Table of Contents
Key Highlights
- Manipur is a culturally rich state in northeastern India, known for its unique festivals that reflect its tribal and traditional heritage.
- The state observes a blend of national holidays and distinctive local festivals, demonstrating its diverse cultural identity.
- Manipur holidays in 2026 include Makar Sankranti, Maha Shivratri, Good Friday, Republic Day, Ningol Chakouba, Independence Day, Diwali, Christmas, and several other regional and religious observances.
- Important local festivals celebrated as public holidays include Gaan-Ngai (a major tribal festival), Lui-Ngai-Ni (seed-sowing festival), Yaosang (a five-day spring festival starting on the full moon of Phalguna), Cheiraoba (Manipuri New Year), Kut (harvest festival), Ningol Chakouba (a social festival honoring women), Sangai Festival (celebrating Manipur’s culture), and Kang (Ratha Yatra).
- Other cultural and historical observance holidays in the state include Durga Ashtami, Khongjom Day (marking a historic battle), and Nupi Lal (Women’s War Day).
- Tracking Manipur’s official holiday calendar helps organizations plan annual activities, align with cultural celebrations, and ensure smooth workflow and proper staffing throughout the year.
List of Holidays in Manipur for 2026
Manipur’s holiday calendar for 2026 features a blend of cultural, religious, and national celebrations that reflect the state’s rich heritage. This list provides the official public holidays observed across the state. Here is the list of holidays in Manipur for 2026:
| Sr. No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year’s Day & Gaan-Ngai | State/Regional |
| 2 | Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National |
| 3 | Feb 15 | Sunday | Lui-Ngai-Ni | Regional |
| 4 | Mar 03 | Tuesday | Yaosang 1st Day | Regional |
| 5 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Yaosang 2nd Day | Regional |
| 6 | Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr | Religious |
| 7 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 8 | Apr 14 | Tuesday | Cheiraoba | Regional |
| 9 | Apr 23 | Thursday | Khongjom Day | Regional |
| 10 | May 01 | Friday | May Day | State |
| 11 | May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha | Religious |
| 12 | July 16 | Thursday | Kang (Ratha Yatra) | Regional |
| 13 | Aug 13 | Thursday | Patriot’s Day | State |
| 14 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 15 | Aug 25 | Tuesday | Eid-e-Milad (Maulud Nabi) | Religious |
| 16 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 17 | Oct 19 | Monday | Durga Ashtami | Regional |
| 18 | Nov 1 | Sunday | Kut | Regional |
| 19 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Diwali (Deepavali) | Religious |
| 20 | Nov 12 | Thurday | Ningol Chakkouba | State |
| 21 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas | Religious |
Festivals Celebrated in Manipur
Manipur, known as the ‘Jewel of India,’ celebrates festivals that reflect its rich cultural heritage, diverse tribes, religions, and art forms, including:
- Sangai Festival: Held annually in November to promote tourism, this festival showcases Manipur’s traditions through classical dance forms like Ras Leela, folk dances such as Kabui Naga, Bamboo, and Mai-bi, along with local handicrafts, traditional food, and adventure sports.
- Chumpa Festival: A week-long post-harvest festival of the Tangkhul Naga tribe featuring music, dance, and rituals, particularly performed by women.
- Lui-Ngai-Ni Festival: Celebrated in February by Naga communities to mark the seed-sowing season, including sacred fire rituals, seed blessings, log drum beating, traditional dances, and folk songs.
- Yaoshang Festival: The main festival of Manipuri Hindus, celebrated for five days from the full moon of Phalguna (February/March), with Thabal Chongba dance, singing, dancing, and communal feasts.
- Cheiraoba: The Manipuri New Year is celebrated by the Meitei community (March-April). People wear traditional attire, visit relatives, prepare local delicacies, and worship the goddess Sanamahi.
- Lai Haraoba: A traditional festival honoring local deities with ritual dances, music, and martial arts, celebrated between April and May.
- Heikru Hidongba: A boat race festival held at Bijoy Govinda, featuring traditional boat races and associated festivities.
- Ningol Chakouba: A social festival where married women are invited to their parental homes for a feast, strengthening family bonds.
- Shirui Lily Festival: Celebrated in May to honor the rare Shirui Lily flower, with cultural shows and outdoor activities.
- Kang Festival (Ratha Yatra): A ten-day festival featuring the procession of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, large feasts, and gatherings.
- Gaan-Ngai: A major festival of the Kabui Naga community, involving traditional rituals, dances, and celebrations.
Also, Check Holiday Lists for Other States in India
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Government Holidays in Manipur for 2026?
Government holidays in Manipur include national, religious, and state-specific festivals such as Yaoshang, Cheiraoba, and the Sangai Festival. These holidays are officially observed across the state for public and government offices.
How Many Public Holidays are there in Manipur?
There will be 26 public holidays in Manipur in 2026.
Where Can I Find the Official Manipur Government Holiday List for 2026?
The Government of Manipur has published the 2026 holiday list on its official website.
When is Yaoshang (Holi) Celebrated in Manipur?
Yaoshang (Holi) in Manipur in 2026 will be celebrated starting on the full moon day of the month of Lamta, which falls on March 3, 2026.
When is Cheiraoba (Manipuri New Year) in 2026?
Cheiraoba, the Manipuri New Year, will be celebrated on April 14th in 2026.
When is Good Friday in Manipur 2026?
Good Friday in Manipur will be observed on 3rd April.
When is Kang Rath Yatra Celebrated in Manipur?
Kang Rath Yatra will be celebrated on 16th July 2026 in Manipur.
When is the Kut Festival in Manipur?
The Kut Festival, also known as Chavang Kut, will be celebrated on 1st November 2026 in Manipur.
When is Ningol Chakouba in Manipur 2026?
Ningol Chakouba will be on 12th November 2026 in Manipur.
Are Banks in Manipur Closed on Government Holidays?
Yes, Banks in Manipur closed on government holidays.
Are the Second and Fourth Saturdays Bank Holidays in Manipur 2026?
Yes, the second and fourth Saturdays are bank holidays in Manipur.
Can HR Teams Use the Manipur Holiday Calendar for Planning Leaves?
Yes, HR teams can use the Manipur holiday calendar to plan leaves.
Continue with Google