Long Weekends in India 2026

After everyday hustle and deadlines, long weekends feel like mini life upgrades. They give you space to pause, travel, celebrate, or simply do nothing without guilt and 2026 is generously sprinkled with them!

This guide breaks down all the long weekends in India in 2026, explaining when they fall, why they matter, and how to make the most of them so you can plan ahead, avoid last-minute chaos, and actually enjoy your time off.

Republic Day

Saturday, January 24- Monday, January 26

Republic Day in 2026 falls on a Monday, making it the first proper long weekend of the year. This break comes nearly a month after New Year, when motivation dips and work routines feel heavier again.

January weather across India is among the most comfortable cold but not harsh in the north, pleasant in central regions, and ideal in the south.

Read about Republic Day.

Good Friday

Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 5

Good Friday falls early in April in 2026, landing before peak summer heat fully sets in. This timing makes it one of the best low-stress travel weekends of the year.

Most schools haven’t fully entered summer vacation yet, so crowds remain manageable. You can travel to coastal regions such as Goa, Varkala or Allepey. 

Read about Good Friday. 

Buddha Purnima

Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 3

In 2026, Buddha Purnima and Labour Day align on Friday, May 1, offering a long weekend right as summer intensity begins.

By this point, workloads rise and temperatures increase, making rest more necessary than optional. 

Read Buddha Purnima. 

Muharram

Friday, June 26 - Sunday, June 28

June is historically one of the most exhausting work months, with heat, deadlines, and minimal holidays. Muharram’s Friday placement makes it a critical relief point.

It arrives during the early monsoon phase when landscapes turn greener but travel crowds are still thin.

Read about Muharram.

Raksha Bandhan

Friday, August 28 - Sunday, August 30

Raksha Bandhan falling on a Friday in 2026 makes sibling travel and family time far easier than usual. August otherwise has limited long breaks, so this weekend becomes emotionally and logistically important.

Read about Raksha Bandhan. 

Janmashtami

Friday, September 4- Sunday, September 6

September begins with a Friday holiday in 2026, making Janmashtami a well-timed early-autumn break.

September marks a transition from monsoon fatigue to festival energy. This early-month break helps stabilize routines.

Read about Janmashtami.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Saturday, September 12 - Monday, September 14

Ganesh Chaturthi lands on a Monday, creating a clean three-day break during one of the most festive months of the year.

For many regions, especially in Maharashtra, this holiday holds deep cultural significance.

Read about Ganesh Chaturthi. 

Gandhi Jayanti

Friday, October 2 - Sunday, October 4

Gandhi Jayanti in 2026 falls on a Friday, kicking off the festive quarter of the year. October weather is among the best across India neither too hot nor too cold.

Read about Gandhi Jayanti. 

Christmas Day

Friday, December 25 - Sunday, December 27 (and beyond)

Christmas falling on a Friday makes this the most PTO-efficient long weekend of 2026. Most workplaces slow down significantly during this period, making it easier to disconnect.

Here's a hack for you: Taking December 28- 31 off can unlock 9 consecutive days away from work.

Read about Christmas. 

How to Get 4 Days of Holidays Taking Just One Day Off

This year you get not one, not two, not three, but SEVEN opportunities for a 4 day weekend by spending only one vacation day. Time to build your "bridge"!

Check it out:

New Year’s Day

Thursday, January 1 - Sunday, January 4, 2026 (Take Friday, January 2 off)

New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday in 2026, making it one of the easiest long weekends to unlock with just one day of leave. Taking Friday off creates a smooth four-day break at the very start of the year.

Since many teams operate at reduced capacity in early January, this is a low-risk time to extend time off. It’s ideal for short trips, resetting routines, or starting the year well-rested rather than rushed. Read about New Year's Day. 

Ram Navami

Thursday, March 26 - Sunday, March 29, 2026 (Take Friday, March 27 off)

Ram Navami falling on a Thursday offers a timely pause in late March. Using one leave day on Friday creates a balanced four-day break just before summer intensity builds. This long weekend is best used for rest, spiritual travel, or quieter destinations, as it sits between major holiday rushes and school vacation season. Read about Ram Navami. 

Mahavir Jayanti

Saturday, March 28 - Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (Take Monday, March 30 off)

In 2026, Mahavir Jayanti falls on a Tuesday, creating a four-day window with a single leave day. This break comes at the very end of March, making it useful for resetting before April workloads begin. Travel demand remains relatively low during this period, making it a good option for calm, reflective trips or a staycation. Read about Mahavir Jayanti.

Rath Yatra

Thursday, July 16 - Sunday, July 19, 2026 (Take Friday, July 17 off)

Rath Yatra lands on a Thursday in 2026, offering a strategic long weekend during the monsoon-heavy work months. Taking Friday off provides four uninterrupted days when burnout typically peaks. While heavy travel may be weather-dependent, this is an excellent time for slow travel, nearby getaways, or simply stepping away from screens to recharge.

Milad-un-Nabi

Saturday, August 22 - Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (Take Monday, August 24 off)

Milad-un-Nabi falls on a Tuesday in late August. Taking Monday off creates a rare four-day break during a month that otherwise lacks extended holidays. With Raksha Bandhan falling just days later in 2026, this weekend can be optimized for combined family visits or shorter trips before the festive season begins. Read about Milad-un-Nabi.

Dussehra

Saturday, October 17 - Tuesday, October 20, 2026 (Take Monday, October 19 off)

Dussehra arriving on a Tuesday in 2026 makes it easy to build a four-day festive break with one day of leave. October weather is among the best across India, and festive momentum is high. This long weekend is ideal for cultural travel, family celebrations, or short vacations before Diwali crowds and travel prices rise.

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Saturday, November 21 - Tuesday, November 24, 2026 (Take Monday, November 23 off)

Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2026 falls on a Tuesday, offering a calm four-day break toward the end of the year. Taking Monday off helps create breathing space before December’s packed schedules. With cool, comfortable weather across most regions, this is a great opportunity for spiritual travel, heritage exploration, or a quiet reset before year-end commitments. Read about Guru Nanak Jayanti. 

You might like to read these articles next: 

• The Hindu Calendar: Complete List of Festivals
• Seasons of the Year in India
• Your Ultimate Guide to Wacky, Funny and Weird Holidays