Your 2026 Holiday Handbook: Unveiling Tamil Nadu's Public Holidays!

There’s just something exciting, isn't there, about getting a peek at the upcoming year's holiday calendar? It’s like finding a treasure map, hinting at all the possibilities for mini-vacations, family time, or simply a well-deserved break from the daily grind. For all of us living and working in Tamil Nadu, 2026 promises a good mix of cultural celebrations and national observances, ensuring we all get some precious time off. So, grab a pen and let's dive into the full list of public holidays!

It's worth noting, right from the start, that these public holidays are observed consistently across the entire state. So, whether you're bustling through Chennai, enjoying the cooler climes of Coimbatore, or soaking in the history of Madurai, these dates apply to you. This makes planning collective family trips or get-togethers so much easier – no more worrying about different city schedules!

Kicking off the year, as tradition holds, we'll ease into things with New Year's Day on January 1st, 2026 (Thursday). A fresh start, indeed! Shortly after, January truly shines with a series of beloved festivals. We'll celebrate Pongal on January 15th (Thursday), followed by Thiruvalluvar Day on January 16th (Friday), and then Uzhavar Thirunal (Farmers' Festival) on January 17th (Saturday). What a fantastic way to enjoy a super long weekend, wouldn't you agree? Later that month, Republic Day falls on January 26th (Monday), giving us another great three-day stretch.

As we head into the spring, Good Friday is scheduled for April 3rd (Friday), which, coupled with the weekend, always makes for a nice break. Then, a few weeks later, we have the very important Tamil New Year's Day, celebrated alongside Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Birthday, both falling on April 14th (Tuesday). That's a mid-week breather right there. And of course, May Day (International Labour Day) gives us a break on May 1st (Friday), setting up another lovely long weekend for everyone.

Mid-year, the always significant Independence Day will be observed on August 15th (Saturday), a moment for national pride and reflection. As the calendar pages turn towards autumn, Krishna Jayanthi arrives on August 17th (Monday), giving us yet another opportunity for a long weekend. Then, Vinayagar Chathurthi is on September 14th (Monday), offering another great chance to extend your weekend plans. And, of course, the universally observed Gandhi Jayanthi will be on October 2nd (Friday), perfect for some peaceful reflection or a quick getaway.

The festive spirit truly picks up in October with Ayudha Pooja on October 20th (Tuesday), quickly followed by Vijayadasami on October 21st (Wednesday). These two holidays are always wonderful for cultural celebrations and family gatherings. As we move into November, Milad-un-Nabi is scheduled for November 1st (Sunday). The much-anticipated festival of lights, Diwali, falls on November 18th (Wednesday), promising joy and festivities for all. And finally, rounding out the year with warmth and cheer, Christmas will be celebrated on December 25th (Friday), perfectly timed for a relaxing long weekend before the year wraps up.

So, there you have it – your complete guide to Tamil Nadu's public holidays in 2026. With this list in hand, you can start dreaming up those family trips, planning festive gatherings, or simply scheduling some much-needed personal time. Happy planning, everyone!