Gujarat, the vibrant state known for its rich cultural heritage, dynamic business environment, and colorful festivals like Navratri and Diwali, observes a blend of national, state, and regional holidays. Planning your personal time, business operations, or travel in the state requires an accurate list of these non-working days.
This comprehensive guide presents the expected public and bank holidays in Gujarat for the year 2026. This list includes compulsory government holidays, as well as the special provisions for bank closures, helping you plan your year effectively.
Detailed List of Gujarat Public Holidays 2026
The following table lists the expected holidays for Gujarat in 2026. The classification indicates whether the holiday is typically a general public holiday (for Government offices and most businesses) or specific to banks.
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Type |
|
January 14 |
Wednesday |
Makar Sankranti / Uttarayan |
Public Holiday |
|
January 26 |
Monday |
Republic Day |
National Holiday |
|
March 6 |
Friday |
Maha Shivaratri |
Public Holiday |
|
March 20 |
Friday |
Holi (Second Day / Dhuleti) |
Festival Holiday |
|
March 29 |
Sunday |
Good Friday |
Public Holiday |
|
April 2 |
Thursday |
Ram Navami |
Festival Holiday |
|
April 3 |
Friday |
Mahavir Jayanti |
Public Holiday |
|
April 14 |
Tuesday |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
Government Holiday |
|
April 18 |
Saturday |
Shri Swaminarayan Jayanti |
Religious Holiday |
|
May 1 |
Friday |
Gujarat Foundation Day / Labour Day |
State Holiday |
|
May 27 |
Wednesday |
Buddha Purnima |
Festival Holiday |
|
June 27 |
Saturday |
Bakrid / Eid al-Adha |
Public Holiday |
|
July 24 |
Friday |
Muharram |
Government Holiday |
|
August 15 |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
National Holiday |
|
August 27 |
Thursday |
Janmashtami |
Festival Holiday |
|
October 2 |
Friday |
Gandhi Jayanti |
National Holiday |
|
October 21 |
Wednesday |
Dussehra / Vijaya Dashami |
Festival Holiday |
|
October 29 |
Thursday |
Diwali |
Major Festival |
|
October 30 |
Friday |
Vikram Samvat New Year |
State Holiday |
|
November 1 |
Saturday |
Bhai Dooj |
Festival Holiday |
|
November 23 |
Monday |
Guru Nanak Jayanti |
Public Holiday |
|
December 25 |
Friday |
Christmas Day |
National Holiday |
Gujarat Bank Holidays 2026
Banks in Gujarat will remain closed on all second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays, along with the official public and festival holidays listed above.
Bank holidays are declared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the State Government of Gujarat to ensure consistency across all districts, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, and others.
Major Festivals Celebrated in Gujarat
Gujarat’s cultural landscape is marked by colourful festivals that reflect unity and joy:
- Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) – Celebrated with kites across the state.
- Navratri – Nine nights of Garba, Dandiya, and devotion.
- Diwali – The festival of lights and new beginnings.
- Janmashtami – Celebrated with great fervour in Dwarka.
- Holi – The festival of colours marking the victory of good over evil.
These holidays are a blend of religious significance and cultural celebration, representing Gujarat’s heritage.
Government Offices and Schools
All government offices, public sector undertakings, and schools in Gujarat will remain closed on the gazetted holidays mentioned in the official calendar released by the General Administration Department (GAD) of Gujarat.
Schools may also have additional holidays for local observances and summer vacations.
How to Plan with Gujarat Holidays 2026
Residents can use this calendar to plan:
- Long weekends for short trips to destinations like Gir, Somnath, Dwarka, and Kutch.
- Family celebrations around Diwali and Navratri.
- Pilgrimages to important religious sites across the state.
Important Note on Planning
Please be aware that holidays marked as festivals (like Eid, Diwali, or Janmashtami) are often determined by the lunar calendar, and their dates can sometimes be subject to minor changes by the state government's official gazette notification. Furthermore, some regional holidays may be classified as Restricted Holidays (RH), allowing government employees to choose a limited number of days off from a specific list.