Goa’s public holidays reflect the state’s easy mix of tradition, faith, and everyday life. They are marked by a vibrant assortment of church bells at St Francis’ Church to quiet prayers at the Mangesh Temple, whilst others may spill into community celebrations that feel less formal and more personal.
The holiday calendar here isn’t too crowded, but the days that matter are observed with genuine meaning.
- An eclectic mix of both Hindu and Christian traditions shaped Goa’s culture, with festivals observed across towns and villages.
- Republic Day, Independence Day, and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti are some of the national holidays that are observed across government offices and institutions.
- Christian festivals such as Christmas and Good Friday hold special importance and are widely observed due to the unique nature of Goan culture.
- Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra and Diwali continue to be the Hindu fulcrum in the state’s cultural calendar.
List of National, Public and Regional Holidays for 2026
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National |
| 2 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Holi | Regional |
| 3 | Mar 19 | Thursday | Gudi Padwa | Regional |
| 4 | Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid-ul-Fitr | Religious |
| 5 | Mar 26 | Thursday | Rama Navami | Religious |
| 6 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 7 | Apr 14 | Tuesday | Dr B.R. Ambedkar Jayanthi | Public |
| 8 | May 01 | Friday | May Day | Public |
| 9 | May 27 | Tuesday | Eid ul-Azha | Religious |
| 10 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 11 | Sep 14 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Regional |
| 12 | Sep 15 | Tuesday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Public |
| 13 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 14 | Oct 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra(Vijaya Dashami) | Public |
| 15 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Deepawali | Regional |
| 16 | Dec 03 | Thursday | Feast of St. Francis Xavier | Religious |
| 17 | Dec 19 | Saturday | Goa Liberation Day | Public |
| 18 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas | Public |
| Dates for Islamic festivals may differ depending on moon sightings.
Also Read: Holiday List in Bihar
FAQs
1. Are there bank holidays in Goa in 2026?
Most national and public holidays in Goa are also observed as bank holidays, subject to notifications from the state and the Reserve Bank of India.
2. What are the Optional Holidays for Government Employees in Goa in 2026?
These types of holidays usually include a few religious and regional observances. The official list is released by the Goa government at the beginning of the year.
3. What is a Goa Government Holiday?
This refers to days when state government offices remain closed, except for essential services and includes a mix of national holidays and important state or religious festivals like the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Goa Liberation Day, Good Friday, Christmas, and Easter.
4. How Many Holidays Will Goa Government Employees Get in 2026?
The total number varies each year, but it generally includes national holidays, state-declared public holidays, and a limited number of optional holidays.
5. Which Festivals are Public Holidays in Goa in 2026?
Public holidays in Goa include Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Christmas, and Goa Liberation Day.
6. Which holidays are observed due to their religious importance in Goa in 2026?
Religiously significant holidays in Goa include Good Friday, Christmas, Feast of St. Francis, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Dussehra. These are celebrated across communities in a secular manner and contribute to the vibrance that is Goa.