July 2026 brings a mix of public holidays, regional festivals, bank holidays, and long weekends across India. Additionally, the pleasant weather across the country makes July just the right time to plan a trip.
If you are thinking of taking a short trip in July 2026, knowing the upcoming holidays can help you plan better.
Here are some important public holidays and observances in July 2026:
|
Date |
Holiday |
|
1st July, Wednesday |
Guru Hargobind Ji’s Birthday |
|
6th July, Monday |
Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) |
|
13th July, Monday |
Martyrs’ Day and Bhanu Jayanti |
|
16th July, Thursday |
Ratha Yatra and Harela |
|
17th July, Friday |
U Tirot Sing’s Death Anniversary |
|
18th July, Saturday |
Drukpa Tsheshi |
|
21st July, Tuesday |
Kharchi Puja |
|
31st July, Friday |
Shaheed Udham Singh’s Martyrdom Day |
Banks in India remain closed on all Sundays along with the second and fourth Saturdays. Apart from these regular closures, here are some additional bank holidays in July 2026, India:
Although there aren’t many national holidays in July, here are some important regional holidays:
MHIP Day
MHIP Day is celebrated in Mizoram by the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl, an important women’s organisation in the state. It is celebrated to emphasise social welfare activities and women’s contributions to society.
Bhanu Jayanti
Bhanu Jayanti is celebrated mainly in Sikkim and parts of Northeast India to honour poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, who is known for translating the Ramayana into Nepali.
U Tirot Sing Death Anniversary
This regional holiday in Meghalaya commemorates the freedom fighter U Tirot Sing, who fought against British rule in the Khasi Hills.
Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day
This day is celebrated in Haryana and some northern states to honour the revolutionary Udham Singh and his contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
July is known for several important festivals and celebrations across India. Here are some important festivals in July 2026:
Guru Hargobind Ji’s Birthday
This is a Sikh festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji. On this day, special prayers and community meals are organised in gurudwaras.
Ratha Yatra
This is celebrated mainly in Odisha, especially in Puri. Ratha Yatra is one of the biggest Hindu festivals. The main ritual of this festival is the pulling of giant chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
Harela
Harela is an important festival in Uttarakhand. It celebrates nature, greenery, and the beginning of the monsoon season.
Kharchi Puja
Kharchi Puja is widely celebrated in Tripura. The festival is dedicated to local deities and attracts many visitors every year.
Drukpa Tsheshi
This Buddhist festival is celebrated in Sikkim and other Himalayan regions. It marks Lord Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
If you are planning a short trip, July 2026 offers a few good opportunities during long weekends. Here’s a list of long weekends in July 2026:
4th July to 6th July
Saturday – Weekend
Sunday – Weekend
Monday – MHIP Day (Mizoram)
11th July to 13th July
Saturday – Second Saturday
Sunday – Weekend
Monday – Bhanu Jayanti
16th July to 19th July
Thursday – Ratha Yatra / Harela
Friday – Optional leave opportunity
Saturday – Weekend
Sunday – Weekend
31 July to 2 August
Since the weather in July becomes cooler, greenery increases, and hill stations look beautiful, there are a few places that must be on your travel bucket list this July:
Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong looks fresh and beautiful during the monsoon season. You can enjoy waterfalls, green hills, local cafés, pleasant weather, and nearby attractions like Elephant Falls and Umiam Lake.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar becomes covered in mist and greenery during July. Tea plantations, cool weather, mountain views, and peaceful surroundings make it a relaxing monsoon getaway for families and couples.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is famous for its coffee estates, waterfalls, and scenic roads. July brings fresh greenery and cooler temperatures in Coorg, making it ideal for nature lovers and short road trips.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur offers beautiful lake views and historic palaces during July. Light monsoon showers make sightseeing more comfortable, while boat rides and local markets remain popular among tourists.
Puri, Odisha
Puri attracts thousands of devotees in July because of the famous Ratha Yatra festival. You can also enjoy beaches, temples, local seafood, and cultural celebrations during this time.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
July is one of the best months to visit the Valley of Flowers. The valley starts blooming with colourful flowers and offers beautiful trekking views in the Himalayas.
Lonavala, Maharashtra
Lonavala is a popular monsoon destination with waterfalls, green valleys, and cool weather. It is perfect for weekend trips from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby regions.
No. Tourist destinations are not overly crowded in July, especially compared to peak summer months. This lets you enjoy lower hotel prices and an overall more peaceful travel experience.
No, there aren’t many government holidays in July, and most July holidays are regional. Banks remain closed only in specific states where the festival or event is observed, apart from regular Sundays and second and fourth Saturdays.
If you are planning a trip in July, you should be mindful of the monsoon season. It is advisable to carry raincoats, umbrellas, waterproof footwear, extra clothes, and medicines during July.
Yes, long July weekends are perfect for short vacations and road trips. You can plan quick getaways to nearby hill stations, religious destinations, or nature spots without worrying about school holidays in July or taking many days off from work.
In many destinations, July is considered an off-season month because of the monsoon. You might find lower hotel prices, travel deals, and discounted holiday packages during this period.
Yes, both bus and train services usually continue during most regional holidays. However, tickets may sell out quickly during long weekends and festival periods, so advance booking is recommended.
You should choose redBus to book your tickets since the platform offers a simple booking experience with multiple bus operators, seat selection, live tracking, easy cancellation options, and regular discounts. It also lets you compare prices, timings, and bus types in one place.