Updated List of Holidays in May 2026
May may not have as many holidays as other months, but it still offers the perfect opportunities to relax, celebrate, and plan a getaway. From national holidays like Labour Day to regional festivals such as Maharashtra Day and Sikkim State Day, there is something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a cultural event, spend time with family during school vacations, or escape to a hill station or beach, knowing the key holidays in May 2026 can help you make the most of your month.
List of Holidays in May 2026 (Updated)
| Date & Day | Occasion | Regions Where Celebrated |
| 1 May, Friday | Labour’s Day / International Workers’ Day / May Day | All India (National), banks observe Buddha Purnima too |
| 1 May, Friday | Buddha Purnima | All India (Gazetted) |
| 9 May, Saturday | Birthday of Rabindranath Tagore | West Bengal, Tripura (Regional) |
| 9 May, Saturday | Maharana Pratap Jayanti | North India |
| 16 May, Saturday | Sikkim state day | Sikkim (State Holiday) |
| 26 May, Tuesday | Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti | Tripura (Regional/State) |
| 27 May, Wednesday | Eid‑ul‑Adha / Bakri Eid (tentative) | Observed in many states (subject to moon sighting) |
| 28 May, Thursday | Bakri Eid (continued if moon sighting aligns) | Many states (tentative) |
Detailed Description of Holidays in May 2026
1. Labour Day
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, is celebrated globally to honor the contributions of workers across industries. The day reminds us of the struggle for fair wages, safe workplaces, and an eight-hour workday. In India, many states and sectors observe it as a public holiday. Labour Day reminds society of the dignity of labour and the need for equality and worker welfare in a rapidly evolving economy.
2. Maharashtra Day
Maharashtra Day is celebrated every year on 1st May to mark the formation of the state of Maharashtra in 1960. On this day, the Marathi-speaking state was carved out of the former Bombay State, giving Maharashtra its distinct cultural and administrative identity. The state observes the day as a public holiday and organizes parades, cultural programs, and official ceremonies. Maharashtra Day reflects the rich history, language, and spirit of one of India’s most economically and culturally influential states.
3. Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is a special day for Buddhists that honors the life of Lord Gautama Buddha. People observe the festival on the full moon day of the Vaishakha month as per the Hindu calendar. On this day, devotees decorate monasteries, offer prayers, and actively engage in acts of charity. People emphasize the teachings of peace, compassion, and mindfulness, making this holiday spiritually significant across India.
4. Birthday of Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore was a famous poet, philosopher, educationist, and the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. His birth anniversary is celebrated primarily in West Bengal and Tripura through cultural programs, poetry recitals, and musical performances. Tagore played a vital role in shaping modern Indian literature and spreading Indian cultural values globally. His works, especially Gitanjali, continue to inspire generations even today.
5. Sikkim State Day
Sikkim State Day marks when Sikkim became India’s 22nd state in 1975. The day is celebrated with pride across the state through parades, cultural shows, and official ceremonies. It marks Sikkim’s transition from a monarchy to a democratic state within the Indian Union. This public holiday reflects the state’s unique heritage, unity, and democratic journey.
6. Maharana Pratap Jayanti
Maharana Pratap Jayanti honors the birth of a brave Indian warrior. Maharana Pratap, the ruler of Mewar, is remembered for his unwavering courage and refusal to submit to Mughal emperor Akbar. His life symbolizes patriotism, self-respect, and sacrifice for the motherland. Celebrated mainly in Rajasthan, Haryana, and parts of North India, the day honors his legacy through processions, cultural programs, and tributes to his indomitable spirit.
7. Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti
Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti celebrates the birth of the iconic “Rebel Poet,” whose writings boldly opposed injustice, colonial rule, and social oppression. Widely celebrated in Tripura, the day honors his contribution to poetry, music, and revolutionary thought. His works promoted unity, secularism, and freedom of expression. Nazrul’s fearless voice continues to resonate with people who value equality and resistance against injustice.
8. Eid-ul-Adha / Bakri Eid
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakri Eid, is one of the most important Islamic festivals, commemorating the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to God. The festival emphasizes sacrifice, compassion, and sharing with the less fortunate. Families offer prayers, perform Qurbani, and distribute food among relatives and the needy. The exact date depends on moon sighting, and the holiday is observed widely across many Indian states.
