Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Puducherry, a Union Territory of India, has a mix of national, regional, and cultural public holidays reflecting its unique historical and cultural heritage.
- National holidays such as New Year’s Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, and Christmas.
- Regional and cultural holidays like Pongal, Thiruvalluvar Day/Mattu Pongal, Tamil New Year, Vinayaga Chathurthi, Saraswathi Pooja/Ayudha Pooja, Puducherry Liberation Day, and Deepavali.
- Unique days include De Jure Transfer Day (Aug 16), commemorating Puducherry’s integration with India.
List of Public and Government Holidays in Puducherry 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01, 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Public Holiday |
| Jan 14, 2026 | Wednesday | Pongal | Regional/Public |
| Jan 15, 2026 | Thursday | Thiruvalluvar Day / Mattu Pongal | Regional/Public |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Monday | Republic Day | National Holiday |
| Mar 21, 2026 | Saturday | Ramzan | Religious Holiday |
| Apr 03, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Tamil New Year | Regional Holiday |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Birthday | Public/Commemorative |
| May 01, 2026 | Friday | May Day | Public Holiday |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Bakrid (Id-ul-Alha) | Religious Holiday |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Saturday | Independence Day | National Holiday |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Sunday | De Jure Transfer Day | Regional Holiday |
| Aug 25, 2026 | Tuesday | Milad-un-Nabi | Religious Holiday |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Tuesday | Vinayaga Chathurthi | Religious Holiday |
| Oct 02, 2026 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanthi | National Holiday |
| Oct 23, 2026 | Friday | Saraswathi Pooja/Ayudha Pooja | Religious/Cultural |
| Nov 01, 2026 | Sunday | Puducherry Liberation Day | Regional Holiday |
| Nov 08, 2026 | Sunday | Deepavali | Religious Holiday |
| Dec 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas | Religious/Public |
Also, Check Holiday Lists for Other States in India:
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Official Public Holidays are there in Puducherry for 2026?
Puducherry is expected to have 17 official public holidays in 2026, which include regional, national, and important cultural days.
When is Puducherry Liberation Day?
Puducherry Liberation Day is observed on November 1, 2026, marking the day when Puducherry was freed from French rule in 1954.
Are the French and Tamil New Year both Public Holidays in Puducherry?
The French New Year (January 1) is generally observed as a public holiday due to its French heritage. Still, the Tamil New Year (around April 14) is not officially in Puducherry holidays list.
What are the Region-Specific Holidays in Puducherry’s 2026 Holiday List?
Key region-specific holidays include:
- Puducherry Liberation Day (November 1)
- De Jure Transfer Day (August 16)
Which Holidays in Puducherry Coincide with Weekends in 2026?
Public holidays on weekends are fixed by their dates. For 2026:
- De Jure Transfer Day falls on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
- Independence Day (August 15) is on a Saturday.
- Liberation Day (November 1) is on a Sunday.
Are there Differences in Holiday Observances between Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam Regions?
The Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam regions observe similar core holidays such as Liberation Day and Transfer Day. But Mahe and Yanam are geographically separate and might observe a few local festivals differently.
Do Private Companies in Puducherry Follow the Official Public Holiday Calendar?
Many private organizations in Puducherry follow the official calendar. Large organizations usually observe the same holidays as government authorities; in small businesses, holidays may vary.
Is Puducherry Liberation Day Different from Independence Day?
Puducherry Liberation Day (November 1) commemorates the transfer of French territories to India in 1954. Meanwhile, Independence Day (August 15) celebrates India’s overall independence from British rule. They are distinct occasions.
What are Local Car Festivals and Their Holiday Status?
Car festivals, or chariot festivals, are significant in many religious communities but are not classified as national or official public holidays. These are not recognized as public holidays as their status depends on regional and community-specific practices.
What is De Jure Transfer Day, and why is It Celebrated?
De Jure Transfer Day, observed on August 16, marks the formal, legal transfer of French India to India in 1962. It is celebrated in Puducherry to honor this historic milestone.
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