typically close for national holidays and major regional festivals like Sarhul, Karma, and Chhath. Note that April 1 is also a bank-specific closing for annual accounts.
Are there Special Holidays for Tribal Communities in Jharkhand?
Yes, the holiday list specifically includes Sarhul (celebrating the Sal tree and spring) and Karam Festival (celebrating the harvest and bond between siblings), honoring the rich traditions of the tribal communities in Jharkhand.
Where Can HR Verify the Official Jharkhand 2026 Holiday List?
HR professionals should verify the official holiday list issued by the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, and Rajbhasha of the Government of Jharkhand, which is usually published on their official website late in the preceding year.
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