Holidays in Manipur are a reflection of the state's ethno-religious diversity. People travel home, families organise huge feast and share in the sense of communion when they get the chance. So imbibing this cultural understanding is essential to understanding that this is not just another festive label. Whether it is Yaoshang or Ningol Chakouba, the pause is social first and administrative second, which is why the state calendar tends to follow what people already observe as it blends easier with what is established norm.
One of the most distinctive festivals on Manipur’s calendar is Yaoshang, which you can consider, is sort of the state’s version of Holi, which is the Hindu festival of colours during the Spring Full Moon in March. Yaoshang is a mutli-day observance and carries social and cultural weight that goes well beyond just colour or celebrations.
In the same breath, Ningol Chakouba is a family event that sees widespread participation across communities. Its recognition as a public holiday reflects that social importance in the state's celebratory idiosyncrasies.
Alongside these are religious holidays observed across faiths and the standard national days. Government offices follow the state’s notified calendar, while private employers often adjust informally around major festivals.
List of National, Public, and Regional Holidays in Manipur
| 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 | Yaoshang (Holi) | Regional |
| 4 | Mar 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr | Religious |
| 5 | Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 6 | Apr 14 | Tuesday | Cheiraoba | Regional |
| 7 | May 01 | Friday | Labour Day | National |
| 8 | May 01 | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| 9 | Aug 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | National |
| 10 | Oct 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 11 | Oct 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra (Vijaya Dasami) | Religious |
| 12 | Nov 05 | Thursday | Ningol Chakouba | Regional |
| 13 | Nov 08 | Sunday | Diwali | Religious |
| 14 | Nov 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 15 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
Festival dates follow state notifications and lunar calendars; national holidays are fixed.
For Those Living or Working in Manipur
The holidays notified by the Manipur government are followed by all State institutions and public organisations equally. Banks follow Reserve Bank of India holiday notifications. Private employers often align operations around major regional festivals due to participation and travel patterns, defending on what is convenient for them.
Also Read: Holiday List in Puducherry 2026
FAQs
1. Why does Manipur recognise Yaoshang as a public holiday?
Yaoshang is the local festival of colors and since its wide adoption, the state has recognised it as a public holiday.
2. What is Ningol Chakouba, and why is it a holiday?
Ningol Chakouba is a family-centred festival that involves large-scale participation and travel, making it significant enough to be officially recognised.
3. Are these holidays observed uniformly across Manipur?
Official closures apply statewide, though the scale of observance may vary by district and from community to community.
4. Do private companies have to follow this holiday list?
Private employers are under no legal obligations to follow the state legislation strictly and they have leeway to decide their own holiday policies.