Holiday List in Meghalaya 2026

The holiday calendar of Meghalaya tells a myriad of stories, apart from just reflecting holidays that the citizens of the state celebrate. In this North-Easter Seven-Sisters state, holidays aren’t only about time off; they reflect the history of the hills, the blend of communities, and traditions that run deep in every village and town.

While some days are uniformly observed all across the state, others carry a special regional, cultural or even sometimes historical flavour that is unique to the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo hills and the communities that live within.

List of National, Public and Regional Holidays in Meghalaya in 2026

Note: Local deputies can declare up to three additional local holidays in their districts for events like Shad Suk Mynsiem, Unitarian Anniversary Day, Garo Labour Corps Day, Shad Nongkrem, and other festivals of local significance. The Behdeinkhlam festival is celebrated in July but doesn’t have a fixed date.

Why Meghalaya’s Holiday Calendar Feels Different

• Multiple layers of culture: Along with national and religious dates, many holidays here are tied to the mountain-cum-agrarian identity - harvest celebrations, memorial days for local heroes, and traditional festivals that aren’t on other state lists.
• Extended Christmas break: In many parts of the state, due to a majority Christian population, the Christmas season stretches over several days. This keenly reflects the existing religious demographic in the state.
• Space for local flavour: District authorities have the flexibility to add local holidays that matter most to their own communities. This means that two towns might celebrate different events in March or July.

Also Read: Holiday List in Kerala

FAQs

1. Do banks follow this state list?

Meghalayan banks generally follow the official state holiday calendar under the Negotiable Instruments Act. This includes national, regional, and cultural holidays, which are curated to create a single list that they can follow.

2. What are local holidays?

These are days designated by district administrations for festivals specific to places or communities, like Shad Suk Mynsiem or Garo Labour Corps Day. They’re not part of the statewide list but are officially recognised locally.

3. Are all districts equal in local holidays?

Most districts choose their local days, but in East Khasi Hills, the state government itself declares the local holidays for 2026. 

4. Why are some days repeated around Christmas?

In Meghalaya, the Christmas season is a major community festival, celebrated over several connected days rather than just one — that’s why you’ll see multiple entries.

5. Does Meghalaya observe national holidays like the rest of India?

Of course! Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, and similar dates are part of the calendar along with the unique local observances.