March is one of the most pleasant months in India as it marks the beautiful transition from winter to summer. March also brings with it a number of festivals and holidays, adding to the excitement and charm of the month. Holidays in March include regional celebrations and bank holidays, making it a perfect time for relaxing getaways. 

 

If you are planning to enjoy these holidays the most, here’s the redBus guide on the March holidays list, regional festivals, important celebrations, long weekends, and travel ideas. 

 

Public holidays are recognised days when most government offices, schools, and many private institutions remain closed. Here’s a list of public or government holidays in March 2026:

 

Bank holidays in India are determined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These holidays include national, state-specific, and regional holidays. Here’s a list of all bank holidays in March 2026:

 

 

March is considered a festive month and rightly so since there are several regional holidays in this month as well, such as:

 

• Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is a springtime festival that is widely celebrated as the New Year by Marathis and Konkani Hindus. The festival derives its name from the word “Gudi” which means a flag. On this day, people hoist a bamboo pole outside their homes decorated with bright cloth (Saare), garlands, and neem leaves. This festival is celebrated to mark the arrival of the new harvesting season. This year, Gudi Padwa is on 19th March.

 

• Gangaur Festival

Gangaur is a 16- to 18-day-long festival in Rajasthan. This festival is celebrated in honour of Goddess Parvati (Gauri) and Lord Shiva. Women pray for marital bliss and a long life for husbands. This festival typically starts the next day of Holi.

The March calendar is packed with several important and vibrant festivals. These festivals are widely celebrated across India by observing fasts, praying, cooking meals, etc. Here’s a list of some important festivals in March: 

• Holi

Holi is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India. It is also known as the festival of colours, as people celebrate it by applying colours on each other’s faces. On this day, sharing sweets and meeting friends and family is quite popular.

 

• Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr

The beginning of Ramadan is an extremely important time for the Islamic community. From this day, a unique fast from sunrise to sunset starts that ends a month later on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The exact day of Eid-ul-Fitr is determined by the new moon sighting.

 

• Ram Navami

Ram Navami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ram. On this day, devotees observe fasts, pray to Lord Ram for blessings, and participate in bhajans and recitations of the Ramayana.

 

• Good Friday 

Good Friday is an important observance for the Christian community. On this day, Christians celebrate by attending church services and praying.

 

• Mahavir Jayanti 

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, an important figure in Jainism. This day is celebrated by performing abhisheka on idols of Mahavira, holding rath yatras, and engaging in charitable acts.

If you are planning a vacation or a relaxing time at home, the March calendar is packed with long weekends. Here’s how you can plan long weekends this month:

 

1. 1st to 4th March

• 1st March, Sunday: Weekend

• 2nd March, Monday: Take leave/ Holiday in some places for Holika Dahan.

• 3rd March, Tuesday: Take leave

• 4th March, Wednesday: Holi 

2. 26th to 31st March

• 26th March, Thursday: Ram Navami

• 27th March, Friday: Take leave

• 28th & 29th March, Saturday–Sunday: Weekend

• 30th March, Monday: Take leave

• 31st March, Tuesday: Mahavir Jayanti

Apart from celebrating important national and regional festivals, March is a great time to explore parts of India, as the weather is pleasant - neither too cold, nor too hot. Here is a list of the best places that you can plan a trip to in March:

 

• Goa

Visiting Goa in March is an amazing idea as it offers the perfect blend of warm and sunny weather. The smaller crowds compared to winter make for a great time to relax, explore, and unwind.

 

• Jaipur, Rajasthan

The ideal time to visit Jaipur is between January and March. The pleasant weather allows for perfect sightseeing and comfortable indulgence in indoor and outdoor activities. Additionally, Holi celebrations in Jaipur are truly unique. 

 

• Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling is an excellent destination to visit in March if you are looking forward to clear mountain views and the scenic beauty of Lali Gurans (Rhododendrons) and Magnolias. Make sure to ride the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train). 

 

• Munnar, Kerala 

Visit Munnar in March for an amazing experience of sightseeing, tea garden tours, trekking, and exploring the Eravikulam National Park. March is considered the ideal time to visit Munnar. 

 

• Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 

March is one of the best times to explore Rishikesh. The weather is a perfect blend of spring and early summer. You can enjoy adventure activities like river rafting or unwind at famous yoga retreats in the city. Do not forget to participate in the evening Ganga Aarti for a truly magical experience.

When planning a vacation in March, remember these points. 

• March marks the onset of spring but in Southern India, it might already be summer with high temperatures above 30 degrees. 

• When visiting cities that host a major festival, do ensure that you book your tickets and accommodation early to avoid last-minute paying high prices.

• Buses may be available even in remote areas, so try this to save more on your travel expenses.