Assam, a land of vibrant culture, lush tea gardens, and rich biodiversity, celebrates a unique set of festivals and holidays that reflect its distinct heritage. Planning your year, whether for work, travel, or personal commitments, requires a clear understanding of the public holiday schedule. This comprehensive list of 2026 public holidays in Assam will help you stay prepared. These are days when government offices, schools, and most businesses remain closed, allowing everyone to partake in the state’s rich cultural festivities.
Quick Answer
The 2026 public holidays in Assam include national holidays like Republic Day (Jan 26), Independence Day (Aug 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2). The most significant state-specific holidays are the three Bihu festivals: Bhogali Bihu in January, Rongali Bihu in April, and Kati Bihu in October. Other key holidays include Durga Puja and Srimanta Sankardeva Tithi.
Understanding Public Holidays in Assam
Public holidays in Assam are declared by the state government and fall into a few main categories:
- National Holidays: Celebrated across India, these include Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
- State Festivals (Bihu): The Bihu festivals are the heart of Assamese culture and are the most important public holidays in the state.
- Religious Holidays: These include holidays for major religions, celebrating festivals like Durga Puja, Eid, Christmas, and the birth anniversaries of revered saints like Srimanta Sankardeva.
- Government-Designated Holidays: These may include anniversaries of important historical events or figures specific to Assam.
Please note that some festival dates are based on the lunar calendar and may be subject to change. It is always a good idea to verify the dates closer to the time.
Complete List of Assam Public Holidays in 2026
Here is the month-by-month list of expected public holidays in Assam for the year 2026.
January 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 14 | Wednesday | Bhogali Bihu / Uruka |
| January 15 | Thursday | Magh Bihu |
| January 23 | Friday | Netaji’s Birthday |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
February 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| February 26 | Thursday | Maha Shivaratri |
March 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| March 6 | Friday | Holi / Dol Jatra |
April 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Rongali Bihu / Assamese New Year |
| April 15 | Wednesday | Rongali Bihu |
| April 21* | Tuesday | Eid-ul-Fitr |
*Festival dates based on the lunar calendar are subject to change based on moon sightings.
May 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| May 1 | Friday | May Day |
| May 4 | Monday | Buddha Purnima |
June 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| June 28* | Sunday | Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) |
July 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| July 27* | Monday | Muharram |
August 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 20 | Thursday | Tithi of Srimanta Sankardeva |
October 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| October 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 18 | Sunday | Kati Bihu |
| October 20 | Tuesday | Durga Puja (Saptami) |
| October 21 | Wednesday | Durga Puja (Ashtami) |
| October 22 | Thursday | Durga Puja (Navami) |
| October 23 | Friday | Vijayadashami (Dussehra) |
November 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Diwali (Kali Puja) |
| November 25 | Wednesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti |
December 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
The Significance of Bihu Festivals
The Bihu festivals are the most important cultural celebrations in Assam and are tied to the agricultural cycle.
- Bhogali or Magh Bihu (January): This is the harvest festival. It is celebrated with community feasts (Uruka), bonfires (Meji), and traditional games.
- Rongali or Bohag Bihu (April): This marks the Assamese New Year and the onset of spring. It is the most vibrant of the three Bihus, celebrated with folk songs, Bihu dance, and the exchange of traditional gamusas.
- Kati or Kongali Bihu (October): This is a more sombre festival, marking the time of empty granaries and the planting of new rice saplings. Lamps are lit in paddy fields to protect the crops and guide souls.
These festivals are integral to the state’s identity, much like how each state has a unique story behind its name, as detailed in guides on how Indian states got their names. Similarly, different states have their own set of holidays; for instance, you can find a separate holiday list for Bihar which will differ from Assam’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three Bihu festivals in Assam?
The three Bihu festivals are Rongali (or Bohag) Bihu in April, which celebrates the Assamese New Year; Kati (or Kongali) Bihu in October, which is a more reflective occasion tied to the crops; and Bhogali (or Magh) Bihu in January, which is the post-harvest festival of feasts.
Is Durga Puja a major holiday in Assam?
Yes, Durga Puja is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Assam, especially in the Barak Valley and urban areas. It is observed with several consecutive public holidays, allowing for grand celebrations with pandals, cultural programs, and feasts.
Who is Srimanta Sankardeva?
Srimanta Sankardeva was a 15th-16th century saint-scholar, poet, and social-religious reformer who is a revered figure in Assam. He created a new form of Vaishnavism and is credited with developing Assamese music, dance (Sattriya), and theatre. His birth and death anniversaries (tithis) are observed as public holidays.
Are bank holidays the same as public holidays in Assam?
Most public holidays are also bank holidays. However, there can be some differences. For instance, the ‘Annual Closing of Bank Accounts’ on April 1st is a bank holiday but not a general public holiday. It is best to check a specific bank holiday list for banking-related plans.
How can I stay updated on the holiday list?
The official list of public holidays is announced by the Government of Assam’s General Administration Department towards the end of the previous year. You can check the official government website for the final gazetted notification to stay updated on any changes or additions.