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This Primer has been updated till December 17, 2025.
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A Thought Leadership Publication
We now present this handbook to enable readers to have an overview of the systems and legal rules and regulations that are essential for business operations in India.
Navigating the landscape of public holidays in Maharashtra requires more than just marking dates on a calendar. For businesses operating in this vibrant state, understanding these holidays is crucial for maintaining compliance with employment laws, managing workforce schedules, and avoiding potential disputes. Under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, and the newly implemented Labour Codes, employers must account for paid holidays, overtime calculations, and leave entitlements tied to these dates. This guide draws from the official notifications issued by the General Administration Department, Government of Maharashtra, to provide a clear, consolidated view of the 2026 holiday schedule.
Whether you’re a startup scaling up in Mumbai or a multinational with operations in Pune, getting ahead on holiday planning can prevent operational hiccups. Holidays like Republic Day and Maharashtra Day are fixed, but others, such as those based on lunar sightings (e.g., Ramzan Id or Bakri Id), may shift slightly—always cross-check with official updates closer to the date. In our experience advising clients across sectors, we’ve seen how overlooking these can lead to payroll errors or employee grievances, especially in industries with shift-based workforces.
Below, we outline the declared public holidays under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, applicable statewide. These are the days when banks and negotiable instruments are affected, but they also influence general business closures.
Public Holidays for 2026
The following 24 days have been declared as public holidays for the state of Maharashtra:
| Sr. No. | Holiday | Date | Saka Date | Day |
| 1 | Republic Day | 26th January, 2026 | 6 Magh, 1947 | Monday |
| 2 | Mahashivratri | 15th February, 2026 | 26 Magh, 1947 | Sunday |
| 3 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti | 19th February, 2026 | 30 Magh, 1947 | Thursday |
| 4 | Holi (Second Day) | 03rd March, 2026 | 12 Phalguna, 1947 | Tuesday |
| 5 | Gudhi Padwa | 19th March, 2026 | 28 Phalguna, 1947 | Thursday |
| 6 | Ramzan-Id (Id-Ul-Fitra) (Shawal-1) | 21st March, 2026 | 30 Phalguna, 1947 | Saturday |
| 7 | Ram Navami | 26th March, 2026 | 05 Chaitra, 1948 | Thursday |
| 8 | Mahavir Janmakalyanak | 31st March, 2026 | 10 Chaitra, 1948 | Tuesday |
| 9 | Good Friday | 03rd April, 2026 | 13 Chaitra, 1948 | Friday |
| 10 | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti | 14th April, 2026 | 24 Chaitra, 1948 | Tuesday |
| 11 | Maharashtra Din | 01st May, 2026 | 11 Vaishakha, 1948 | Friday |
| 12 | Buddha Pournima | 01st May, 2026 | 11 Vaishakha, 1948 | Friday |
| 13 | Bakri ID (Id-Uz-Zuha) | 28th May, 2026 | 07 Jyeshtha, 1948 | Thursday |
| 14 | Moharum | 26th June, 2026 | 05 Ashadha, 1948 | Friday |
| 15 | Independence Day | 15th August, 2026 | 24 Shravana, 1948 | Saturday |
| 16 | Parsi New Year (Shahenshahi) | 15th August, 2026 | 24 Shravana, 1948 | Saturday |
| 17 | Id-E-Milad | 26th August, 2026 | 04 Bhadrapad, 1948 | Wednesday |
| 18 | Ganesh Chaturthi | 14th September, 2026 | 23 Bhadrapad, 1948 | Monday |
| 19 | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 02nd October, 2026 | 10 Ashvina, 1948 | Friday |
| 20 | Dasara | 20th October, 2026 | 28 Ashvina, 1948 | Tuesday |
| 21 | Diwali Amavasya (Laxmi Pujan) | 08th November, 2026 | 17 Kartika, 1948 | Sunday |
| 22 | Diwali (Bali Pratipada) | 10th November, 2026 | 19 Kartika, 1948 | Tuesday |
| 23 | Guru Nanak Jayanti | 24th November, 2026 | 03 Margshirsh, 1948 | Tuesday |
| 24 | Christmas | 25th December, 2026 | 04 Pausha, 1948 | Friday |
Note that some holidays fall on weekends, which might not require additional closures but still entitle employees to compensatory benefits under relevant labour laws. For instance, if a holiday like Mahashivratri lands on a Sunday, check your establishment’s policy on substituting rest days.
Bank-Specific Holiday
In addition to the above, the following day is declared exclusively for banks to close their yearly accounts. This does not apply to government offices or general businesses:
| Sr. No. | Holiday | Date | Saka Date | Day |
| 1 | To enable Banks to close their yearly accounts | 01st April, 2026 | 11 Chaitra, 1948 | Wednesday |
Banks must ensure seamless operations around this date, but for non-banking entities, it’s business as usual—though it could impact transactions or vendor payments.
Additional Holiday for State Government Offices and Local Bodies
Separately, the Government has declared one extra holiday applicable to state government offices, public sector undertakings, municipal corporations, councils, nagar panchayats, zilla parishads, panchayat samitis, and gram panchayats. This is not a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act but is relevant for entities interacting with these bodies:
| Sr. No. | Holiday | Date | Saka Date | Day |
| 1 | Bhaubeej | 11th November, 2026 | 20 Kartika, 1948 | Wednesday |
This addition underscores the cultural emphasis in Maharashtra’s calendar, often aligning with Diwali festivities. Private businesses aren’t mandated to observe it, but many do to foster employee morale, especially in diverse workforces.
Implications for Corporate and Employment Compliance
From a legal standpoint, these holidays tie directly into obligations under the Code on Wages, 2019, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. Employers must provide paid leave on these days for eligible workers, with double wages for any work performed. In sectors like IT or manufacturing, where continuous operations are key, advance planning for shift rotations or compensatory offs is essential to sidestep penalties from labour inspectors.
We’ve advised numerous clients on integrating holiday lists into HR policies—think updating employee handbooks or payroll systems early. For foreign investors entering India via Maharashtra, this schedule also affects project timelines and contract clauses related to force majeure events.
If your business spans multiple states, remember that holiday lists vary; Haryana or Delhi might have different observances. Always tailor your compliance strategy accordingly.
For personalized guidance on how these holidays impact your operations—or to draft compliant employment contracts—reach out to our team at Corrida Legal. We’re here to keep you ahead of the curve in India’s dynamic regulatory environment.
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