List of Holidays
List of Trading Holidays
List of Holidays in Different States
- Holidays in Andaman and Nicobar
- Holidays in Andhra Pradesh
- Holidays in Arunachal Pradesh
- Holidays in Assam
- Holidays in Bihar
- Holidays in Chandigarh
- Holidays in Chhattisgarh
- Holidays in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Holidays in Daman And Diu
- Holidays in Delhi
- Holidays in Goa
- Holidays in Gujarat
- Holidays in Haryana
- Holidays in Himachal Pradesh
- Holidays in Jammu & kashmir
- Holidays in Jharkhand
- Holidays in Karnataka
- Holidays in Kerala
- Holidays in Lakshadweep
- Holidays in Madhya Pradesh
- Holidays in Maharashtra
- Holidays in Manipur
- Holidays in Meghalaya
- Holidays in Mizoram
- Holidays in Nagaland
- Holidays in Odisha
- Holidays in Puducherry
- Holidays in Punjab
- Holidays in Rajasthan
- Holidays in Sikkim
- Holidays in Tamil Nadu
- Holidays in Telangana
- Holidays in Tripura
- Holidays in Uttarakhand
- Holidays in Uttar Pradesh
- Holidays in West Bengal
List of Monthly Holidays
May Holidays in 2026
Discover the list of holidays and learn more about them by reading on.
| Date | Day | Holiday | State |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | May Day | Several States |
| 9 May 2026 | Saturday | Guru Rabindranath Jayanti | Tripura, West Bengal |
| 16 May 2026 | Saturday | Sikkim State Day | Sikkim |
| 26 May 2026 | Tuesday | Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti | Tripura |
| 27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Bakri Eid/ Eid-Al-Adha | Several States |
| 28 May 2026 | Thursday | Bakri Eid/ Eid-Al-Adha | Jammu & Kashmir |
List of Bank Holidays in May 2026
Public and private sector banks operating in the country shall remain closed on the days listed in the table below during the month of May 2026. These days will be in addition to the regular bank holidays, i.e., the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
| Date | Day | Holiday | State |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | May Day | Several States |
| 9 May 2026 | Saturday | Guru Rabindranath Jayanti | Tripura, West Bengal |
| 10 May 2026 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Across India |
| 24 May 2026 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday | Across India |
| 27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Bakrid / Eid al Adha | Several States |
Brief Description of Holidays in May 2026
The month of May 2026 is packed with multiple public and bank holidays in India, making it an ideal time for vacations and travel planning. With long weekends and festive occasions, you can easily plan a refreshing getaway away from daily routines.
Major Holidays in May 2026
May Day – May 1, 2026
May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is dedicated to workers and labor movements. The day commemorates the historic Haymarket Affair in Chicago, which became a symbol of workers’ rights across the world.
Maharashtra Day – May 1, 2026
Maharashtra Day marks the formation of the state in 1960. Celebrations include parades and official ceremonies, especially at Shivaji Park, where government leaders address the public and announce new initiatives.
Gujarat Day – May 1, 2026
Gujarat Day celebrates the creation of Gujarat state in 1960. The main events take place in Ahmedabad, especially along the Sabarmati Riverfront, with cultural programs and government announcements.
Buddha Purnima – May 2026
Buddha Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. Devotees visit temples, meditate, and participate in fairs, especially at Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti – May 2026
This day honors Rabindranath Tagore, a legendary poet, artist, and Nobel Prize winner. Cultural programs, music, and literary events are organized across India, especially in West Bengal.
Sikkim State Day – May 16, 2026
Sikkim State Day commemorates Sikkim becoming India’s 22nd state. Government functions and award ceremonies are organized to recognize contributions to the state’s development.
Bakrid / Eid al-Adha – May/June 2026 (Tentative)
Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most important Islamic festivals. It honors the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The festival is marked by prayers, charity, and sharing meals with family and the needy.
Best Places to Visit in India During May 2026
Here are some of the top travel destinations to explore during May holidays:
Hill Stations & Nature Retreats
Horsley Hills, Andhra Pradesh
A peaceful hill station known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes—perfect for escaping summer heat.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong offers breathtaking views, waterfalls, and a refreshing climate.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is one of the most popular hill stations with attractions like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.
Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
A hidden gem near the Great Himalayan National Park, ideal for nature lovers and peaceful getaways.
Scenic Hill Cities
Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok offers stunning Himalayan views and attractions like Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty is famous for its tea plantations, gardens, and cool climate.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital is known for its beautiful lake and peaceful surroundings.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is famous for tea gardens and views of Kanchenjunga.
Exotic & Coastal Destinations
Andaman and Nicobar Islands offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life.
Unique Experiences
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station with serene landscapes.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is known for coffee plantations and lush greenery.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is a paradise with rolling tea gardens and cool weather.
Ladakh
Ladakh is perfect for adventure lovers with trekking, biking, and stunning landscapes.
Conclusion
May 2026 offers the perfect combination of holidays and travel opportunities. Whether you’re looking to explore cultural festivals or plan a relaxing vacation in the hills or beaches, this month provides plenty of options across India.
FAQs on Holidays in May 2026
What is the significance of Buddha Purnima?
Buddha Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Vaisakh. Devotees visit temples, meditate, and perform charitable acts, making it one of the most important Buddhist festivals in India.
Where can you find the list of public and bank holidays in India for May 2026?
You can check the complete list of public and bank holidays in India for May 2026 on official government portals or through the holiday calendar released by the Reserve Bank of India. These sources provide accurate and state-wise holiday details.
Which states celebrate Buddha Purnima in India?
Buddha Purnima is widely observed across multiple Indian states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Punjab, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. It is especially significant in regions with a strong Buddhist presence.
What is the importance of May Day?
May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day, is associated with workers’ rights and labor movements. It commemorates the historic Haymarket Affair, which played a key role in shaping labor laws worldwide.
Why is Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti celebrated?
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti is celebrated to honor Rabindranath Tagore, one of India’s greatest literary figures. The day is marked by cultural programs, poetry recitations, music, and events that highlight his contribution to literature, art, and education.