The holiday calendar of the state may feel slightly different to you as it moves with the changing seasons throughout the year. Many of the state’s most important holidays are not pan-Indian festivals but local ones- those that are tied to forests, harvests, monsoons and local rhythms rather than the national staple.
Festivals like Sarhul, Karma, and Sohrai are not just symbolic afterthoughts. They mark real moments in the agricultural year and are actively observed across tribal regions since there is a significant population of tribals in the state with unique subcultures and traditions. The state formally recognises these days because work, travel, and participation genuinely slow down when the day arrives, therefore a formal recognition gives people ample time to plan around and also be aware of any celebrations that may need that sensitivity and recognition it deserves due to the communities involved.
Alongside these are the usual national and religious holidays that are celebrated pan-India. Government offices follow the notified calendar, but in practice, Jharkhand’s regional festivals often have the greatest impact, especially outside the larger towns. When the holiday is in-sync with the way people celebrate, it serves its true purpose.
List of National, Public, and Regional Holidays in Jharkhand for 2026
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | National |
| 2 | Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National |
| 3 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Holi | Religious |
| 4 | Mar 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fir | Religious |
| 5 | Mar 30 | Monday | Sarhul | Regional |
| 6 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 7 | May 01 | Friday | Labour Day | Religious |
| 8 | May 01 | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| 9 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 10 | Sep 25 | Friday | Karma Festival | Regional |
| 11 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 12 | Oct 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra (Vijaya Dasami) | Religious |
| 13 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Diwali | Religious |
| 14 | Nov 15 | Sunday | Sohrai | Regional |
| 15 | Nov 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 16 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
Dates for regional and religious festivals are finalised through official state notifications each year.
For Those Living or Working in Jharkhand
State government offices and public institutions follow the holiday list issued by the Jharkhand government. Banks as usual are only required to follow Reserve Bank of India notifications. Private employers observe national holidays and adjust informally around major regional festivals depending on location and workforce participation.
Also Read: Holiday List in Jharkhand 2026
FAQs
Why does Jharkhand recognise tribal festivals as public holidays?
Festivals like Sarhul and Karma are widely observed and affect everyday work and movement across large parts of the state - they are very dear to close-knit tribal and farming communities across the state.
Are these regional holidays observed everywhere in Jharkhand?
The tribal belts have the strongest adherence to such closures, though official closures apply statewide.
Do private companies have to follow this list?
Negative, private employers set their own holiday policies and aren't required to follow state holiday lists strictly either.
Why are some dates listed as “as notified”?
This is because several festivals follow lunar or seasonal calendars and are confirmed through annual government notifications.