The Gazetted Holiday List 2026 issued by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, plays a crucial role in official planning, workforce management, and travel scheduling across the Indian Railways network. Whether you are a railway employee, an aspirant preparing for railway exams, or a passenger planning long-distance journeys, staying updated with the official railway holiday calendar is essential.
In this article, we bring you the complete Railway Gazetted Holiday List 2026, applicable to administrative offices of Indian Railways and Central Government establishments. These holidays are officially notified and uniformly observed across railway offices, divisions, zones, and production units, unless stated otherwise.
Understanding the gazetted holidays helps railway staff in:
- Planning leave and LTC journeys
- Managing duty rosters and office schedules
- Preparing for departmental exams and promotions
- Coordinating project timelines and tender activities
For passengers and the general public, knowledge of gazetted holidays is equally useful as certain railway offices, booking counters, enquiry sections, and administrative departments may operate with limited staff or altered working hours on these days.
Railway Gazetted Holiday List 2026 (Ministry of Railways)
The detailed Gazetted Holiday List 2026 for Indian Railways is provided below. This Railway Holiday List 2026 are to be observed in the administrative offices of the of Indian Railways.
LIST OF CLOSED HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR 2026
| S. No. | Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Republic Day | January 26 | Monday |
| 2 | Holi | March 04 | Wednesday |
| 3 | Id-ul-Fitr | March 21 | Saturday |
| 4 | Ram Navami | March 26 | Thursday |
| 5 | Mahavir Jayanti | March 31 | Tuesday |
| 6 | Good Friday | April 03 | Friday |
| 7 | Budha Purnima | May 01 | Friday |
| 8 | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | May 27 | Wednesday |
| 9 | Muharram | June 26 | Friday |
| 10 | Independence Day | August 15 | Saturday |
| 11 | Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad) | August 26 | Wednesday |
| 12 | Janmashtami (Vaishnava) | September 04 | Friday |
| 13 | Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday | October 02 | Friday |
| 14 | Dussehra | October 20 | Tuesday |
| 15 | Diwali (Deepavali) | November 08 | Sunday |
| 16 | Guru Nanak’s Birthday | November 24 | Tuesday |
| 17 | Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
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LIST OF RESTRICTED HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR 2026
| Sl. No. | Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Year’s Day | January 01 | Thursday |
| 2 | Hazrat Ali’s Birthday | January 03 | Saturday |
| 3 | Makar Sankranti | January 14 | Wednesday |
| 4 | Magha Bihu / Pongal | January 14 | Wednesday |
| 5 | Sri Panchami / Basant Panchami | January 23 | Friday |
| 6 | Guru Ravidas’s Birthday | February 01 | Sunday |
| 7 | Birthday of Swami Dayanand Saraswati | February 12 | Thursday |
| 8 | Maha Shivratri | February 15 | Sunday |
| 9 | Shivaji Jayanti | February 19 | Thursday |
| 10 | Holika Dahan | March 03 | Tuesday |
| 11 | Dolayatra | March 03 | Tuesday |
| 12 | Chaitra Sukladi / Gudi Padava / Ugadi / Cheti Chand | March 19 | Thursday |
| 13 | Jamat-ul-Vida | March 20 | Friday |
| 14 | Easter Sunday | April 05 | Sunday |
| 15 | Vaisakhi / Vishu / Mesadi / Tamil New Year’s Day | April 14 | Tuesday |
| 16 | Vaisakadi (Bengali) / Bahag Bihu (Assam) | April 15 | Wednesday |
| 17 | Birthday of Guru Rabindranath Tagore | May 09 | Saturday |
| 18 | Rath Yatra | July 16 | Thursday |
| 19 | Parsi New Year’s Day / Nauraj | August 15 | Saturday |
| 20 | Onam or Thiru Onam Day | August 26 | Wednesday |
| 21 | Raksha Bandhan | August 28 | Friday |
| 22 | Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayak Chaturthi | September 14 | Monday |
| 23 | Dussehra (Saptami) | October 18 | Sunday |
| 24 | Dussehra (Mahashtami) | October 19 | Monday |
| 25 | Dussehra (Mahanavmi) | October 20 | Tuesday |
| 26 | Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday | October 26 | Monday |
| 27 | Karaka Chaturthi (Karwa Chouth) | October 29 | Thursday |
| 28 | Naraka Chaturdasi | November 08 | Sunday |
| 29 | Govardhan Puja | November 09 | Monday |
| 30 | Bhai Duj | November 11 | Wednesday |
| 31 | Pratihar Shashthi / Surya Shashthi (Chhath Puja) | November 15 | Sunday |
| 32 | Guru Teg Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day | November 24 | Tuesday |
| 33 | Hazrat Ali’s Birthday | December 23 | Wednesday |
| 34 | Christmas Eve | December 24 | Thursday |
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Why Gazetted Holidays Matter in Indian Railways
Gazetted holidays are not just routine off days; they hold national, cultural, and administrative significance. In Indian Railways, these holidays impact:
- Office functioning at zonal and divisional levels
- Processing of railway tenders and contracts
- Grievance redressal timelines
- Training schedules and departmental examinations
Brief Description of some of the important Holidays are as follows:
Republic Day
Republic Day is celebrated on January 26th every year to honour the day when the Constitution of India came into effect. It is a national holiday and is marked by grand celebrations throughout the country. In the Ministry of Railways, the day is commemorated with flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and various activities to promote patriotism and unity among employees and passengers.
Holi
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm. It signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. The Ministry of Railways organizes special events at railway stations during Holi, where travelers and employees come together to play with colors and exchange festive greetings.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti is observed on April 14th to honor the birthday of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer and the architect of the Indian Constitution. The day is celebrated with reverence, and railway offices often hold discussions and seminars on his contributions to Indian society.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth of GOD Rama. Devotees visit temples and offer prayers, and the Ministry of Railways ensures smooth travel arrangements for those undertaking pilgrimages during this auspicious time.
Good Friday
Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a significant Christian holiday, and railway services operate with additional care to accommodate the needs of passengers traveling for religious purposes.
May Day
May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day is celebrated on 1st of may. It honors the contributions and achievements of workers worldwide. The Ministry of Railways acknowledges the efforts of its employees and ensures their well-being on this day.
Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra is a grand chariot procession dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. It takes place in Puri, Odisha, and draws millions of devotees. The Ministry of Railways makes special arrangements for travelers attending this religious spectacle.
Independence Day
Independence Day, celebrated on August 15th, marks India’s freedom from British rule. It is a day of national pride and patriotism. Railway stations across the country are decorated with the tricolor, and the national anthem is played during flag hoisting ceremonies.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi honors the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The festival is celebrated with immense devotion and grand processions. The Ministry of Railways ensures smooth travel and crowd management during this lively festival.
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2nd, honors the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It is a day of remembrance and reflection on Gandhian principles. Railway stations often organize events promoting Gandhian values and non-violence.
Dussehra
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated with the burning of effigies of the demon king Ravana. The Ministry of Railways makes provisions for passengers traveling to witness Dussehra celebrations in various regions of India.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is an essential Islamic festival. The Ministry of Railways ensures that Muslim passengers have convenient travel options during this festive occasion.
Sardar Patel Jayanti
Sardar Patel Jayanti is celebrated on October 31st to honor the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India.” The day is celebrated with reverence for his significant role in India’s unity and integration.
Kannada Rajyotsava
Kannada Rajyotsava is celebrated on November 1st to mark the formation of the state of Karnataka. The Ministry of Railways organizes cultural programs and events to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.
Diwali
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. It signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The Ministry of Railways ensures that passengers have a safe and comfortable journey during this festive season.
Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The day is marked with religious processions and prayers at Gurudwaras. The Ministry of Railways makes arrangements for Sikh passengers traveling to visit Gurudwaras on this auspicious day.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a joyous occasion, and railway stations are adorned with festive decorations. The Ministry of Railways provides convenient travel options for passengers during the Christmas season.