Odisha Public Holidays 2026 – 2027 Complete Holiday Calendar for Government & Festivals
Odisha Public Holidays 2026 : Odisha, one of India’s culturally rich eastern states, celebrates a mix of national observances, regional festivals, and traditional holidays every year. In 2026, the state government has officially announced its annual holiday calendar well in advance, allowing residents, students, businesses, and government employees to plan their year effectively. This list includes all major public holidays, along with festive days that hold social and cultural importance in the state.
Whether you’re arranging a family trip, scheduling school vacations, or planning work commitments, this guide gives you the best overview of Odisha’s holidays in 2026.
Odisha Public Holidays 2026 – Official List
| Date | Day | Holiday/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan 2026 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti – Harvest Festival |
| 23 Jan 2026 | Friday | Subash Chandra Bose Jayanti / Vir Surendra Sai Jayanti / Basanta Panchami |
| 26 Jan 2026 | Monday | Republic Day – National Holiday |
| 3 Mar 2026 | Tuesday | Dola Purnima – Color Festival |
| 4 Mar 2026 | Wednesday | Holi – Festival of Colors |
| 21 Mar 2026 | Saturday | Eid-ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| 27 Mar 2026 | Friday | Shri Rama Navami |
| 1 Apr 2026 | Wednesday | Utkal Divas (Odisha Day) |
| 3 Apr 2026 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 14 Apr 2026 | Tuesday | Maha Vishuva Sankranti & Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | Buddha Purnima / Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s Birthday |
| 16 May 2026 | Saturday | Sabitri Amabasya |
| 27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) |
| 15 Jun 2026 | Monday | Raja Sankranti |
| 26 Jun 2026 | Friday | Muharram |
| 16 Jul 2026 | Thursday | Ratha Yatra |
| 15 Aug 2026 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| 26 Aug 2026 | Wednesday | Birthday of Prophet Muhammad |
| 27 Aug 2026 | Thursday | Jhulan Purnima |
| 4 Sep 2026 | Friday | Janmashtami |
| 14 Sep 2026 | Monday | Ganesh Puja |
| 15 Sep 2026 | Tuesday | Nuakhai |
| 16 Sep 2026 | Wednesday | Day Following Nuakhai |
| 2 Oct 2026 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| 17 Oct 2026 | Saturday | Maha Saptami |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Monday | Maha Nabami |
| 20 Oct 2026 | Tuesday | Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) |
| 24 Nov 2026 | Tuesday | Rasa Purnima |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Understanding the Key Odisha Public Holidays 2026
👉 Regional & Cultural Holidays
- Utkal Divas (1 Apr): Marks the formation of the state of Odisha and celebrates Odia culture and heritage.
- Nuakhai (15–16 Sep): A traditional harvest celebration where families gather to offer the first produce to the deities before partaking in feasts.
- Ratha Yatra (16 Jul): A revered chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
👉 National & Religious Holidays
- Republic Day (26 Jan): Honors the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
- Independence Day (15 Aug) & Gandhi Jayanti (2 Oct): Patriotic observances celebrated nationwide.
- Eid & Other Festival Days: Islamic holidays like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Zuha are included; dates may vary with moon sightings.
Optional & Miscellaneous Holidays
In addition to the main public holiday list, the Odisha government also allows optional holidays on certain commemorative or cultural days. These are days when employees may choose a leave based on personal or community observance. Examples include:
- Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday
- Bahuda Yatra
- Prathamastami
- Christmas Eve
Such optional holidays give flexibility for people to observe festivals important to their faith or culture.
Tips for Planning in Odisha Public Holidays 2026
- Schools and Colleges: Many educational institutions align their vacation schedules with this holiday calendar.
- Festive Travel: Holidays like Holi, Ratha Yatra and Nuakhai are popular travel periods — plan tickets and stays early.
- Work Scheduling: Government and public sector offices close on these dates; private companies often follow suit.
Why Odisha’s Holiday Calendar Matters
Odisha’s holiday list is more than just days off — it reflects the state’s cultural fabric and secular spirit, honoring both traditional Odia celebrations and national moments of importance. From the harvest joy of Makar Sankranti to the cultural pride of Utkal Divas, 2026 brings a balanced blend of festivities and official observances for everyone.