Public Holidays in July 2026
When taking a break from your daily routine, there is no better time than the July holidays. That is why many of us eagerly look forward to this month, planning vacations, exploring new destinations, or trying out contemporary cuisine. This article provides a clear guide to the public holidays and festivals you can expect in July 2026.
A variety of festivals and observances take place across India during July. The table below lists the festival holidays celebrated in July 2026.
| Date & Day | Occasion | State/Region |
| 6 Jul 2026, Monday | Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) Day | Mizoram |
| 11 Jul 2026, Saturday | Behdeinkhlam Festival | Meghalaya |
| 13 Jul 2026, Monday | Bhanu Jayanti | Sikkim |
| 16 Jul 2026, Thursday | Ratha Yatra | Manipur, Odisha & other regions |
| 16 Jul 2026, Thursday | Harela | Uttarakhand |
| 17 Jul 2026, Friday | U Tirot Sing Day | Meghalaya |
| 18 Jul 2026, Saturday | Drukpa Tsheshi | Sikkim |
| 22 Jul 2026, Wednesday | Kharchi Puja | Tripura |
| 31 Jul 2026, Friday | Shaheed Udham Singh’s Martyrdom Day | Haryana (also in Punjab) |
Descriptions of Holiday in July 2026
1. Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) Day
MHIP Day commemorates the formation of the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl, one of the most influential women’s organizations in Mizoram. Established to promote women’s welfare, social justice, and equality, MHIP has played a key role in addressing social issues and empowering women across the state.
People observe the day by organizing community meetings, conducting awareness programs, carrying out cleanliness drives, and actively participating in welfare initiatives. It highlights the importance of women’s leadership, unity, and active participation in building a progressive society.
2. Behdeinkhlam Festival
Behdeinkhlam is a major traditional festival of the Pnar (Jaintia) tribe of Meghalaya. People observe the festival to drive away diseases, evil spirits, and misfortune while praying for prosperity and a good harvest.
People perform processions, make offerings, and ceremonially drag large wooden logs called Rots, which they later immerse in water. Participants play a traditional game known as Dad-Lawakor, symbolizing divine blessings and community well-being.
3. Bhanu Jayanti
Bhanu Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Bhanubhakta Acharya, the first poet to translate the Ramayana into Nepali. His work made classical literature accessible to common people and laid the foundation for modern Nepali literature.
People celebrate the day by organizing poetry recitations, literary discussions, cultural programs, and educational events. It serves as a tribute to linguistic heritage, literary excellence, and intellectual contribution.
4. Ratha Yatra
Ratha Yatra is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The festival commemorates the annual chariot procession from the Jagannath Temple.
Devotees pull elaborately decorated chariots through the streets while chanting hymns and participating in devotional activities. The festival symbolizes unity, devotion, and the idea that the divine is accessible to all.
5. Harela
Harela is an important agricultural festival celebrated in Uttarakhand, marking the onset of the monsoon season and the sowing of crops. It reflects the deep connection between nature, farming, and local traditions.
People sow seeds in small baskets days before the festival and worship them on Harela. The festival promotes environmental awareness, prosperity, and gratitude towards nature.
6. U Tirot Sing Day
U Tirot Sing Day honors U Tirot Sing Syiem, a legendary Khasi chief who led resistance against British colonial forces in the early 19th century. His bravery and leadership remain a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
People across Meghalaya observe the day by holding tribute ceremonies, organizing cultural programs, and conducting educational events. It inspires younger generations to value freedom, resilience, and historical pride.
7. Drukpa Tsheshi
Drukpa Tsheshi is an important Buddhist festival that commemorates the first sermon of Lord Buddha after attaining enlightenment. The sermon laid the foundation of Buddhist teachings, known as the Four Noble Truths.
Devotees visit monasteries, offer prayers, light butter lamps, and participate in religious discourses. The festival emphasizes wisdom, compassion, and the path to spiritual awakening.
8. Kharchi Puja
Kharchi Puja is a traditional Hindu festival in Tripura, dedicated to the worship of fourteen deities, also known as Chaturdasha Devata. The festival actively celebrates royal traditions and the state’s heritage.
Rituals include ceremonial bathing of the deities and grand processions. Kharchi Puja symbolizes purification, prosperity, and the preservation of cultural identity.
9. Shaheed Udham Singh’s Martyrdom Day
Shaheed Udham Singh’s Martyrdom Day commemorates the sacrifice of the freedom fighter who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer.
Memorial events, speeches, and tributes across Haryana and Punjab mark the day. It serves as a reminder of courage, patriotism, and the sacrifices made during India’s struggle for independence.
