Public Holidays in March 2026
March 2026 has several important festivals and public holidays across India. Having an updated list of holidays in advance helps you plan long trips with family or friends, manage leaves efficiently, and avoid last-minute financial stress. By combining public holidays with weekends, you can maximize your non-working days and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Check out the updated list of holidays in March 2026 below to make the best use of your time off.
List Of Holidays in March 2026 (Updated)
| Date and Day | Occasion | Regions Where Celebrated |
| 3 March 2026, Tuesday | Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi) | Across India (especially North India) |
| 4 March 2026, Wednesday | Holi / Dol Yatra | Across India |
| 19 March 2026, Thursday | Ugadi / Gudi Padwa | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra |
| 21 March 2026, Saturday | Id‑ul‑Fitr (Ramzan Id)* | Across India (subject to moon sighting) |
| 22 March 2026, Sunday | Bihar Day | Bihar |
| 23 March 2026, Saturday | Bhagat Singh’s Martyrdom Day | Punjab and Haryana |
| 26 March 2026, Thursday | Ram Navami | Across India |
| 31 March 2026, Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti | Across India |
Detailed Description of Holiday in March
1. Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan takes place on the night before Holi and shows the triumph of good over evil. The festival commemorates the burning of Holika, the sister of King Hiranyakashipu, and the protection of devotee Prahlad. People gather around bonfires, perform rituals, and mark the spiritual cleansing that precedes the joyful celebrations of Holi.
In many regions, Holika Dahan also marks the beginning of the festive New Year cycle in Hindu traditions.
2. Holi / Dol Yatra
Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. People celebrate by playing with colors, water, and abeer (dry colors), symbolizing joy, harmony, and the renewal of relationships.
Holi is especially grand in the Braj region, including Mathura and Vrindavan, where celebrations such as Lathmar Holi attract visitors from across the country. Traditional sweets and regional delicacies are prepared, making Holi one of the most awaited holidays in March 2026.
3. Ugadi / Gudi Padwa
Ugadi and Gudi Padwa mark the Hindu New Year in different regions of India. People celebrate Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, while they observe Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra.
On this day, people clean their homes, decorate entrances with rangoli, and prepare traditional dishes. The festivals symbolize new beginnings, prosperity, and hope for the year ahead.
4. Id‑ul‑Fitr (Ramzan Id)
Id-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month when Muslims fast, pray, and give to charity. The festival begins with special prayers at mosques, followed by community gatherings and festive meals.
It is a day of joy, gratitude, and sharing, emphasizing compassion and togetherness. The date depends on when the moon is seen and may change slightly in different regions.
5. Bihar Day
People observe Bihar Day every year on 22 March to commemorate the formation of the state of Bihar in 1912, when the British government carved it out of the Bengal Presidency. The day marks the recognition of Bihar’s distinct historical, cultural, and administrative identity.
People across the state celebrate the occasion with cultural programs, exhibitions, seminars, and official events that highlight Bihar’s rich heritage, literature, and contributions to Indian history. Each year, the state selects a new theme to highlight its development priorities and vision for the future.
Although Bihar Day falls on a Sunday in 2026, it remains an important regional public holiday and a moment of pride for the people of Bihar.
6. Bhagat Singh’s Martyrdom Day
Bhagat Singh’s Martyrdom Day honors the supreme sacrifice of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who the British government executed on 23 March 1931 during India’s freedom struggle.
At just 23 years of age, Bhagat Singh laid down his life for the nation and became a powerful symbol of courage, patriotism, and revolutionary thought. He believed that real change comes from action, not words, and joined revolutionary activities such as the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly and a hunger strike.
To remember the bravery and ideals of these martyrs, the states of Punjab and Haryana observe this day as a public holiday. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for India’s independence and continues to inspire generations with the values of bravery, justice, and selfless service to the nation.
7. Ram Navami
Ram Navami is the celebration of Lord Rama’s birth, a highly revered deity in Hinduism. Devotees observe prayers, bhajans, and processions, especially in Ayodhya and other sacred places associated with Lord Rama.
The festival highlights values such as righteousness, duty, and devotion, making it an important spiritual holiday in March 2026.
8. Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is the celebration of the birth of Lord Mahavira, a key teacher in Jainism. People observe it as one of the most important Jain festivals and celebrate it as a public holiday across India.
Devotees participate in prayers, charitable activities, and processions, reflecting the principles of non‑violence, truth, and compassion taught by Lord Mahavira.
