India marks Mahavir Jayanti on March 31, 2026. Schools, banks, and markets may shut, though some states changed dates and what’s open or closed near you might surprise you!
Jains are celebrating Mahavir Jayanti today on Tuesday
New Delhi: Jains across the India and all around the world celebrating Mahavir Jayanti on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. This festival also known as Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak, marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira who is one of the most important spiritual leaders in Jainism.
The occasion this year commemorates his 2624th birth anniversary and falls on the Trayodashi Tithi, making it one of the most significant festivals in the Jain calendar.
Mahavir Jayanti is a gazetted public holiday in India. As a result, schools in several states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are remain closed on March 31.
Not all regions will observe the holiday on the same day this year but The government of Karnataka has shifted the holiday to March 30 (Monday), a day earlier than usual.
Similarly, in some parts of Madhya Pradesh, local authorities have adjusted the holiday schedule. In Indore, the district administration declared March 30 as a public holiday, with offices reopening on March 31.
Banks and post offices are remain closed in many cities across the country on March 31. These include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna and Raipur.
However, the Reserve Bank of India has instructed certain banks handling government work to remain open on March 31. This is to ensure all financial transactions are completed before the end of the 2025–26 financial year.
Trading activities in Indian stock markets also pause for the day and Both the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange remain closed across all segments, including equities, derivatives, and currency trading.
While most public institutions follow the official holiday list, private offices may have their own policies and the Authorities advise people to check with local offices or organisations for any updates, as holiday dates can sometimes change at the state or district level.
Mahavir Jayanti remains a day of reflection, celebration, and devotion for the Jain community, while also impacting daily routines across the country.
