The Government of Himachal Pradesh has officially issued its List of Holidays for the Financial Year 2026, introducing significant updates that impact state government employees and institutions across the state.
One of the most notable features of this year’s notification is the inclusion of Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Duj, and Karwa Chauth as Gazetted Holidays exclusively for women employees of the Himachal Pradesh State Government. This move reflects the state’s continuing effort to acknowledge and support the social and cultural responsibilities traditionally undertaken by women.
Special Gazetted Holidays for Women Employees
For FY 2026, the following festivals are now recognized as Gazetted Holidays for women staff working in government departments:
- Raksha Bandhan
- Bhai Duj
- Karwa Chauth
This provision allows women employees paid leave on these culturally significant days, supporting work-life balance and honoring traditional observances.
Gazetted Holidays Within Municipal Limits
The notification also outlines a set of Gazetted Holidays applicable specifically within municipal limits. These holidays are meant for government offices and institutions functioning under municipal jurisdictions, ensuring uniformity within city administrative boundaries.
While the full list was not included in the summary provided, such holidays typically cover region-specific observances, fairs, or state cultural events celebrated predominantly in urban areas.
Statewide Applicability
The holiday list is expected to guide:
- All state government departments and offices
- Boards, corporations, and statutory bodies under the state government
- Educational institutions managed by or affiliated with the state government
- Municipal and district-level administrative bodies
Employees and administrative heads are advised to follow the official schedule for planning annual calendars, examinations, operations, and staffing.
What This Means for Employees
- Women employees receive three additional gazetted holidays, strengthening cultural inclusion.
- Employees working within municipal limits must observe an expanded set of gazetted holidays.
- Institutions can now align their annual schedules—such as leave planning and operational management—with the updated list.
GAZETTED HOLIDAYS – 2026
| Month | Date | Holiday |
| January | 25 Jan | Statehood Day |
| 26 Jan | Republic Day | |
| February | 1 Feb | Guru Ravidas’s Birthday |
| 15 Feb | Maha Shivratri | |
| March | 4 Mar | Holi |
| 21 Mar | Id-ul-Fitr | |
| 26 Mar | Ram Navami | |
| April | 3 Apr | Good Friday |
| 14 Apr | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Birthday | |
| 15 Apr | Himachal Day | |
| 19 Apr | Parshu Ram Jayanti | |
| May | 1 May | Buddha Purnima |
| 27 May | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | |
| June | 17 Jun | Maharana Pratap Jayanti |
| 26 Jun | Muharram | |
| 29 Jun | Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti (Prakat Diwas) | |
| August | 15 Aug | Independence Day |
| *28 Aug | Raksha Bandhan* (Gazetted Holiday for Women) | |
| September | 4 Sep | Janmashtami |
| October | 2 Oct | Mahatma Gandhi Birthday |
| 19 Oct | Maha Ashtami | |
| 20 Oct | Dussehra | |
| *29 Oct | Karwa Chauth* (Gazetted Holiday for Women) | |
| 26 Oct | Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday | |
| November | 8 Nov | Diwali |
| 24 Nov | Guru Nanak’s Birthday | |
| December | 25 Dec | Christmas Day |
RESTRICTED HOLIDAYS – 2026
| Month | Date | Holiday |
| January | 1 Jan | New Year’s Day |
| 14 Jan | Makar Sankranti | |
| 23 Jan | Basant Panchami | |
| February | 12 Feb | Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti |
| March | 31 Mar | Mahavir Jayanti |
| April | 5 Apr | Easter Sunday |
| May | 9 May | Guru Rabindranath’s Birthday |
| August | — | — |
| September | 14 Sep | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| October | *29 Oct | Karwa Chauth* (Gazetted for Women but also RH option) |
| November | 9 Nov | Goverdhan Puja |
| *11 Nov | Bhai Duj* (Gazetted for Women) | |
| 24 Nov | Guru Teg Bahadur Martyrdom Day | |
| December | 24 Dec | Christmas Eve |