Table of Contents
What you will explore in this blog
- A complete schedule of Madhya Pradesh’s gazetted, religious, and national holidays.
- Insights into unique state festivals like Bhagoria, Mandu, and the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
- Details on major events such as the Tansen Music Festival and Jal Mahotsav to help you plan your cultural trips.
- Essential information on school vacations, bank holidays, and dry days in the state.
- A look at tribal fairs and folk celebrations distinct to the Bundelkhand and Malwa regions.
List of Public Holidays in Madhya Pradesh for 2026
Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India, observes a mix of national, regional, and religious public holidays in 2026. These holidays include major festivals, some of which vary by lunar calendar dates. The following table lists the key public holidays:
| Sr. No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National |
| 2 | Feb 01 | Sunday | Guru Ravidas Jayanti | Religious |
| 2 | Feb 15 | Sunday | Mahashivratri | Religious |
| 3 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Holi | Festival |
| 4 | Mar 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | Religious |
| 5 | Mar 26 | Thursday | Ram Navami | Religious |
| 6 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 7 | Apr 19 | Sunday | Parshuram Jayanti | Religious |
| 8 | May 01 | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| 9 | May 27 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | Religious |
| 10 | Jun 26 | Friday | Muharram | Religious |
| 11 | Jul 16 | Thursday | Rath Yatra | Religious |
| 12 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 13 | Aug 25 | Tuesday | Eid-e-Milad (Milad-un-Nabi) | Religious |
| 14 | Sept 04 | Friday | Janmashtami | Religious |
| 15 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 16 | Oct 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra | Regional |
| 17 | Oct 26 | Monday | Birthday of Maharishi Valmiki | Regional |
| 18 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Diwali (Deepavali) | Religious |
| 19 | Nov 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak’s Birthday | Religious |
| 20 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas | Religious |
List of Important Dates & Festivals in Madhya Pradesh in 2026
Madhya Pradesh celebrates diverse tribal and cultural festivals rooted in its rich heritage across regions such as Malwa, Bundelkhand, and the tribal belts. Blending Hindu traditions with those of the Bhil, Gond, and Baiga, these festivals feature vibrant fairs, dances, and rituals.
Bhagoria Festival (March-April)
A unique tribal marriage fair is celebrated by the Bhil and Bhilala communities in the Jhabua, Alirajpur, and Dhar districts, where youth select partners through song and dance before Holi.
Mandu Festival (October)
Held at the historic Mandu fort in Dhar district, this cultural extravaganza showcases Sufi music, folk dances like Gair, and light-and-sound shows amid ancient architecture.
Tansen Music Festival (December)
Honoring medieval musician Tansen in Gwalior, it features classical music performances by maestros at his tomb, drawing music lovers statewide.
Lokrang Festival (Annual, Varies)
A tribal arts showcase by the Adivasi Lok Kala Academy in Bhopal, highlighting folk dances, crafts, and music from Madhya Pradesh’s indigenous groups to promote cultural unity.
Khajuraho Dance Festival (February)
Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak are performed against the iconic Khajuraho temples in Chhatarpur district, celebrating India’s dance heritage.
Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh Mela (Every 12 Years, Next ~2028)
Massive pilgrimage on Shipra River banks in Ujjain, with holy dips, akharas, and sadhus; a key state event drawing millions.
Gondia Tribal Fair (March)
In the Dindori district, Gonds celebrate with traditional archery contests, cattle fairs, and rituals honoring local deities for harvest prosperity.
Pachmarhi Utsav
A cultural festival held in the hill‑station region of Pachmarhi, celebrating local traditions, folk arts, music, and dance, and apparently also aimed at tourism.
Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantiya
A water‑tourism/leisure‑festival event organized in the Hanuwantiya island/region by MP Tourism, aimed at promoting tourism and local culture.
Bundeli Utsav (Bundeli Festival)
A folk‑arts festival celebrating Bundeli (Bundelkhand) cultural heritage: folk dance, songs, traditional games, crafts, archery, etc. Mostly held around Basant Panchami in the Chhatarpur (and nearby) region.
Explore 2026 State-wise Holiday Lists
FAQs
What are the Major Government Holidays in Madhya Pradesh in 2026?
Major government holidays in Madhya Pradesh in 2026 include Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Zuha, Christmas, and other key religious and cultural observances.
When Will MP School Summer Vacations Start in 2026?
For most schools in Madhya Pradesh, summer vacations typically begin on 1 May.
What are the Bank Holidays in Madhya Pradesh for 2026?
The bank holidays in Madhya Pradesh for 2026 include Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Christmas, Holi, Maha Shivaratri, Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Makar Sankranti, Dussehra, Diwali, and all 2nd and 4th Saturdays.
Is there a Holiday for the MP Foundation Day?
Yes, Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day (MP Sthapana Diwas) is observed on 1 November every year.
Are there Dry Days Associated with these Holidays?
Yes, certain public holidays and festival days in Madhya Pradesh are designated as dry days, during which the sale of alcohol is prohibited. The state government announces these dry days in advance and typically includes national holidays, major religious festivals, and election days.
Does Madhya Pradesh have a Public Holiday for Rang Panchami?
No, Madhya Pradesh does not observe Rang Panchami as a public holiday.
When is Raksha Bandhan in 2026?
Raksha Bandhan in 2026 is on 28th August.
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