The following list illustrates the national and public holidays in Tamil Nadu in 2026:

Date   Holiday   Day  
1 January 2026  New Year’s Day   Thursday  
15 January 2026  Pongal   Thursday  
16 January 2026  Thiruvalluvar Day  Friday  
17 January 2026  Uzhavar Thirunal   Saturday  
26 January 2026  Republic Day  Monday  
1 February 2026  Thaipoosam   Sunday  
19 March 2026  Telugu New Year’s Day  Thursday  
21 March 2026  Idul Fitr  Saturday  
31 March 2026  Mahaveer Jayanti  Tuesday  
1 April 2026  Annual Accounts Closing  Wednesday  
3 April 2026  Good Friday  Friday  
14 April 2026  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti  Tuesday  
14 April 2026  Tamil New Year’s Day  Tuesday  
1 May 2026  May Day  Friday  
28 May 2026  Bakrid   Thursday  
26 June 2026  Muharram   Friday  
15 August 2026  Independence Day Saturday  
26 August 2026  Milad-un-Nabi  Wednesday  
4 September 2026  Krishna Jayanthi Friday  
14 September 2026  Vinayaka Chaturthi   Monday  
2 October 2026  Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday  Friday  
19 October 2026  Ayutha Pooja   Monday  
20 October 2026  Vijaya Dashami Tuesday  
8 November 2026  Deepavali   Sunday  
25 December 2026  Christmas Day  Friday  

If you are from Tamil Nadu and looking for a list of Tamil Nadu holidays in 2026, this page is for you. The state government of Tamil Nadu announced the list of public and regional holidays for 2026.

Tamil Nadu, a southern Indian state, is the eleventh-largest state in the country by area. Chennai is the largest and the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

Bank Holidays in Tamil Nadu in 2026

The following is the list of bank holidays, including the second and fourth Saturdays, in Tamil Nadu in 2026:

Date   Holiday   Day  
1 January 2026  New Year’s Day  Thursday  
10 January 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
15 January 2026  Pongal   Thursday  
16 January 2026  Thiruvalluvar Day  Friday  
17 January 2026  Uzhavar Thirunal   Saturday  
24 January 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
26 January 2026  Republic Day  Monday  
1 February 2026  Thaipoosam   Sunday  
14 February 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
28 February 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
14 March 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
19 March 2026  Telugu New Year’s Day  Thursday  
21 March 2026  Idul Fitr  Saturday  
28 March 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
31 March 2026  Mahaveer Jayanti Tuesday  
1 April 2026  Annual Accounts Closing  Wednesday  
3 April 2026  Good Friday   Friday  
11 April 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
14 April 2026  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Birthday  Tuesday  
14 April 2026  Tamil New Year’s Day  Tuesday  
25 April 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
1 May 2026  May Day   Friday  
9 May 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
23 May 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday 
28 May 2026  Bakrid   Thursday  
13 June 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
26 June 2026  Muharram   Friday  
27 June 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
11 July 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
25 July 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
8 August 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
15 August 2026  Independence Day  Saturday  
22 August 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
26 August 2026  Milad-un-Nabi  Wednesday  
4 September 2026  Krishna Jayanti  Friday  
12 September 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
14 September 2026  Vinayaka Chaturthi   Monday  
26 September 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
2 October 2026  Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday  Friday  
10 October 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
19 October 2026  Ayutha Pooja   Monday  
20 October 2026  Vijaya Dashami Tuesday  
24 October 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
8 November 2026  Deepavali   Sunday  
14 November 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
28 November 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
12 December 2026  2nd Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  
25 December 2026  Christmas Day  Friday  
26 December 2026  4th Saturday Bank Holiday  Saturday  

Best Destinations in Tamil Nadu to Plan a Trip During Holidays

Tamil Nadu offers a perfect mix of culture, history, beaches, and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for holiday travel. Working professionals often plan trips during holidays to explore these beautiful locations. Here are some of the top destinations to visit:

Chennai

Chennai is known for its rich cultural heritage, temples, and scenic beaches. Major attractions include the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Marina Beach.

  • Ideal duration: 2–3 days
  • Nearby places: Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram
  • A vibrant city blending tradition with modern life

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is famous for its ancient temples and coastal beauty. Key attractions include the Pancha Rathas and Shore Temple.

  • Ideal duration: 1–2 days
  • A peaceful destination rich in history and architecture

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is known for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance.

  • Highlights include Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue
  • Ideal duration: 1–2 days
  • Famous for the meeting point of three oceans

Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is perfect for those seeking peace and natural beauty.

  • Attractions: Dhanushkodi Beach, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
  • Best time: October to February
  • Ideal duration: 2–3 days

Thoothukudi (Tuticorin)

Thoothukudi offers a mix of beaches, history, and culture.

  • Key attractions: Basilica of Our Lady of Snows, Hare Island
  • Best time: November to March
  • Ideal duration: 2–3 days

Mudumalai

Mudumalai National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers located in the Nilgiri Hills.

  • Nearby: Bandipur Tiger Reserve
  • Best time: October to May
  • Ideal duration: 2–3 days

Puducherry

Puducherry is a charming destination with a unique French influence.

  • Key attractions: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, Auroville
  • Best time: October to March
  • Ideal duration: 3–4 days

FAQs on Tamil Nadu Holidays 2026

Do the public holidays in Tamil Nadu match the bank holidays in the state?

Yes, the bank holidays in Tamil Nadu coincide with the public holidays specified by the government. Additionally, banks observe the second and fourth Saturdays as holidays.

Which months in Tamil Nadu have the highest number of public holidays?

The months with the highest number of public holidays in Tamil Nadu are January, April, September, and October, each having between three to five public holidays.

Are there any public holidays that are exclusive to Tamil Nadu?

Two public holidays are specific to the state of Tamil Nadu: they are Thiruvalluvar Day and Tamil New Year. Thiruvalluvar Day is observed on either 15th January or 16th January, while Tamil New Year falls on 13th April or 14th April.

Are public holidays in Tamil Nadu valid in other states too?

Certain public holidays are universally recognized throughout India, spanning all states and union territories. Nevertheless, there exist holidays unique to each state, such as Tamil Nadu, which are exclusive to that particular state and not observed elsewhere in the nation. Additionally, Tamil Nadu may share some holidays with neighboring southern states.

What is the significance of Pongal, and how is it celebrated in Tamil Nadu?

Pongal is a prominent four-day festival in Tamil Nadu, primarily recognized as a harvest festival. The festivities encompass various customs, including burning old possessions in a bonfire, paying homage to cows, preparing the traditional Pongal dish, and adorning new attire.

What is the Thiruvaiyaru Festival that is celebrated in Tamil Nadu?

The Thiruvaiyaru Festival is a musical celebration dedicated to the renowned composer Saint Thyagaraja. This festival commemorates the day when Saint Thyagaraja attained Samadhi. It brings together music composers from across the state, making it a grand and culturally significant musical event.

What is the significance of Thaipusam, and when is it celebrated in Tamil Nadu?

Thaipusam is a festival that occurs on the full moon day of the Tai month in the Tamil calendar. It marks the birth of Lord Shiva's younger son, Lord Subramanian, and holds religious and cultural importance in Tamil Nadu.

Could you tell us more about the Natyanjali Dance Festival and its purpose in Tamil Nadu?

The Natyanjali Dance Festival is a captivating event that pays tribute to Lord Nataraja, the divine Lord of dance. Dancers from across the nation gather to perform classical dances in honor of Lord Nataraja. This festival not only showcases artistic expressions but also highlights the diverse cultural heritage of the state.