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Complete list of long weekends in 2026: The perfect checklist to plan your vacations

Regional holidays may vary state to state, impacting the availability of long weekends.

4 min readNew DelhiDec 31, 2025 05:28 PM IST

The data is based on national and major religious holidays in various parts of India in 2026

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Even science agrees with the proverb, and has been confirmed multiple times that taking a break from routine is essential. It not only refreshes the mind but also helps one relax, recharge, and get back to routine with a refreshed focus. While taking time out in daily life can be challenging, long weekends bring the perfect opportunity to plan a getaway. Here’s a complete list of all long weekends in 2026, when you can plan your much-needed holiday. To avoid peak-season chaos, book your stays 2-3 months in advance.

January: New Year Resets & Republic Day Escapes

2026 begins with a built-in travel cue. New Year’s Day (Thursday) can easily become a long weekend with one leave. Later, Republic Day (Monday) brings another clean three-day break — ideal for Goa, Jaipur, or a stay in Uttarakhand’s hills.

Dates to note: Jan 1, Jan 26
How to plan it: Take Jan 2 off for a four-day New Year weekend.

March: Colours, Culture & Long Breaks

Holi on March 3 (Tuesday) and Ram Navami on March 26 (Thursday) offer naturally extendable breaks. Celebrate the festival in Varanasi or Barsana, or escape to quieter spots like Gokarna or Pondicherry.

Dates to note: Mar 3, Mar 26
How to plan it: Take Mar 30 off to create a five-day festive getaway.

April: Good Friday Calm

Good Friday (April 3) forms an effortless long weekend. It’s the perfect time for coastal breaks—Goa, Alleppey, Varkala—or peaceful backwater stays before the summer rush.

Dates to note: Apr 3
How to plan it: Add Apr 2 as leave for a four-day escape.

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May: Summer Hill Runs

With Labour Day (May 1, Friday), May is your invitation to the hills. Think Darjeeling, Manali, Ooty or Sikkim before the monsoon sets in.

Dates to note: May 1
How to plan it: Apply for Apr 30 or May 4 to enjoy a longer retreat.

July–August: Monsoon Magic & Cultural Trails

Monsoon unlocks a different mood altogether. Rath Yatra (July 16, Thursday) and Raksha Bandhan (August 28, Friday) both allow weekend expansion. It’s the best time for misty tea estates in Coorg, lush Western Ghats drives, or culturally rich short breaks.

Dates to note: Jul 16, Aug 28
How to plan it: Take the adjoining weekday off for a four-day monsoon break.

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October: Peak Season, Peak Potential

October is India’s most travel-friendly month. Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2, Friday) is a neat long weekend; Dussehra (Oct 20, Tuesday) can stretch further with minimal leave. Great for Rajasthan, Himachal, Uttarakhand or the North East.

Dates to note: Oct 2, Oct 20
How to plan it: Take Oct 19 off for a four-day festive getaway.

December: The Year-End Finale

Christmas (Dec 25, Friday) brings the final long weekend of the year. Beaches, hill stays, or cosy cabin-style retreats — December is your chance to close the year on a travel high.

Dates to note: Dec 25

How to plan it: Add Dec 24 or Dec 28 for an extended festive break.

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Holiday	Date	Day	Long Weekend Dates	Notes
Republic Day	January 26	Monday	January 24 – January 26	National Holiday
Maha Shivratri	February 17	Tuesday	February 14 – February 17	Some take Monday off
Holi	March 16	Monday	March 14 – March 16	Widely celebrated
Good Friday	March 27	Friday	March 27 – March 29	Observed in many states
Ram Navami	April 15	Wednesday	Regular Holiday	Regional variation
Mahavir Jayanti	April 22	Wednesday	Regular Holiday	Regional variation
May Day	May 1	Friday	May 1 – May 3	Labor Day
Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramzan)	April 14*	Tuesday	April 12 – April 14	Date varies by moon sighting
Independence Day	August 15	Saturday	August 15 – August 16	National Holiday
Ganesh Chaturthi	September 7	Monday	September 5 – September 7	Widely celebrated
Gandhi Jayanti	October 2	Friday	October 2 – October 4	National Holiday
Dussehra (Vijayadashami)	October 12	Monday	October 10 – October 12	Widely celebrated
Diwali	November 1	Sunday	October 31 – November 2	Major festival
Christmas Day	December 25	Friday	December 25 – December 27	National Holiday