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The state of Uttar Pradesh, one of the most culturally diverse and populous states in India, celebrates a vast variety of public, national, and government-proclaimed holidays annually. Ranging from big festivals such as Holi, Eid, and Diwali, but also specific to the state and national ones, every celebration is a manifestation of the rich cultural, historical and religious traditions of the region.
The full list of Uttar Pradesh Public and Government Holidays in 2026 is given below to facilitate improved planning of the employees, families, HR departments, businesses, and government offices. This yearly calendar has all gazetted holidays, restricted holidays and state declared holidays that are applicable to schools, banks, private companies and government institutions in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Takeaways:
- Official UP Holiday List 2026: A complete schedule of gazetted, public, and restricted holidays.
- Bank & Office Closures: Clear details on days off for banks, schools, and government departments.
- Regional Rules: Information on how district-specific holidays (like local fairs) are decided.
- Festival Insights: A look at the cultural importance of major celebrations like Holi and Diwali in UP.
- HR Planning Guide: Actionable tips for managing employee leaves, shifts, and compliance.
List of Public & Government Holidays in Uttar Pradesh 2026
The dates mentioned below are tentative; they might vary based on UP’s people’s beliefs.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Restricted Holiday |
| January 14 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti | Restricted Holiday |
| January 24 | Saturday | Uttar Pradesh Day (UP Diwas) | State Observance |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National Holiday |
| February 15 | Sunday | Maha Shivratri | Gazetted Holiday |
| March 4 | Wednesday | Holi | Gazetted Holiday |
| March 27 | Friday | Ram Navami | Gazetted Holiday |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti | Gazetted Holiday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | Gazetted Holiday |
| May 27* | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) | Gazetted Holiday |
| June 26* | Friday | Muharram | Gazetted Holiday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National Holiday |
| August 28 | Friday | Raksha Bandhan | Gazetted Holiday |
| September 17 | Thursday | Vishwakarma Puja | Restricted Holiday |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti | National Holiday |
| October 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) | Gazetted Holiday |
| November 8 | Sunday | Diwali / Deepavali | Gazetted Holiday |
| November 9 | Monday | Govardhan Puja | Gazetted Holiday |
| November 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Gazetted Holiday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Gazetted Holiday |
Major Festivals and Regional Holidays in Uttar Pradesh (UP)
Holi
The festival of colors has a huge celebration in UP as well. They also celebrate Holi with colors, and we know about the celebration in UP’s most auspicious cities: Mathura and Vrindavan, where they arrange the biggest Holi festival in the world.
Diwali
UP people encourage lights over darkness during Diwali. They have a public holiday during the Diwali celebration, where they gather for celebration, play games, and have a sweet start to the new year.
Eid Al-Fitr & Eid Al-Adha
Mostly, Muslim communities of the UP state celebrate this festival, but it is considered a religious holiday for all. People gather for prayers, feasts, and charity on this day.
Uttar Pradesh Day
On January 24, Uttar Pradesh Formation Day is celebrated. On this, they will arrange cultural events and show the actual heritage and culture of the UP.
Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha
Pran Pratishtha (Sanskrit: प्राण प्रतिष्ठा) literally means “establishing the life force.” It is a Hindu ritual where a stone idol (murti) is consecrated. Through Vedic mantras and rituals (like opening the eyes with a gold needle), the idol is believed to transform into a living deity (devata) capable of accepting prayers. The historic ceremony took place on January 22, 2024
Christmas
Again, this is a religious holiday for Christians, but the whole state will celebrate this day together.
District-Specified Holidays, Region-Specified Holidays
In addition to public holidays mandated by the state, several districts recognize local holidays to celebrate regional events, like Kumbh Mela holidays in Prayagraj or local Nag Panchami fairs that are recognized in western UP, even if not statewide.
Conclusion
The UP holidays list for 2026 is more than just a list of holidays; it is also a calendar and practical guide to facilitating work-life balance and ease of planning. Understanding UP holidays and other district-specified holidays is not only a way for organizations to maintain compliance, acknowledgment of cultural diversity, and employee well-being; it provides a framework for productivity and harmony in workplace engagements across the state.
As UP approaches another eventful year, proactively thinking about holidays and planning fosters productivity and social harmony at the job.
Explore 2026 State-wise Holiday Lists
FAQs
How Many Public Holidays are Declared for Uttar Pradesh in 2026?
There are projected to be 22 to 25 gazetted holidays in Uttar Pradesh over the calendar year. However, the final count depends on the official notification released by the state government.
Where Can I Find the Official List of Uttar Pradesh Government Holidays for 2026?
The official list of UP Holidays for 2026 will be published by the General Administration Department (GAD). The list typically appears on the GAD website and in leading newspapers by the end of 2025.
Are there Local Holidays Specific to Certain Areas in Uttar Pradesh?
Yes, local holidays may be specific to the district level. The District Magistrate (DM) has the authority to declare local holidays for particular events, such as major district fairs (Melas), historic observances, or extreme weather conditions.
Are there District or Region Specific Holidays in Uttar Pradesh?
Yes. While UP Day is a state-wide event, certain regions observe specific holidays more intensely. For example, districts in the Braj region (Mathura/Vrindavan) may have specific local observances for extended Holi celebrations, which are often authorized by local administration.
When is Uttar Pradesh Day in 2026?
Uttar Pradesh Day (UP Diwas) is celebrated on Saturday, January 24, 2026 (marking the day the United Provinces was renamed Uttar Pradesh in 1950).
Are the 2nd and 4th Saturdays Holidays for Banks and Government Offices in Uttar Pradesh?
Yes, all banks and the majority of government offices traditionally take 2nd & 4th Saturdays as a closed day, following the mandates by both the Reserve Bank of India and the government of UP.
Are Restricted Holidays Included in the UP 2026 List?
Yes, in the final notification, there will also be restricted holidays (RH) that employees can select based on their personal preferences.
Which Hindu Festivals are Most Important in Uttar Pradesh?
Significant Hindu festivals are Holi, Diwali, Ram Navami, Janmashtami, and Dussehra.
When Will the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Anniversary be Celebrated in 2026?
This is a bit tricky! The Temple Trust follows the Hindu Lunar Calendar (specifically the Paush Shukla Dwadashi tithi) rather than the fixed date of January 22.
Which Muslim Festivals are Observed as Holidays in UP?
Muslim festivals, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Muharram, are gazetted holidays.
How Can HR Departments Plan Leaves Using the UP Holiday List?
HR practitioners/professionals can embed the year-planning calendar, which incorporates all statutory UP holiday lists, into their leave management systems to simplify processes and support workforce planning.
How does the Leave Policy Accommodate Employees Working on Holidays?
Organizations often provide compensatory time off or overtime pay to employees who work on declared holidays or family holidays.
Which Major Days Should I Plan for in January?
January kicks off the year with patriotic and cultural significance. The most important date among the upcoming holidays in UP January 2026 is Republic Day on January 26, which falls on a Monday, giving you the year’s first long weekend. Additionally, the state celebrates Uttar Pradesh Diwas on January 24, and many employees can avail of a restricted holiday for Makar Sankranti on January 14.
Are there any Bank Holidays in Uttar Pradesh in February?
Yes, February is spiritually significant. The primary date to note for upcoming holidays in UP for February 2026 is Maha Shivratri on February 15. However, since this falls on a Sunday, it may not result in a day off for standard Monday-to-Friday corporate offices, though banks will remain closed. Government employees may also have optional restricted holidays for festivals like Sant Ravidas Jayanti.
When is Holi and Other Major Festivals in March 2026?
March is packed with major celebrations. If you are tracking upcoming holidays in UP for March 2026, mark your calendar for Holi on March 4 (Wednesday). The month also includes Ram Navami (March 27) and potentially Eid-ul-Fitr (subject to moon sighting), making March one of the most holiday-rich months for government and private sectors in UP.
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