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Nagaland Public Holidays 2026

Published: December 11, 2025 Last modified: December 19, 2025 6 min read
Nagaland Public Holidays 2026 including Hornbill Festival and Christmas break

Key Highlights

  • Nagaland is known for its strong tribal identity, church-based community life, and vibrant festivals that showcase the customs of the Naga tribes.
  • The state’s 2026 holiday calendar includes national holidays such as New Year’s Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
  • It also features major religious festivals like Holi, Id‑ul‑Fitr, Id‑ul‑Zuha, Good Friday, Janmashtami, Dussehra, Diwali, Guru Nanak’s Birthday, and Christmas.
  • In addition to pan-Indian holidays, Nagaland celebrates important state-level and tribal festivals, including the Hornbill Festival.
  • These tribal events showcase folk music, dance, traditional attire, agricultural rituals, and community feasts, though not all are official public holidays every year.
  • The government of Nagaland updates its official holiday calendar annually, which is the primary reference for confirming which national, religious, and regional observances are recognized as public holidays in 2026.
  • A well-defined holiday calendar helps organizations to plan for state-specific and tribal events, ensuring smooth operations and cultural respect.

List of Nagaland Holidays in 2026

The holiday list for 2026 includes both national holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day, as well as local and religious festivals celebrated in the state. Here is a table listing the Nagaland holidays:

Sr. No. Date Day Holiday Holiday Type
1 Jan 01 Thursday New Year’s Day Public
2 Jan 26 Monday Republic Day National
5 Mar 04 Wednesday Holi Public
6 Mar 21 Saturday Eid al-Fitr Religious
7 Apr 03 Friday Good Friday Religious
8 Apr 04 Saturday Easter Saturday State
9 Apr 05 Sunday Easter Sunday State
10 May 27 Wednesday Eid al-Zuha Religious
11 Aug 15 Saturday Independence Day National
12 Aug 25 Tuesday Eid‑e‑Milad (Milad-un-Nabi) Religious
13 Sept 04 Friday Janmashtami Religious
14 Oct 02 Friday Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti National
15 Oct 20 Tuesday Dussehra Regional
16 Nov 08 Sunday Diwali (Deepavali) Religious
17 Nov 24 Tuesday Guru Nanak’s Birthday Religious
18 Dec 1 Tuesday Statehood Day State
19 Dec 25 Friday Christmas Religious

State-Specific Nagaland Holiday

Nagaland is famously known as the “Land of Festivals”, with its vibrant state-specific holidays deeply rooted in the agricultural cycle, tribal customs, and the Christian faith, which is predominantly followed in the state.

Sekrenyi Festival

The main festival of the Angami tribe, celebrated to purify and prepare for the next farming season.

Aoleang Festival

Celebrated by the Konyak tribe to welcome spring and the new year, with dancing and feasting.

Moatsu Festival

Observed by the Ao tribe after sowing, asking for blessings for a good harvest, and promoting friendship.

Easter

Public holidays for the large Christian community in Nagaland.

Hornbill Festival

Hornbill is a 10-day annual cultural celebration held in Nagaland, near Kohima, to celebrate the culture and traditions of all major Naga tribes.

Christmas Festival

The state observes multiple days around Christmas, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, reflecting Nagaland’s Christian majority.

State Inauguration Day

Marks the day in 1963 when Nagaland became the 16th state of India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Government Holidays in Nagaland for 2026?

Nagaland’s government holidays for 2026 include major national, religious, and regional festivals, reflecting the state’s diverse cultural fabric.

How Many Public Holidays are There in Nagaland in 2026?

There are 14-16 public holidays in Nagaland in 2026.

Where Can I Find the Official Nagaland Government Holiday List for 2026?

The official Nagaland government holiday list for 2026 is available on the Nagaland government website.

What are the Main Festivals of Nagaland?

The main festivals of Nagaland include the Hornbill Festival, Sekrenyi Festival, Aoleang, and Moatsu. These festivals highlight the rich tribal heritage and customs of Nagaland through music, dance, crafts, and local cuisine.

When is the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland 2026?

The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland 2026 is held annually from December 1st to December 10th.

When Will the Sekrenyi Festival be Celebrated in 2026?

The Sekrenyi, also known as Phousanyi, will be celebrated on February 25, 2026.

When is the Moatsu Festival in Nagaland in 2026?

The Ao Naga community will celebrate the Moatsu Festival in Nagaland in 2026 from May 1 to May 3.

When is Nagaland Statehood Day in 2026?

The Nagaland Statehood Day in 2026 is on 1 December. This day marks the anniversary of Nagaland becoming the 16th state of India on December 1, 1963.

Which Tribal Festivals are Most Important in Nagaland?

The most important tribal festivals in Nagaland include Hornbill Festival, Sekrenyi (Angami tribe), Moatsu (Ao tribe), Aoling (Konyak tribe), and Tokhu Emong (Lotha tribe).

Does Nagaland Celebrate both Christian and Tribal Festivals?

Yes, Nagaland celebrates both Christian and tribal festivals.

Are the Second and Fourth Saturdays Bank Holidays in Nagaland 2026?

Yes, the second and fourth Saturdays are bank holidays in Nagaland in 2026.

How Many Holidays Will Nagaland Government Employees Get in 2026?

Nagaland government employees will get 34 holidays in 2026 as per the state government’s official holiday list. This total includes public holidays, national holidays, and state-specific festival holidays declared for the year.

Can HR Teams Use the Nagaland Holiday Calendar for Planning?

Yes, HR teams can use the Nagaland holiday calendar for planning.

Meet the author
HRMS Operations Head

Alpesh Kachhadiya is the Head of HRMS Operations at factoHR with 14+ years of experience in payroll and statutory compliance. He specialises in PF, ESI, Professional Tax, Income Tax, and multi-state payroll operations. Alpesh holds an MBA in Finance and has managed compliance for more than 50,000 employees across 15 Indian states. With this real-world experience, he ensures the content he is accurate, practical, and aligned with current payroll and labour regulations.

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