Gujarat’s holiday calendar is very close to how people actually organise their lives here. Business, trade, religious observance, and the joint family routines all overlap, and the public calendar reflects that overlap. Whether it's about dancing in a Garbha or munching down plates of Dhoklas and Khakras and Phaphdas they all come together to celebrate their holidays with faith, community, and with long-standing social rhythms.
Unlike states where festival holidays feel as if they exist just in name, many of Gujarat’s observances are still actively practiced. Days like Navratri, Diwali, and Janmashtami are celebrated with such pomp and pageantry that they don’t just slow down government offices, but actually reshape daily schedules across cities and towns. The state’s holiday list recognises this multicultural reality, placing major religious festivals alongside nationally recognised occasions.
For residents, the practical impact is seen in the shutting down of government offices and public institutions following the official notifications issued by the state.
Markets, factories, and private offices often adjust independently around major festivals, sometimes more decisively than the formal calendar suggests. They may even stay open to take advantage of the festival rush.
List of National, Public, and Regional Holidays in Gujarat for 2026
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | National |
| 2 | Jan 14 | Wednesday | Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) | Regional |
| 3 | Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National |
| 4 | Feb 15 | Sunday | Mahashivratri | Religious |
| 5 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Holi | Religious |
| 6 | Mar 26 | Thursday | Ram Navami | Religious |
| 7 | Apr 03 | Friday | Mahavir Jayanti | Religious |
| 8 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 9 | May 01 | Friday | Labour Day | National |
| 10 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 11 | Sep 04 | Friday | Janmashtami | Religious |
| 12 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 13 | Oct 18 | Sunday | Navratri(First Day) | Religious |
| 14 | Oct 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) | Religious |
| 15 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Diwali | Religious |
| 16 | Nov 09 | Sunday | New Year (Bestu Varas) | Regional |
| 17 | Nov 10 | Monday | Bhai Bij | Religious |
| 18 | Nov 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 19 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
Dates for religious festivals may vary slightly based on lunar calendars and official state notifications.
For Those Living or Working in Gujarat
State government offices, courts, and public institutions follow the holiday list notified by the Gujarat government each year. Banks follow Reserve Bank of India holiday notifications applicable to the state. Private employers are not legally required to observe all state holidays, however many of them do align operations around major festivals such as Navratri and Diwali due to workforce participation.
Also Read: Holiday List in Chandigarh 2026
FAQs
1. Why does Gujarat recognise regional holidays like Uttarayan and Bestu Varas?
These days are widely observed across the state and have practical socio-economic impacts. Especially the kite festival during the former, is popular globally.
2. Is Navratri officially recognised in Gujarat?
Navratri is formally recognised and is arguably the most celebrated time of the year. The entire ethnic Gujarati community come together to dance together in Garbha get togethers on all of the nine nights that mark the celebrations.
3. Do all businesses close on Gujarat holidays?
As earlier said, government offices follow the official list, while private businesses decide independently, often adjusting around major festivals.
4. Do holiday dates change every year?
Several religious holidays are based on lunar calendars and are finalized through official notifications every year. They change from year to year, yes.