Holidays in July 2026

July 2026 features a mix of national, religious, and regional holidays across India. The month's key observances include Muharram on 6 July, Jagannath Rath Yatra on 16 July, and Guru Purnima on 30 July, while several states also celebrate regional festivals and fasting days.

Key highlights:

• Muharram: 6 July 2026 (Monday), observed across India, subject to moon sighting.
• Jagannath Rath Yatra: 16 July 2026 (Thursday), celebrated primarily in Odisha and parts of eastern India.
• Guru Purnima: 30 July 2026 (Thursday), observed nationwide to honour teachers and spiritual guides.
• Banks remain closed only on holidays notified by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the respective state governments.
• Muharram creates one of the month's notable long weekend opportunities.

The table below highlights some of the important holidays observed during July 2026.

*Muharram is subject to the sighting of the moon and the official announcement.

Muharram – 6 July 2026

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. For many Muslims, especially during Ashura, it is a period of remembrance and reflection commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Processions and religious gatherings are organised in many parts of India, while government offices, schools, and banks may remain closed where the holiday is officially notified.

Jagannath Rath Yatra – 16 July 2026

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India's most significant Hindu festivals. It commemorates the annual chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The largest celebrations take place in Puri, Odisha, while several other cities organise similar processions.

Although the festival is celebrated across the country, it is primarily recognised as a regional holiday in Odisha and selected states.

Guru Purnima – 30 July 2026

Guru Purnima is dedicated to expressing gratitude towards teachers, mentors, and spiritual guides. Educational institutions, spiritual organisations, and religious communities organise special programmes and ceremonies to honour gurus who contribute to knowledge and personal development.

While Guru Purnima is widely observed throughout India, it is generally not a nationwide public holiday.

Bank holidays in India are announced by the Reserve Bank of India and individual state governments. Some holidays apply across multiple states, while others are specific to particular regions.

Customers can continue using internet banking, mobile banking, UPI, ATMs, and other digital banking services even when physical bank branches remain closed. However, services that require branch visits, such as document verification or cheque processing, may only resume on the next working day.

State-wise bank holiday schedules may differ. It is advisable to confirm the holiday calendar issued by your bank or the respective state government before planning important financial transactions.

July 2026 offers a useful long weekend for many people, especially around Muharram. Depending on your employer's holiday calendar and your state's public holiday notifications, you may also be able to extend your break by combining annual leave with regional holidays.

*Subject to moon sighting and official notification.

The Muharram holiday provides the month's most notable long weekend, making it a suitable time for short trips, family gatherings, or personal commitments. Since regional holidays differ across states, travellers should verify local holiday calendars before finalising their plans.

July 2026 brings together several important religious and cultural observances, including Muharram, Jagannath Rath Yatra, and Guru Purnima. Along with regional festivals and state-specific holidays, the month offers opportunities to plan travel, family events, and personal commitments in advance. Since some holidays vary by state or depend on lunar calendar observations, checking official government and bank holiday notifications before making plans is recommended.