Goa, India’s beautiful coastal state, is famous for its lively culture, stunning beaches, and unique festivals. To make the most of your year in this vibrant state, it’s essential to be aware of the 2026 bank holiday schedule. This list is crucial not only for residents managing their financial tasks but also for tourists planning their visits. On these official holidays, all public and private sector banks in Goa will be closed. This guide provides a complete calendar to help you plan your work, finances, and leisure time effectively.
Quick Answer
The 2026 bank holidays in Goa include national holidays like Republic Day (Jan 26) and Independence Day (Aug 15). Key state-specific holidays are Goa Liberation Day (Dec 19), Feast of St. Francis Xavier (Dec 3), and Ganesh Chaturthi. Banks will also be closed on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Understanding Bank Holidays in Goa
Bank holidays in Goa are a unique mix, reflecting its rich history and diverse culture. The holidays are generally categorized as follows:
- National Holidays: These are observed across India and include Republic Day, Independence Day, and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.
- State-Specific Holidays: These celebrate Goa’s distinct heritage, including Christian festivals, Hindu celebrations, and important historical dates like Goa Liberation Day.
- Standard Bank Closures: Following RBI rules, all banks in Goa are closed every Sunday, as well as on the second and fourth Saturday of every month.
The following list details the gazetted bank holidays for Goa in 2026. Please be aware that dates for some festivals may vary based on lunar or religious calendars.
Goa Bank Holiday Calendar for 2026
Here is the anticipated month-by-month schedule of bank holidays in Goa for the year 2026.
January 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
February 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| February 18 | Wednesday | Carnival |
| February 26 | Thursday | Maha Shivaratri |
March 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| March 6 | Friday | Holi / Shigmo |
| March 21 | Saturday | Gudi Padwa |
April 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| April 1 | Wednesday | Annual Closing of Bank Accounts |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| April 21* | Tuesday | Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramzan) |
*Festival dates are tentative and subject to the sighting of the moon.
May 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| May 1 | Friday | Maharashtra Day / May Day |
| May 4 | Monday | Buddha Purnima |
June 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| June 28* | Sunday | Bakrid / Eid al-Adha |
August 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 29 | Saturday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| August 30 | Sunday | Ganesh Chaturthi (Second Day) |
October 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| October 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 23 | Friday | Dussehra |
November 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
December 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| December 3 | Thursday | Feast of St. Francis Xavier |
| December 19 | Saturday | Goa Liberation Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas |
Highlights of Goa’s Unique Holidays
- Goa Liberation Day (December 19): This day commemorates the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961 by the Indian Armed Forces. It is the most significant state holiday, celebrated with official ceremonies and parades. This historical event is a key part of the story of how Indian states got their names and identities.
- Feast of St. Francis Xavier (December 3): A major religious holiday for the Christian community, this day honors St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. Pilgrims from all over the world visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where his mortal remains are kept.
- Goa Carnival: Held in February before Lent, the Carnival is a vibrant four-day festival filled with colourful parades, music, dancing, and floats. While not a statewide bank holiday for all days, the main day is often a holiday in many areas.
- Ganesh Chaturthi: Known as ‘Chavath’ in Konkani, this is one of the most important Hindu festivals in Goa. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with families installing clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes.
Using Digital Banking During Holidays
On bank holidays, physical banking services are unavailable. However, you can use digital channels for most of your needs:
- ATMs: For withdrawing cash.
- Mobile Banking/Net Banking: To transfer funds via IMPS/NEFT, pay bills, and manage your account.
- UPI Payments: For instant transactions at shops and to individuals.
Keeping track of these dates ensures you can manage your finances smoothly while also participating in or planning around Goa’s unique cultural events. For comparison, you can also explore the holiday schedule of a neighboring state like the 2026 bank holidays in Maharashtra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Goa Liberation Day?
Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19th every year. It marks the day in 1961 when Goa was liberated from 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule and became a part of India. It is the most important state holiday in Goa.
Are banks closed during the Goa Carnival?
While the Goa Carnival is a major four-day event, bank holidays are typically declared only for one specific day of the festival, usually on a Monday or Tuesday of the Carnival week. It is not a holiday for the entire duration of the festivities.
Why is the Feast of St. Francis Xavier a holiday in Goa?
St. Francis Xavier is the patron saint of Goa. The feast on December 3rd is a major religious observance for the large Christian population in the state. It commemorates the death of the saint, whose relics are preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa.
Is Ganesh Chaturthi a big festival in Goa?
Yes, Ganesh Chaturthi, locally known as Chavath, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated in Goa. It involves the worship of Lord Ganesha’s idols in homes and public pandals. Banks are closed for at least one or two days during this festival.
Are all Saturdays bank holidays in Goa?
No. In Goa, as in the rest of India, banks are only closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The first, third, and any fifth Saturday of the month are regular working days for all banks.