Holidays in Lakshadweep are smooth affairs. There is no massive parade, no proliferating administration, and no complex calendars that try to cater to various regions simultaneously. If it is closed, it is closed in such a manner that it is completely closed. If it is opened, it is opened because it has to be opened.
Being a Union Territory, Lakshadweep follows the national holidays framework largely. There is uniformity with regard to national holidays. Only a restricted number of religious holidays, mainly Islamic ones, are formally announced since these affect attendance levels significantly. Apart from that, the list remains brief.
This isn’t an error either. This relates to how the administration functions within the institution as well. As the population base remains small, the number of transport windows, as well as the synchronization of public services, makes predictability more important than the demonstration of wide coverage. Many religious as well as cultural festivals are also observed in private or community ways that need not necessarily result in a shutdown.
The following list entails some of the holidays commonly notified and followed by institutions in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
List of National, Public, and Religious Holidays in Lakshadweep for 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Public |
| Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr | Religious |
| May 01 | Friday | May Day | Public |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | Religious |
| Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| Aug 25 | Tuesday | Id-e-Milad (Milad-un-Nabi) | Religious |
| Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
Dates for Islamic festivals follow the lunar calendar and reflect commonly observed 2026 calculations. Local moon sightings may influence practical observance.
How Holidays Function in Lakshadweep
These government offices, educational institutions, and services follow the list listlessly. Since the administrative presence is minimal, the impact of closure is evident and consistent. Few variations exist between the departments.
Private sector employers are not obliged to adhere to the holidays listed in the Union Territory, but almost all follow the same holidays as the country holidays and major Islamic holidays. Banks follow RBI notifications, which basically include the same holidays.
Cultural and community events, outside of the above-mentioned dates, often take place, but do not necessarily become holidays.
Also Read: Holiday List in Ladakh 2026
FAQs
1. Why does Lakshadweep have fewer holidays than most states?
The Union Territory follows a narrow, centralised holiday framework focused on administrative necessity.
2. Are Islamic festivals officially recognised?
Yes. Major Islamic festivals that affect attendance across the islands are formally notified.
3. Why aren’t regional cultural days listed here?
Only holidays that result in Union Territory-wide administrative closure are included.
4. Do private companies have to observe these holidays?
No. Private employers decide their own holiday policies.
5. Do festival dates ever change locally?
Yes. Lunar-calendar festivals may shift slightly based on moon sightings.