Holidays in Manipur reflect the state’s ethno-religious diversity. People travel home, families organize huge feasts, and everyone shares in a sense of communion when they get the chance. Understanding this cultural context makes it clear that these are not just festive labels. 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.
One of the most distinctive festivals on Manipur’s calendar is Yaoshang, often described as the state’s version of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors held on the spring full moon in March. Yaoshang is a multi-day observance and carries social and cultural weight that goes well beyond color and celebration.
In the same breath, Ningol Chakouba is a family event that sees widespread participation across communities. Its recognition as a public holiday reflects its social importance in the state.
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 for 2027
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Friday | New Year's Day | Public |
| 2 | Jan 26 | Tuesday | Republic Day | National |
| 3 | Mar 10 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Fitr* | Religious |
| 4 | Mar 22 | Monday | Yaoshang (Holi) | Regional |
| 5 | Mar 26 | Friday | Good Friday | Religious |
| 6 | Apr 14 | Wednesday | Cheiraoba | Regional |
| 7 | May 01 | Saturday | Labour Day | Public |
| 8 | May 20 | Thursday | Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| 9 | Aug 15 | Sunday | Independence Day | National |
| 10 | Oct 02 | Saturday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| 11 | Oct 09 | Saturday | Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) | Religious |
| 12 | Oct 29 | Friday | Diwali | Religious |
| 13 | Oct 31 | Sunday | Ningol Chakouba | Regional |
| 14 | Nov 14 | Sunday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 15 | Dec 25 | Saturday | Christmas Day | Religious |
*Festival dates follow state notifications and lunar calendars; national holidays are fixed. Islamic festival dates may shift by a day based on moon sighting.
Major Religious Holidays 2026
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Public |
| 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 | Public |
| 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 Dashami) | Religious |
| 12 | Nov 09 | Monday | Diwali | Religious |
| 13 | Nov 11 | Wednesday | Ningol Chakouba | Regional |
| 14 | Nov 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| 15 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
*Islamic festival dates are tentative and may shift based on moon sighting.
For Those Living or Working in Manipur
The holidays notified by the Manipur government are followed by all state institutions and public organizations. Banks follow Reserve Bank of India holiday notifications. Private employers often adjust operations around major regional festivals due to participation and travel patterns, depending on what works for them.
Also Read: Holiday List in Puducherry 2027
FAQs
1. Why does Manipur recognize Yaoshang as a public holiday?
Yaoshang is the local festival of colors, and because it is so widely observed, the state recognizes it as a public holiday.
2. What is Ningol Chakouba, and why is it a holiday?
Ningol Chakouba is a family-centered festival that involves large-scale participation and travel, making it significant enough to be officially recognized.
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?
No. Private employers are under no legal obligation to follow the state list and can set their own holiday policies.
