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Reference guide India, Central Govt 2026

Restricted Holidays (RH) for 2026

Restricted Holidays are optional leaves that central government employees can elect from a notified list, typically choosing any two per year. The list covers regional, religious, and cultural observances not on the compulsory national calendar. For HR teams, the practical need is to communicate the RH list clearly and track selections consistently. This page lists the expected Restricted Holidays for 2026 based on prevailing central government practice.

Last updated: 6 July 2026

Restricted Holidays list for 2026

HolidayDateDayNotes
New Year's DayJanuary 1, 2026Thursday
Hazarat Ali's BirthdayJanuary 3, 2026Saturday
Makar Sankranti / Magha Bihu / PongalJanuary 14, 2026WednesdayRegional names
Sri Panchami / Basant PanchamiJanuary 23, 2026Friday
Guru Ravidas's BirthdayFebruary 1, 2026Sunday
Birthday of Swami Dayananda SaraswatiFebruary 12, 2026Thursday
Maha ShivratriFebruary 15, 2026Sunday
Shivaji JayantiFebruary 19, 2026Thursday
Holika DahanMarch 3, 2026Tuesday
DolyatraMarch 3, 2026Tuesday
Chaitra Sukladi / Gudi Padava / Ugadi / Cheti ChandMarch 19, 2026ThursdayRegional New Year
Jamat-Ul-VidaMarch 20, 2026FridaySubject to moon sighting
Easter SundayApril 5, 2026Sunday
Vaisakhi / Vishu / Meshadi (Tamil New Year's Day)April 14, 2026TuesdayRegional names
Vaisakhadi (Bengal) / Bahag Bihu (Assam)April 15, 2026WednesdayRegional names
Birthday of Rabindranath TagoreMay 9, 2026Saturday
Rath YatraJuly 16, 2026Thursday
Parsi New Year's Day / NaurajAugust 15, 2026Saturday
Onam or Thiru Onam DayAugust 26, 2026WednesdayKerala
Raksha BandhanAugust 28, 2026Friday
Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayak ChaturthiSeptember 14, 2026Monday
Dussehra (Saptami)October 18, 2026Sunday
Dussehra (Mahashtami)October 19, 2026Monday
Dussehra (Mahanavami)October 20, 2026Tuesday
Maharishi Valmiki's BirthdayOctober 26, 2026Monday
Karaka Chaturthi (Karwa Chauth)October 29, 2026Thursday
Naraka ChaturdasiNovember 8, 2026Sunday
Govardhan PujaNovember 9, 2026Monday
Bhai DujNovember 11, 2026Wednesday
Pratihar Shashti / Surya Shashti (Chhat Puja)November 15, 2026Sunday
Guru Teg Bahadur's Martyrdom DayNovember 24, 2026Tuesday
Hazarat Ali's BirthdayDecember 23, 2026Wednesday
Important: This RH list is a reference based on central government practice. Final adoption is via official office orders and circulars. Dates for lunar or astronomical observances may shift based on official announcements. State and UT variations apply.

Choose the two that fit your team, record each employee's selection, and lock the list before the year starts.

Frequently asked questions

How many Restricted Holidays can be chosen in 2026?

Central Government employees may choose any 2 Restricted Holidays (RH) from the notified list, subject to office orders.

Are Restricted Holidays the same across India?

DoPT issues a model list. Subordinate offices and State or UT offices may adapt based on local practice. Verify with your office circular.

Disclaimers

  1. This compilation is provided for quick reference. The authoritative source is the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and subsequent office orders.
  2. Dates tied to lunar observations, such as Jamat-Ul-Vida, may change based on official announcements.
  3. State and UT offices may notify adaptations. Verify with your organisation's circular.
  4. Private establishments can adopt a similar RH policy at their discretion, consistent with labour laws and company policy.

Related 2026 calendars