The month of November is packed with festivals and cultural celebrations in India. Along with major festivals like Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti, many states also observe regional holidays such as Chhath Puja and Wangala. 

If you’re looking to combine school holidays in November with long weekends for a short trip or vacation, knowing the holidays in November 2026 is important. This redBus guide covers all the important government, bank, and regional holidays in November 2026, along with long weekends and best places to visit to make planning easier.

Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti are two gazetted government holidays in November 2026. Apart from this, there are also several state-specific holidays in November. 

Here’s a list of public holidays in November 2026 in India:

Bank holidays in November 2026 include the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, as well as Sundays. Some states will also have regional bank holidays in November, which means additional bank closure days.

Here’s the complete list of bank holidays in November 2026 across states:

Diwali is also a nationwide bank holiday in November 2026. However, since it falls on a Sunday, it does not result in an additional bank closure.

Many states across India celebrate regional festivals, historical days, and cultural events in November. Below you will find the complete list of all important regional holidays in November 2026 in India:

Some important holidays in November are days of festive celebrations. Here are some nationwide and state-specific festivals celebrated in November:

• Diwali

Diwali is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals and a government holiday in November 2026. According to Hindu mythology, Diwali is believed to be the day Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after their victory over Ravana.

Families celebrate this Festival of Light by decorating their homes with diyas and colourful rangolis, performing Lakshmi Puja, and enjoying fireworks.

• Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers and apply a ceremonial tilak on their foreheads, while brothers give gifts in return. 

• Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and neighbouring states. Devotees observe strict fasting and offer prayers to the Sun God at sunrise and sunset. 

• Kartik Purnima

Kartik Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartik month. Many devotees take a holy dip in rivers, visit temples, and perform prayers. The festival is observed in several states, including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

• Guru Nanak Jayanti

This day celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Gurudwaras hold Akhand Path, Nagar Kirtans, and langar during the celebrations. It is one of the major national holidays in November observed across many parts of India.

Holidays in November 2026 offer several long weekend opportunities across India. While some long weekends are available nationwide, others are specific to certain states because of regional holidays. 

Here’s a list of possible long weekend holidays in November 2026 so that you can plan your travel in advance to enjoy a short getaway during these breaks:

November is a month of pleasant weather across India, making it the best month for travel and short vacations. School holidays in November often cover Choti Diwali, Diwali, and Bhai Dooj, giving children a break of around 3-6 days. 

You can combine these with other regional holidays in November to plan a vacation or a family trip. Here are some of the best places to visit during holidays in November 2026:

• Jaipur

Visiting Jaipur in November is a good idea because temperatures are comfortable enough for exploring attractions like the Amber Fort, City Palace, and the famous Hawa Mahal. You can also go shopping for traditional Rajasthani artwork, textiles, and bangles at the Johri Bazar. 

• Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is one of the best places to visit during the holidays in November as the annual Rann Utsav begins during this time. You can experience Gujarat's folk culture through music, dance, and handicrafts, explore the white salt desert, enjoy camel rides, and try traditional Gujarati dishes. 

• Varanasi

If you're visiting Varanasi in November, you can watch devotees gather at the ghats for Chhath Puja and see the city illuminated during Dev Deepawali, when thousands of earthen lamps are lit along the banks of the Ganges. You can also take an early morning boat ride and visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath. 

• Amritsar

Amritsar is one of the best places to visit in November, especially around Guru Nanak Jayanti. The Golden Temple is beautifully illuminated during the celebrations, and visitors can take part in Nagar Kirtans, community langar, and prayers.

• Goa

Goa is one of the best beach destinations to visit in November after the monsoon season. The pleasant weather is ideal for relaxing on beaches, exploring water sports, visiting Portuguese-era churches, and enjoying the state's vibrant nightlife.