Post by : Saif Rahman

Planning your holidays in advance can lead to savings, less stress, and a chance to fully enjoy your time off. In 2026, a long-weekend calendar is now available online, assisting travelers and busy professionals in identifying crucial holidays, festival breaks, and potential long weekends throughout the year.

This calendar emphasizes how a single leave day can transform a brief weekend into an extended getaway, perfect for family gatherings and vacations. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of India’s long weekends for 2026.

January: Kickstart the Year with Extended Time Off

The first major long weekend of 2026 spans January 1–4. New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, so taking Friday off offers a four-day weekend.

Makar Sankranti on January 14 provides another chance for a short break.

Later in January, a longer stretch from January 23–26 can be created. With Vasant Panchami on the 23rd, combining this holiday with the weekend and Republic Day on Monday gives families numerous days to unwind or travel.

February: A Mid-Month Respite

Celebrating Mahashivratri on February 15 opens a window for a mid-month rest. As February comes to an end, the 28th connects closely to Holi week, making it an excellent time for vacations.

March: A Month of Festivals

March kicks off on a Sunday, and with Holi on March 3, this can lead to a four-day respite when paired with the last weekend of February.

March 20–22 hosts Eid al-Fitr, adding another long weekend. Later in the month, March 26–31 offers further opportunities, as Ram Navami falls on Thursday; taking off Friday stretches into the weekend, and the days leading up to Mahavir Jayanti on Monday create additional travel options.

April to June: Numerous Opportunities For Holidays

April features Good Friday and Ram Navami, creating long weekend opportunities. The summer months and school breaks make this period a favorite for families to travel.

May includes Labour Day on the 1st, while certain states also observe Buddha Purnima, giving workers additional days to plan their leave.

June may be quieter but still offers several short weekends, ideal for quick getaways or short city escapes.

July to September: Onset of the Festive Season

July brings local festivals such as Rath Yatra in various states. August is notable for travel with Independence Day on the 15th and Raksha Bandhan, creating longer breaks when combined with weekends.

September welcomes Ganesh Chaturthi, providing additional chances for short travel throughout India.

October to December: Festive Year-End Getaways

In October, Dussehra arrives, followed by Diwali in November—providing some of the longest holiday windows. Taking a few extra leave days during Diwali can greatly extend the festive celebrations.

December concludes the year with Christmas and New Year’s Eve, offering another opportunity for long holidays or year-end escapades.

Travel Tips

Book Early: Long weekends lead to high demand for airfare and accommodation, so early booking can save money.

Strategic Leave Planning: Pairing festival holidays with a single leave day can maximize vacation time.

Review State Holidays: Since some festivals are state-specific, ensure you confirm local holidays prior to making travel arrangements.

By planning in advance using this 2026 long weekend calendar, travelers can enjoy smooth holidays and maximize their downtime. Whether heading out for a family trip, short city escape, or attending a festival, understanding the holiday schedules facilitates better planning.

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