Leveraging this time of year, today, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh state government announced today that January 15, 2026 would be a public holiday for all the districts of Uttar Pradesh. The move has been intended to help devotees and citizens celebrate the auspicious harvest festival and participate in the traditional holy dips into sacred rivers: the Ganga and Yamuna.
Revision in the Official Holiday Calendar
The announcement represents a major departure from the previous holiday plan. January 15 is now a Public Holiday as prescribed by the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, according to the official notification of the General Administration Department.
The closure outlines, among others:
- Education: All government and private schools, colleges and universities will remain closed.
- Government Departments: Every state government office and secretariat will be closed and non-operational.
- Banking Sector: Full holiday for public and private sector banks in Uttar Pradesh on this day.
The holiday list for 2026, which was released late in 2025, originally marked January 14 as a "Restricted Holiday." But on account of its religious significance and the astrological timing with the sun having entered into Capricorn (Makara), the government chose Jan. 15 as a state-wide public holiday.
Significance of the Move
Makar Sankranti is a holiday in Uttar Pradesh, particularly celebrated in Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Ayodhya.
Holy Bathing: Millions will gather at the Sangam in Prayagraj for an obligatory bath.
- Charity and fairs: This is the final day of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It is usually marked by the donation of khichdi, sesame (til), and jaggery.
- Khichdi Mela: The well known 'Khichdi Mela' at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, where CM Yogi Adityanath traditionally offers the first khichdi is anticipated to see a huge footfall.
Winter Wave Considerations
Student and staff relief should also follow the decision as North India continues to wrestle with a long cold wave. In UP, many of the districts have already added a winter break for junior classes into the calendar, due to dense fog and low temperatures, with the new holiday, the closure is synchronized across all levels of education.
