Holi 2026 Public Holiday: Will Schools and Banks Remain Closed? State-Wise Details
Holi 2026 public holiday updates have sparked widespread curiosity as people across India look for clarity on school closures and bank holidays. With varying almanac interpretations and state-wise announcements, many are unsure about the exact dates for Holika Dahan and Dhulandi celebrations in 2026.
As the festival of colours approaches, differences in regional calendars and official notifications have led to confusion regarding when schools, colleges, banks and government offices will remain closed. Here’s a detailed, state-wise breakdown to help you plan ahead.
Why Is There Confusion Around Holi 2026 Dates?
The uncertainty surrounding Holi 2026 stems from differing traditional calendar interpretations. Variations in panchang readings, lunar calculations, the influence of Adhik Maas, and a lunar eclipse around early March have all contributed to mixed opinions on the exact festival dates.
While Holika Dahan - the ceremonial bonfire symbolising the victory of good over evil - is expected to take place late at night on March 2, 2026, the colourful celebrations of Dhulandi are likely to be observed on March 4, 2026 in many parts of the country.
However, official public holiday announcements differ from state to state, adding to the confusion.
Holi 2026: State-Wise School and Bank Holiday List
Here’s a closer look at how different states are expected to observe the Holi 2026 public holiday:
Delhi NCR
Schools, colleges, and most offices are expected to remain closed on March 4 for Dhulandi celebrations. Banks are also likely to observe a holiday.
Haryana
Dhulandi is generally observed as a public holiday across the state. Schools and government offices are expected to remain shut.
Punjab
Educational institutions are likely to stay closed on March 4 for the festival of colours. Banks and public offices may also observe a holiday.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan traditionally declares a public holiday for Holi. In some districts, local schools may also remain closed on March 3 for community celebrations and rituals.
Maharashtra
Holi 2026 in Uttar Pradesh: Extended Break for Students?
Uttar Pradesh presents a slightly different scenario this year.
Reports suggest that students in several parts of the state could enjoy an extended festive break during the first week of March. However, there remains uncertainty over whether March 3, 2026 will also be declared a public holiday, as Holika Dahan traditionally precedes Holi by one day.
Parents and students are advised to check official notifications from their respective district administrations or school authorities for confirmation.
Will Banks Remain Closed on Holi 2026?
Bank holidays during Holi generally align with state government notifications and the Reserve Bank of India’s regional holiday calendar. In most North and Central Indian states, banks are expected to remain closed on March 4, 2026 for Dhulandi.
However, since bank holidays vary by region, customers should verify local holiday schedules before planning branch visits.
Plan Ahead for Holi 2026
With multiple dates being discussed for Holika Dahan and Dhulandi, the Holi 2026 public holiday schedule varies across states. While March 4 is widely expected to be the main holiday for the festival of colours, some regions may observe additional closures.
To avoid last-minute confusion, keep an eye on official state government notifications and school circulars. Whether you are planning travel, family gatherings or simply a festive break, knowing your local holiday schedule will help you celebrate Holi 2026 without any hassle.
As the festival of colours approaches, differences in regional calendars and official notifications have led to confusion regarding when schools, colleges, banks and government offices will remain closed. Here’s a detailed, state-wise breakdown to help you plan ahead.
Why Is There Confusion Around Holi 2026 Dates?
The uncertainty surrounding Holi 2026 stems from differing traditional calendar interpretations. Variations in panchang readings, lunar calculations, the influence of Adhik Maas, and a lunar eclipse around early March have all contributed to mixed opinions on the exact festival dates.
While Holika Dahan - the ceremonial bonfire symbolising the victory of good over evil - is expected to take place late at night on March 2, 2026, the colourful celebrations of Dhulandi are likely to be observed on March 4, 2026 in many parts of the country.
However, official public holiday announcements differ from state to state, adding to the confusion.
Holi 2026: State-Wise School and Bank Holiday List
Here’s a closer look at how different states are expected to observe the Holi 2026 public holiday:
Delhi NCR
- Main Holiday: March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Holika Dahan (March 3): Working day
Schools, colleges, and most offices are expected to remain closed on March 4 for Dhulandi celebrations. Banks are also likely to observe a holiday.
Haryana
- Main Holiday: March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Holika Dahan (March 3): Working day
Dhulandi is generally observed as a public holiday across the state. Schools and government offices are expected to remain shut.
Punjab
- Main Holiday: March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Holika Dahan (March 3): Working day
Educational institutions are likely to stay closed on March 4 for the festival of colours. Banks and public offices may also observe a holiday.
Rajasthan
- Main Holiday: March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Holika Dahan (March 3): Restricted or partial working day
Rajasthan traditionally declares a public holiday for Holi. In some districts, local schools may also remain closed on March 3 for community celebrations and rituals.
Maharashtra
- Main Holiday: March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Holika Dahan (March 3): Working day
- Schools in cities like Mumbai and Pune are expected to remain closed on Dhulandi. Banks and government offices are also likely to observe a holiday.
Holi 2026 in Uttar Pradesh: Extended Break for Students?
Uttar Pradesh presents a slightly different scenario this year.
- March 1, 2026 (Sunday): Weekly holiday
- March 2, 2026: Some schools may close for Holika Dahan
- March 4, 2026: Holiday announced for Dhulandi
Reports suggest that students in several parts of the state could enjoy an extended festive break during the first week of March. However, there remains uncertainty over whether March 3, 2026 will also be declared a public holiday, as Holika Dahan traditionally precedes Holi by one day.
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Parents and students are advised to check official notifications from their respective district administrations or school authorities for confirmation.
Will Banks Remain Closed on Holi 2026?
Bank holidays during Holi generally align with state government notifications and the Reserve Bank of India’s regional holiday calendar. In most North and Central Indian states, banks are expected to remain closed on March 4, 2026 for Dhulandi.
However, since bank holidays vary by region, customers should verify local holiday schedules before planning branch visits.
Plan Ahead for Holi 2026
With multiple dates being discussed for Holika Dahan and Dhulandi, the Holi 2026 public holiday schedule varies across states. While March 4 is widely expected to be the main holiday for the festival of colours, some regions may observe additional closures.
To avoid last-minute confusion, keep an eye on official state government notifications and school circulars. Whether you are planning travel, family gatherings or simply a festive break, knowing your local holiday schedule will help you celebrate Holi 2026 without any hassle.
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