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The 2026 long-weekend calendar in India offers travellers multiple opportunities to extend holidays, combine festival dates with weekends, and plan trips early to save on flights and accommodation, making year-round travel easier and more affordable.
April 3–5 forms the Good Friday weekend.
New Delhi: As 2026 approaches, travellers and holiday planners in India are getting an early look at the year’s long-weekend calendar. By aligning weekends with festival dates and strategically taking a day or two of leave, employees and holidaymakers can turn short breaks into extended vacations. The early release of this calendar allows travellers to book flights and hotels in advance, making trips more affordable and stress-free. From New Year celebrations to Christmas, the year promises multiple opportunities for leisure, exploration, and family time.
The year 2026 begins with a promising holiday stretch from January 1 to 4. With New Year’s Day falling on Thursday, taking Friday off transforms it into a four-day break. Later in January, Makar Sankranti on the 14th offers a festive pause. Another long stretch emerges from January 23 to 26, combining Vasant Panchami on the 23rd and Republic Day on the 26th, giving workers a perfect chance to enjoy a mini-vacation early in the year.
February presents a short but sweet long weekend with Mahashivratri on the 15th. Towards the end of the month, February 28 aligns with Holi week, providing travellers an opportunity to plan a spring break. By booking early, holidaymakers can take advantage of better pricing and avoid last-minute travel stress.
March begins on a Sunday, with Holi celebrated on March 3. By linking the holiday with the last weekend of February, travellers can enjoy a four-day festival break. Another long weekend occurs from March 20 to 22 during Eid al-Fitr. The month concludes with a holiday window from March 26 to 31, combining Ram Navami, an optional leave day, the weekend, and Mahavir Jayanti.
April 3 to 5 forms a Good Friday weekend, ideal for short trips. May 1 to 3 features Buddh Purnima, offering travellers a long break in early summer. June brings Muharram from June 26 to 29, which coincides with the weekend, creating another holiday window for those planning trips or family visits.
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July offers a holiday from July 16 to 19 starting with Rath Yatra. Travellers can add a Friday leave to extend the break further. August 25 to 30 is a particularly packed stretch with Milad-un-Nabi on the 25th, Onam on the 26th, a suggested leave day, Raksha Bandhan on the 28th, and the weekend. Planning early can help travellers secure affordable accommodations and avoid peak season crowding.
September includes two short breaks: September 4 to 6 around Janmashtami and September 12 to 14 linking Ganesh Chaturthi with the weekend. October 2 to 4 sees Gandhi Jayanti, while October 17 to 20 provides a longer Dussehra window combining weekend and a leave day. November 21 to 24 combines a weekend with Guru Nanak Jayanti. Finally, December 25 to 27 gives a Christmas weekend.
