Below is a comprehensive list of all holidays in Meghalaya for the year 2026. This includes bank holidays, regional observances, public holidays, and national holidays observed in the state. By reviewing this holiday calendar, you can effectively plan your leaves and vacations to make the most of your time off.

Date   Day  Holiday 
1 January 2026   Thursday   New Year’s Day  
26 January 2026  Monday   Republic Day  
3 March 2026  Tuesday   Holi  
21 March 2026   Saturday   Idul Fitr  
3 April 2026   Friday   Good Friday  
27 May 2026  Wednesday   Bakrid or Eid al Adha  
17 July 2026   Friday   U Tirot Sing Day  
15 August 2026  Saturday   Independence Day  
4 September 2026   Friday   Janmashtami  
2 October 2026   Friday   Gandhi Jayanti  
20 October 2026   Tuesday   Maha Navami  
21 October 2026  Wednesday   Vijaya Dashami  
6 November 2026  Friday   Wangala Festival 
8 November 2026   Sunday   Diwali 
23 November 2026  Monday   Seng Kut Snem  
12 December 2026   Saturday   Pa Togan Nengminza Sangma  
18 December 2026  Friday   Death Anniversary of U SoSo Tham  
24 December 2026   Thursday   Christmas Holiday  
25 December 2026   Friday   Christmas Day  
26 December 2026   Saturday   Christmas Holiday  
30 December 2026   Wednesday   U Kiang Nangbah 

Bank Holidays in Meghalaya for 2026

The following table dictates the days and dates of bank holidays in Meghalaya in  2026:

Date   Day  Holiday 
1 January 2026   Thursday   New Year’s Day  
10 January 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
24 January 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
26 January 2026  Monday   Republic Day  
14 February 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
28 February 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
3 March 2026  Tuesday   Holi  
14 March 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
21 March 2026   Saturday   Idul Fitr  
28 March 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
3 April 2026  Friday   Good Friday  
11 April 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
25 April 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
9 May 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
23 May 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
27 May 2026  Wednesday   Bakrid or Eid al Adha  
13 June 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
27 June 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
11 July 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
17 July 2026  Friday   U Tirot Sing Day  
25 July 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
8 August 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
15 August 2026  Saturday   Independence Day  
22 August 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
4 September 2026   Friday   Janmashtami  
12 September 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
26 September 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
2 October 2026   Friday   Gandhi Jayanti  
10 October 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
20 October 2026  Tuesday   Maha Navami  
21 October 2026  Wednesday   Vijaya Dashami  
24 October 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
6 November 2026  Friday   Wangala Festival 
8 November 2026   Sunday   Diwali 
14 November 2026  Saturday  Second Saturday 
23 November 2026  Monday   Seng Kut Snem  
28 November 2026  Saturday  Fourth Saturday 
12 December 2026   Saturday   Pa Togan Nengminza Sangma /Second Saturday 
18 December 2026  Friday   Death Anniversary of U SoSo Tham  
24 December 2026   Thursday   Christmas Holiday  
25 December 2026   Friday   Christmas Day  
26 December 2026   Saturday   Christmas Holiday /Fourth Saturday 
30 December 2026   Wednesday   U Kiang Nangbah 

In addition to national and regional holidays, there exist bank holidays as well. When discussing bank holidays, it is not only about the days when bank employees and officials go on strike. As per an agreement between the Indian Banks’ Association and the All India Bank Employees’ Association, all public sector banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturday of every month.

Festivals Celebrated in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant festivals, celebrated by various communities throughout the year. These festivals reflect the traditions, beliefs, and unity of the people of the state.

  • New Year’s Day (1 January) marks the beginning of the year and is celebrated with joy, gatherings, and festive meals.
  • Republic Day (26 January) is observed with flag hoisting, parades, and cultural programs, highlighting democratic values and national pride.
  • Holi is celebrated with colours, music, and sweets, bringing people together in a spirit of joy and harmony.
  • Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and acts of charity.
  • Good Friday is observed with church services and prayers, focusing on sacrifice and redemption.
  • Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) is celebrated with prayers, charity, and community meals.
  • Behdeinkhlam Festival is a major agricultural festival in Jaintia Hills, celebrated in July to ward off evil spirits and pray for a good harvest.
  • U Tirot Sing Day (17 July) honours the bravery of Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Sing.
  • Independence Day (15 August) celebrates India’s freedom with patriotic events and ceremonies.
  • Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with prayers and devotional songs.
  • Maha Navami is observed with rituals and prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga.
  • Vijaya Dashami symbolises the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with cultural programs and rituals.
  • Gandhi Jayanti (2 October) promotes peace, non-violence, and unity.
  • Diwali is celebrated with lamps, fireworks, and family gatherings.
  • Wangala Festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival, is a vibrant harvest celebration of the Garo tribe held in November.
  • Seng Kut Snem celebrates Khasi traditions and cultural heritage through rituals and performances.
  • Pa Togan Nengminza Sangma Day (12 December) honours the bravery of a Garo freedom fighter.
  • Death Anniversary of U Soso Tham recognises the contributions of a renowned Khasi poet and cultural figure.
  • Christmas Holiday spans several days with carol singing, decorations, and festive celebrations.
  • Christmas Day (25 December) is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and acts of kindness.
  • U Kiang Nangbah Day (30 December) honours another revered freedom fighter of the state.

FAQs on Meghalaya Holidays 2026

What is the significance of New Year’s Day in Meghalaya?

New Year's Day, observed on 1 January, marks the beginning of a new calendar year. In Meghalaya, it is celebrated with joy through gatherings, traditional feasts, and resolutions, symbolising fresh beginnings and togetherness.

How is Republic Day celebrated in Meghalaya?

Republic Day (26 January) commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Celebrations in Meghalaya include flag hoisting, parades, cultural programs, and speeches that promote unity and democratic values.

What unique customs are followed during the Behdeinkhlam Festival?

The Behdeinkhlam Festival, celebrated in July, is known for rituals aimed at driving away evil spirits and ensuring a good harvest. It features vibrant dances, cultural events, and community feasts, especially in the Jaintia Hills region.

Why is U Tirot Sing Day important in Meghalaya?

U Tirot Sing Day, observed on 17 July, honours the bravery of Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Sing. The day is marked by ceremonies that celebrate his resistance against British rule and his contribution to the state’s history.

What activities are held on Independence Day in Meghalaya?

Independence Day (15 August) is celebrated with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and speeches that inspire patriotism and national pride.

How do people celebrate the Wangala Festival in Meghalaya?

The Wangala Festival, held in November, is a harvest festival celebrated with traditional drumming, dances, and rituals dedicated to the Sun God, expressing gratitude for a successful harvest.

What is the cultural significance of Seng Kut Snem?

Seng Kut Snem is celebrated by the Khasi community to preserve and promote their indigenous traditions. It includes prayers, cultural performances, and community gatherings.

How is Christmas celebrated in Meghalaya?

Christmas Day (25 December) is one of the most important festivals in Meghalaya. It is celebrated with church services, carol singing, festive meals, and decorations, spreading joy, love, and unity.

Who was U Kiang Nangbah, and why is he remembered?

U Kiang Nangbah Day, observed on 30 December, honours the legacy of a Khasi freedom fighter who resisted British rule. His courage and sacrifice continue to inspire pride in Meghalaya’s history.