For the industrious and enterprising people of Gujarat, meticulous planning is a way of life. An essential component of this planning is the official bank holiday list and schedule for 2026. Whether you are a businessperson in Ahmedabad, a professional in Surat, or a resident of Vadodara, being aware of the days when banks are closed is critical for managing finances, planning business transactions, and celebrating the state’s rich tapestry of festivals. This guide provides the complete and official list of bank holidays in Gujarat for 2026, helping you to schedule your year with precision and ease.
Quick Answer
The official 2026 bank holiday list for Gujarat includes national holidays and major regional festivals like Uttarayan, Holi, Janmashtami, and an extensive break for Diwali. This schedule, approved by the state government and RBI, is crucial for financial planning, managing business operations, and scheduling personal leaves across the state of Gujarat throughout the year.
Understanding Bank Holidays in Gujarat
The bank holiday calendar in Gujarat is a reflection of its unique cultural and economic landscape. Declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the list is a composite of national holidays, state-specific festivals, and important jayantis. The highlight of the Gujarati calendar is the five-day-long Diwali festival, which is the most important holiday period in the state, often including the Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas). Other significant holidays include Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan), renowned for its kite-flying festivities, Holi, and Janmashtami. For a state known for its vibrant commerce and trade, these holidays are crucial dates around which financial markets, businesses, and individuals organise their activities.
Official Gujarat Bank Holiday List for 2026
To ensure you are well-prepared for the year ahead, here is the anticipated list of official bank holidays in Gujarat for 2026. Keep in mind that dates for some festivals are subject to the lunar calendar and official announcements.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 14 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti / Uttarayan |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| March 6 | Friday | Mahashivratri |
| March 21 | Saturday | Holi (Second Day – Dhuleti) |
| April 1 | Wednesday | Annual Closing of Bank Accounts |
| April 2 | Thursday | Ram Navami |
| April 6 | Monday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti |
| May 1 | Friday | Gujarat Sthapana Divas / May Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Ramzan-Id (Id-ul-Fitr) |
| August 1 | Saturday | Bakri Id (Id-ul-Adha) |
| August 3 | Monday | Raksha Bandhan |
| August 12 | Wednesday | Janmashtami |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| October 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 24 | Saturday | Dussehra |
| October 30 | Friday | Id-e-Milad |
| November 13 | Friday | Dhanteras |
| November 14 | Saturday | Diwali / Kali Chaudas |
| November 15 | Sunday | Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) |
| November 16 | Monday | Bhai Beej |
| November 30 | Monday | Guru Nanak Jayanti / Dev Diwali |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas |
Advantages of Planning with the Gujarat Holiday Calendar
Strategically using the bank holiday schedule can offer numerous benefits:
- Prudent Financial Management: Knowing the holiday dates, especially the long Diwali break, allows you to plan cash withdrawals, deposits, and other banking needs in advance, ensuring liquidity for festive expenses.
- Smart Vacation Planning: The 2026 calendar offers several long weekends. You can plan trips to explore the Rann of Kutch, the Gir National Park, or the state’s many historical sites. To plan your road trips, you can check the driving distance from Ahmedabad to Vadodara.
- Smooth Business Transactions: Gujarat is a major business hub. Companies can schedule their payments, manage their supply chains, and align their financial reporting around non-banking days to maintain efficiency.
- Timely Investments: For those active in the stock market, being aware of bank holidays is crucial for planning fund transfers to and from trading accounts.
- Enjoying Festivals: Advance knowledge of festival dates like Uttarayan and Janmashtami helps in planning family gatherings and participating in cultural events without any work-related stress. For more ideas, explore the list of famous sweets of Gujarat to enjoy during these festivals.
Why is the Diwali period a long holiday in Gujarat?
Diwali is the most significant festival in Gujarat, culminating in the Gujarati New Year, known as ‘Bestu Varas’ or ‘Varsha Pratipada’. The holidays often span from Dhanteras to Bhai Beej, creating a festive period of five days. This extended break is deeply embedded in the culture, allowing for religious rituals, family visits, and the start of a new financial year for businesses, making it the most important holiday block in the state.
How to Leverage Long Weekends in 2026
Gujaratis can look forward to several long weekends in 2026. Republic Day and Raksha Bandhan fall on a Monday. Mahashivratri, Gandhi Jayanti, Dhanteras, and Christmas are on Fridays. These extended breaks are perfect for short vacations. You can plan a spiritual trip to Dwarka and Somnath or a relaxing getaway to the polo forest. By planning ahead, you can secure better deals on travel and accommodation, making your holidays more enjoyable and affordable.
Are bank holidays uniform across Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot?
Yes, the bank holidays declared by the Government of Gujarat apply uniformly across the entire state. All cities, including major commercial centres like Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara, will observe the same holiday schedule. This ensures consistency in banking and commercial activities throughout Gujarat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a well-planned year, steer clear of these common errors:
- Forgetting the Bank Account Closing Day: April 1st is a holiday for public transactions, although bank staff are working. Plan your banking needs for the last week of March accordingly.
- Underestimating Uttarayan Rush: While Uttarayan is a joyous festival, it’s also a busy time. Ensure your banking is done beforehand as the city gets absorbed in kite flying.
- Ignoring Cheque Processing Time: A cheque deposited just before the Diwali holidays will take a significantly longer time to clear. Account for this in your payment schedules.
- Mixing up regional holidays: Holidays like Gujarat Sthapana Divas are specific to the state. When dealing with businesses outside Gujarat, be aware that it will be a working day for them.
- Last-Minute ATM Visits: During major festivals like Diwali and Navratri, ATMs can run out of cash due to high demand. It is always better to withdraw cash a few days in advance.
Conclusion
The 2026 official bank holiday list for Gujarat is an invaluable resource for every resident. It empowers you to plan your finances, business activities, and personal life with confidence and foresight. By marking this schedule and planning around it, you can seamlessly blend your professional responsibilities with the vibrant cultural festivities of Gujarat. Keep this guide handy to make 2026 a productive, prosperous, and joyous year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bestu Varas?
Bestu Varas is the Gujarati New Year, which is celebrated the day after Diwali. It marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar year ‘Kartik’ in Gujarat. On this day, people visit temples, meet relatives, and businesses traditionally open new account books (Chopda Pujan).
Is Gujarat Sthapana Divas a bank holiday?
Yes, May 1st is celebrated as Gujarat Sthapana Divas or Gujarat Foundation Day, marking the formation of the state in 1960. It is a public and bank holiday in Gujarat and is also observed as International Worker’s Day.
Can I use online banking during the Diwali holidays?
Absolutely. Digital banking services like UPI, IMPS, Net Banking, and Mobile Banking are available 24/7, including during the long Diwali holidays. You can transfer money and make payments anytime, but transactions like cheque clearing will only be processed after the banks reopen.
Are banks closed on all Saturdays in Gujarat?
No, following the national directive, banks in Gujarat are closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. The first, third, and fifth Saturdays are regular working days for banks.
How is Janmashtami celebrated in Gujarat?
Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great fervour, especially in Dwarka, which is believed to be his ancient kingdom. The festival involves fasting, midnight prayers, and the ‘Dahi Handi’ ritual. It is a major bank holiday in the state.