The Union Territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry), with its unique blend of French colonial heritage and rich Tamil culture, observes a diverse set of holidays. This comprehensive guide provides the definitive list of Public, Bank, and School holidays for 2026 to help you plan your year effectively.
Puducherry Public Holidays 2026 (Common for Government Offices & Public Sector)
The following list includes the mandatory holidays for all government offices, public sector undertakings, and commercial establishments in the Union Territory.
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
|
January 1 |
Thursday |
New Year's Day |
|
January 14 |
Wednesday |
Pongal |
|
January 15 |
Thursday |
Thiruvalluvar Day / Mattu Pongal |
|
January 26 |
Monday |
Republic Day |
|
March 21 |
Saturday |
Ramzan (Id-ul-Fitr)* |
|
April 3 |
Friday |
Good Friday |
|
April 14 |
Tuesday |
Tamil New Year |
|
April 14 |
Tuesday |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Birthday |
|
May 1 |
Friday |
May Day (Labour Day) |
|
May 27 |
Wednesday |
Bakrid (Id-ul-Alha)* |
|
August 15 |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
|
August 16 |
Sunday |
De jure Transfer Day |
|
August 26 |
Wednesday |
Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday)* |
|
September 15 |
Tuesday |
Vinayaga Chathurthi / Ganesh Chaturthi |
|
October 2 |
Friday |
Gandhi Jayanthi |
|
October 20 |
Tuesday |
Saraswathi Pooja / Ayudha Pooja |
|
November 1 |
Sunday |
Puducherry Liberation Day |
|
November 8 |
Sunday |
Deepavali (Diwali) |
|
December 25 |
Friday |
Christmas |
Note: Holidays marked with an asterisk () are based on the lunar calendar and are provisional. The official dates will be confirmed closer to the time by the Government of Puducherry.*
Puducherry Bank Holidays 2026
Bank holidays in Puducherry include the public holidays listed above, plus mandatory closures on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, and the Annual Closing of Bank Accounts.
1. Bank Specific Holidays
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
|
April 1 |
Wednesday |
Annual Closing of Bank Accounts |
|
Every 2nd Saturday |
- |
Second Saturday Bank Holiday |
|
Every 4th Saturday |
- |
Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday |
2. Long Weekend Opportunities
The 2026 calendar offers several opportunities for long weekends, especially around the core public holidays:
-
January: Republic Day falls on a Monday (Jan 26), creating a three-day weekend (Jan 24-26).
-
April: Good Friday (Apr 3) creates a three-day weekend (Apr 3-5).
-
May: May Day (May 1) falls on a Friday, offering a three-day weekend (May 1-3).
-
December: Christmas (Dec 25) falls on a Friday, resulting in a three-day weekend (Dec 25-27).
Puducherry School Holidays 2026 (Tentative Academic Calendar)
School holidays in Puducherry are managed by the Directorate of School Education. The official academic calendar is typically released closer to the new academic year (June). However, they generally follow a predictable pattern.
|
Holiday Period |
Tentative Dates (Approximate) |
Duration |
|
Summer Vacation |
Mid-April to Early-June |
~ 45-50 days |
|
Mid-Term/Dusshera Break |
Mid-September to Early-October |
~ 10-14 days |
|
Christmas / Winter Break |
Late December to Early January |
~ 7-10 days |
|
Public Holidays |
All public holidays listed above (Excluding Bank-specific ones) |
Single-day closures |
-
Note for Parents and Educators: Please refer to the official circulars from the Directorate of School Education, Puducherry, or your specific school's calendar for confirmed dates, especially for term breaks.
Key Takeaways for 2026
-
Cultural Significance: Puducherry's calendar prominently features local and religious festivals like Pongal, Tamil New Year, and the historically significant De jure Transfer Day and Puducherry Liberation Day.
Regional Variations: While this list applies broadly to Puducherry and Karaikal, regions like Mahe and Yanam may observe additional or slightly different regional holidays (e.g., Vishu in Mahe, Ugadi in Yanam). Always cross-check the specific regional notification.
