September is one of the best months for travel and short breaks in India. There are several religious festivals, regional celebrations, and bank holidays across different states. With a mix of weekends and holidays in September, you get opportunities to plan family vacations, spiritual trips, or quick weekend getaways. If you are planning your travel this month, knowing the holidays in September 2026 can help you make the most of it.

September 2026 has a few important public holidays that are observed in many parts of India. Here’s a list of public holidays in September:

Note: Restricted holidays are optional for central government employees. State-specific holidays may vary. Always verify with your employer or the local government calendar.

Banks across India remain closed on national holidays in September, on regional festival days, on Sundays, and on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Here’s a detailed list of bank holidays in September 2026:

Note: Kindly note (*) marked holidays are regional or restricted, therefore you must verify the bank holidays in September for your state.

There are several local festivals and cultural celebrations observed in September 2026 in different parts of the country. Some of the important regional holidays in September 2026 include:

September is packed with religious and cultural festivals celebrated across India. These occasions bring communities together and are often marked by prayers, cultural events, traditional food, and family gatherings. Some of the important regional festivals in September 2026 include:

• Janmashtami – 4 September 2026 (Friday)

Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. On this day, devotees visit temples, observe fasts, and participate in devotional singing and cultural programs. The festival is widely celebrated across northern and western India.

• Ganesh Chaturthi – 14 September 2026 (Monday)

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The festival is especially popular in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. This festival is celebrated by installing Ganesh idols at homes and public pandals and performing prayers.

• Nuakhai – 15 September 2026 (Tuesday)

Nuakhai is an important harvest festival celebrated in Odisha and nearby regions. Farmers offering the first grain of the harvest to deities before consuming it is the main ritual of this festival.

• Samvatsari – 15 September 2026 (Tuesday)

Samvatsari is one of the most significant festivals in Jainism. It focuses on forgiveness, self-reflection, and spiritual growth.

• Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi Day – 21 September 2026 (Monday)

This festival is mainly celebrated in Kerala. This day honours the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru and his contributions to equality and education.

• Karma Puja – 22 September 2026 (Tuesday)

Karma Puja is celebrated by tribal communities, particularly in Jharkhand and nearby regions. The festival is associated with nature, prosperity, and family well-being.

September 2026 offers a few excellent opportunities for short vacations and family trips. By planning your leave smartly, you can enjoy longer breaks without using many leave days. Here’s a detailed list of all long weekends in September 2026:

• Long Weekend 1

  • Friday, 4th September – Janmashtami

  • Saturday, 5th September

  • Sunday, 6th September

• Long Weekend 2

  • Saturday, 12th September

  • Sunday, 13th September

  • Monday, 14th September – Ganesh Chaturthi

September is marked by pleasant weather in many parts of India, making this month a good time to plan a visit to your favourite destination. Here are some excellent destinations to consider during holidays in September 2026, India:

• Munnar, Kerala

September is a beautiful time to visit Munnar. Tea plantations appear greener after the monsoon, and the cool weather makes sightseeing comfortable.

• Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg in Karnataka is known for its coffee estates and waterfalls. The place looks especially scenic during September. If you are a nature lover, you can enjoy trekking and plantation tours.

• Udaipur, Rajasthan

The lakes of Udaipur become more beautiful after the rains. The weather is also relatively cooler compared to the summer months.

• Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong offers misty hills, waterfalls, and pleasant temperatures during September. It is a great destination, especially if you are a nature enthusiast.

• Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

September is among the last months to witness the famous Valley of Flowers in full bloom before the season ends.

• Lonavala, Maharashtra

The hills and waterfalls around Lonavala are at their best during and after the monsoon season, making it a popular weekend destination.

• Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling offers stunning mountain views, tea gardens, and pleasant weather in September. It is ideal whether you are travelling solo or with family. or your partner. 

• Ooty, Tamil Nadu

The cool climate and beautiful gardens of Ooty make it an excellent destination for a September holiday.