Fast-moving cities on one side, agrarian and devotional rhythms on the other - that is Maharashtra in a nutshell for you today. Public holidays here are declared as much by devotion to main deities such as Ganesha and monsoon cycles as they are by national days that are celebrated for different reasons.
Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, and Ashadhi Ekadashi are celebrated sans any barriers by many Hindu communities across the state. They affect many aspects of daily work-life, especially in Mumbai, Pune, and across the Deccan belt. The state gazettes holidays on these days because engagement is widespread and unavoidable.
Alongside these are the standard national and religious holidays. Government offices follow the state’s notified calendar, but in practice, Maharashtra’s regional festivals- particularly Ganesh Chaturthi- have the strongest impact on daily life. A great many colourful and themed pandals are seen dotting the entire statescape and people celebrate the elephant headed god with heart and soul.
List of National, Public, and Regional Holidays in Maharashtra 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 | Feb 15 | Sunday | Mahashivratri | Religious |
| 4 | Feb 19 | Thursday | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti | State |
| 5 | Mar 04 | Wednesday | Holi | Religious |
| 6 | Mar 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr | Religious |
| 7 | Mar 26 | Thursday | Gudi Padwa | Regional |
| 8 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 9 | May 01 | Friday | Maharashtra Day | State |
| 10 | May 01 | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| 11 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 12 | Sep 04 | Friday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Regional |
| 13 | Sep 13 | Sunday | Anant Chaturdashi | Regional |
| 14 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 15 | Oct 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra (Vijaya Dasami) | Religious |
| 16 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Diwali | Religious |
| 17 | Nov 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 18 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
Dates for certain regional and religious festivals are finalised through official state notifications each year and may vary slightly based on lunar calendars.
For Those Living or Working in Maharashtra
The extensive holiday list notified by the Maharashtra government each year is followed in various capacities by various institutions and communities across the state.. Banks follow Reserve Bank of India holiday notifications. Private employers usually observe national holidays and adjust operations around major regional festivals, particularly Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, depending on location and staff availability.
Also read: Holiday List in Jharkhand 2026
FAQs
1. Why does Maharashtra recognise Ganesh Chaturthi as a public holiday?
Ganesh Chaturthi is widely observed across the state and has a clear impact on public participation and daily schedules. The elephant-headed god is culturally symbolic of the state and particularly the city of Mumbai too where daily life becomes a celebration around his presence.
2. Is Maharashtra Day different from Republic Day?
Maharashtra Day which is observed on the 1st of May every year, marks the formation of the state and is a state-specific holiday. It also coincides with the labor day celebrations that's also observed nationwide.
3. Why are some festival dates changing from year to year?
Many festivals follow lunar calendars and are finalized through annual government notifications when those calculations are ratified. The lunar calendar is known to not have consistent dates as it follows a different calculation for the dates and occasions that it marks.
4. Do private companies have to follow this holiday list?
Private employers set their own holiday policies, so, no.