August 2026 will see several important national and religious holidays in India, giving people a chance to celebrate cultural traditions and spend time with their families. The month includes three major occasions, Independence Day, Milad-un-Nabi and Raksha Bandhan, which are widely observed in different parts of the country.While holiday timings may vary based on state government notifications and organizational calendars, these occasions are expected to result in the closure of government offices, banks, educational institutions and various private establishments. Students can consult the list of August holidays in their school diaries.
Independence Day to start the holiday calendar
The first major holiday in August falls on August 15 (Saturday), when the country will celebrate its 80th Independence Day. The day commemorates India’s freedom from British rule in 1947 and is marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, parades and patriotic events across the country.Government offices, banks, educational institutions and various private establishments are expected to remain closed on this occasion, subject to local notifications.
Milad-un-Nabi will be observed on August 26
The next crucial festival will be Milad-un-Nabi, which will take place on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The festival marks the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and is celebrated by the Muslim community through various prayers and celebrations. There may be chances of government, banks and other institutions having holidays in some states.
Raksha Bandhan falls on a Friday
The last crucial festival in the month of August will be Raksha Bandhan, which will fall on Friday, August 28, 2026. This festival will mark the relationship of brothers and sisters, and sisters will tie rakhi on their brother’s hand and pray for his safety.Many educational institutions, workplaces and other places of business may not have full business hours or may remain closed.
August 2026 Holidays – Checklist
Here is the list of holidays for August 2026:
Holiday hours may vary by state
The above list highlights the major holidays in August 2026. However, the final holiday schedule may vary across states and union territories as state governments notify various regional festivals and local celebrations separately.Employees, students and travelers are advised to consult the holiday calendar issued by their respective institutions or state authorities before planning work or official travel during the month.