Holidays in April 2026

April signals the start of warmer days in India. Most parts of the country enjoy comfortable, early-summer-like weather during the day. Besides, April 2026 is packed with public holidays dedicated to various festivals and cultural occasions. Knowing them in advance helps individuals plan trips, leaves, and celebrations efficiently.

 

This guide contains lists of public holidays, regional holidays, long weekends, and bank holidays. Read on to stay updated on the upcoming holidays in April.

 

List of Public Holidays in April 2026

Public holidays are days when most of the schools, offices, and private institutions are closed. It may be due to festivals, cultural occasions, or national holidays. Here is the list of holidays in April 2026 in India:

 

Date

Day

Holiday

3rd April

Friday

Good Friday

 

Bank Holidays in April 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announces holidays for private and nationalised banks in collaboration with the central and state governments. Some of the bank holidays in April are:

 

Date

Day

Holiday

1st April

Wednesday

Yearly Closure Day

2nd April

Thursday

Maundy Thursday

3rd April

Friday

Good Friday

14th April

Tuesday

Maha Vishuva Sankranti/Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti/Buisu/Biju/Festival/Bohag Bihu/Tamil New Year's Day/Baisakhi/Cheiraoba

15th April

Wednesday

Bohag Bihu/Bengali New Year’s Day (Nababarsha)/Himachal Day/Vishu

16th April

Thursday

Bohag Bihu

20th April

Monday

Basava Jayanti / Akshaya Tritiya

21st April

Tuesday

Garia Puja

 

April 2026 Regional Holidays

Different regions of India may also have specific public holidays. It depends on the cultural beliefs and traditions of a region. In 2026, there will be certain regional holidays in India. Check out the list of holidays in April. given below:.

 

  • Veer Kunwar Singh Jayanthi

Celebrates the memory of freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh. The main celebrations in Bihar, especially in the Bhojpur area, include laying flowers at his statue, holding cultural events, and commemorating his role in the Revolt of 1857 against the British.

 

  • Garia Puja

Garia Puja is the festival of the major tribal community of Tripura, especially the native tribes like Tripuri and Reang. The worship of the deity Garia by prayers, dances, and folk festivities is for a good agricultural harvest, the safety of cattle, and the welfare of the whole community.

 

  • Bohag Bihu

Rongali Bihu is another name for Bohag Bihu, which is celebrated in Assam and by the Assamese people in the rest of Northeast India. This New Year's Day and the Harvest festival of Assam include traditional dance, music, feasting, and community celebration.

 

  • Vishu

Vishu is the celebration of the New Year in the Malayalam calendar and is a major festival in Kerala and among Malayali communities residing in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and abroad. Family members arrange the Vishu Kani which is considered lucky, go to temples, and exchange gifts for a fresh start in life.

Important Festivals in April 2026

April is also a month of several regional holidays. Different parts of the country celebrate various festivals in April. Check out government holidays in April:

 

  • Good Friday

On Good Friday, the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion is remembered. Christians all over India, but mainly in Kerala, Goa, and the Northeast states, take part in prayers, fasting, and church worship reflecting sacrifice, belief, and remembrance just before Easter festivities.

 

  • Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti

The day celebrates the birthday of B. R. Ambedkar. It is a nationwide celebration during which people pay homage through marches, debates, and cultural programs that recognize his contribution to social justice, equality, and the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

 

  • Baisakhi

Baisakhi is the most important harvest festival of the year and it is chiefly celebrated in the state of Punjab and the northern part of India. Apart from marking the Sikh New Year, Baisakhi also signifies the event when Guru Gobind Singh formed the Khalsa.

Long Weekends in April 2026

Long weekends are something most employees look forward to. Combining your long weekends with the school holidays in April offers a good window for quick trips and vacations. The only long weekend of 3 days in April will be seen from: 

3rd to 5th April 2026:. It is primarily due to Good Friday, which falls on 3rd April 2026. It is Friday, followed by Saturday and Sunday. So, you may plan a short trip or simply rest for 3 continuous days.

Best Places to Visit in April

If you have plans for a quick vacation this April, having an itinerary planned in advance can be a smart idea. Some of the places you may visit in April 2026 in India are:

  • Nainital

Nainital is quite famous for its charming lake that is encircled by the hills. The climate in April makes activities such as boating, cable car rides, and sightseeing so much fun that it has become a favourite short-trip spot for people who want to relax in cool weather 

  • Mussoorie

In April, Mussoorie has a cool climate and beautiful views of the Himalayas. Some of the spots to visit are Mall Road, Kempty Falls, and Gun Hill. Mussoorie is a great place for a weekend getaway with your family or friends.

  • Jaipur

Jaipur incorporates royal heritage with vibrant culture. Even though it's a little hot, early April is great for short trips to Amber Fort, City Palace, and local bazaars. The city's architecture, food, and history make it a popular cultural getaway.

  • Ooty

One of the coolest places to be in April is Ooty, also called the Queen of Hill Stations. A trip to Ooty is incomplete without a visit to the botanical gardens, Ooty Lake, tea estates, and various magnificent viewpoints, which makes it a wonderful, relaxing spot for family and nature lovers.

  • Munnar

Munnar is a quiet resort in the highlands surrounded by tea plantations and mist-covered hills. In April, the weather is pleasant for sightseeing, trekking, waterfalls, and wildlife exploration.

Make sure to book your travel tickets in advance to avoid the rush. At redBus, you can easily book bus tickets to your preferred locations.

Travel Tips for Holidays in April

Travel Tips for Holidays in April

When travelling in April, do keep these important things in mind for a comfortable journey.

  • Despite the hot weather, April is the peak tourist season in most places in India. You will need to book early for your travel, regardless of your destination.
  • An umbrella might be essential during this time, as the scorching sun can cause dehydration and skin problems.
  • Carry sunscreen and reapply it frequently to protect your skin from the heat.
  • While keeping yourself hydrated, please be mindful of the environment and choose steel bottles over disposable ones.

FAQs

What are the major festivals celebrated in India in April?

The major festivals in April are Hanuman Jayanti, Good Friday, Easter, Baisakhi, Tamil New Year, Vishu, Bohag Bihu, and Akshaya Tritiya.

Is Baisakhi celebrated across India?

Baisakhi is primarily celebrated in Punjab and North India but it also signifies regional New Year celebrations in a few other states.

Why do so many New Year festivals in India fall in April?

Most Indian calendars are based on the solar cycle, and the Sun's entering Aries (Mesha Sankranti) is the reason for the New Year tradition in many places.

Is Akshaya Tritiya regarded as a lucky day?

It is believed that Akshaya Tritiya brings prosperity and it is considered very suitable for marriages, investments, and the purchase of gold.

Are the banks closed during the April festivals?

There is a possibility that banks may remain closed on the fixed festivals like Good Friday or during regional New Year festivals depending on the state-wise holidays.

Are there nationwide holidays for all festivals in April?

No, there are many local festivals, and therefore, holidays differ between states.

Which festival in April is related to the harvest celebrations?

Baisakhi and Bohag Bihu are two major harvest festivals celebrated in different regions of India.

Is Easter celebrated every year on the same date?

Easter is not an annual fixed-date festival. The date changes every year based on the lunar calendar.

Why are the Tamil New Year, Vishu, and Bohag Bihu celebrated on similar dates?

Tamil New Year, Vishu, and Bohag Bihu are celebrated around the same time because these festivals follow solar calendars. These are the agricultural harvest festivals that also mark the beginning of a new farming year.

What is the significance of Hanuman Jayanti?

Hanuman Jayanti marks the birthday of Lord Hanuman, and devotees observe it by praying, fasting, and visiting temples.