Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It has a number of hill stations, including Dharamsala, Dalhousie and the state's capital Shimla. In fact, tourists visiting Himachal can get a host of exhilarating experience including ice skating, horse riding, paragliding and rafting.
There are a variety of languages spoken in Himachal Pradesh, including Pahari, Hindi, Kinnauri and Mandyali. Himachal Pradesh is extremely popular for handicrafts. In fact weaving with hands including making of shawls and carpets is very popular. Other handicrafts including those on wood and paper are also famous.
Travel in Himachal Pradesh is mostly done by roads, though the terrain makes travel a time consuming affair. The government is doing its utmost to improve transport in the region, but, the same being hilly, it makes the job more difficult.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 09 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| January 23 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| January 25 | Monday |
State Day
|
| January 26 | Tuesday |
Republic Day
|
| February 13 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| February 27 | Saturday |
Guru Ravidas Jayanti
|
| March 11 | Thursday |
Maha Shivaratri
|
| March 13 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| March 27 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| March 29 | Monday |
Holi
|
| April 02 | Friday |
Good Friday
|
| April 10 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| April 14 | Wednesday |
Dr Ambedkar Jayanti
|
| April 15 | Thursday |
Himachal Day
|
| April 21 | Wednesday | |
| April 24 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| May 08 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| May 13 | Thursday |
Idul Fitr
|
| May 14 | Friday |
Maharshi Parasuram Jayanti
|
| May 22 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| May 26 | Wednesday |
Buddha Purnima
|
| June 12 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| June 13 | Sunday |
Maharana Pratap Jayanti
|
| June 24 | Thursday |
Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti
|
| June 26 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| July 10 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| July 20 | Tuesday |
Bakrid / Eid al Adha
|
| July 21 | Wednesday |
Bakrid / Eid al Adha
|
| July 24 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| August 14 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| August 15 | Sunday |
Independence Day
|
| August 19 | Thursday |
Muharram
|
| August 28 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| August 30 | Monday |
Janmashtami
|
| September 11 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| September 25 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| October 02 | Saturday |
Gandhi Jayanti
|
| October 09 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| October 15 | Friday |
Vijaya Dashami
|
| October 20 | Wednesday |
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti
|
| October 23 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| November 04 | Thursday |
Diwali
|
| November 13 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| November 19 | Friday |
Guru Nanak Jayanti
|
| November 27 | Saturday |
Fourth Saturday
|
| December 11 | Saturday |
Second Saturday
|
| December 25 | Saturday |
Christmas Day
|

Why are banks closed on Second and Fourth Saturdays in Himachal Pradesh?
Are all banks in Himachal Pradesh closed on the same holidays?
Can I withdraw cash or use UPI during a bank holiday in Himachal Pradesh?
Does cheque clearing work on a bank holiday in Himachal Pradesh?
Are there bank holidays observed only in Himachal Pradesh?
Are stock markets also closed on bank holidays in Himachal Pradesh?
Are post offices also closed on bank holidays in Himachal Pradesh?
What is the difference between RBI bank holidays and Himachal Pradesh-specific bank holidays?
October 26, 2026, is a Monday in Himachal Pradesh. The day is marked as Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. Offices and schools stay shut. This Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti bank holiday helps people join prayers.
It also honours the sage’s place in Indian tradition and reminds families of stories linked to the Ramayana.Valmiki is seen as the first poet in Sanskrit. He is credited with the Ramayana’s verses.
The Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti Himachal Pradesh bank holiday shows wisdom. It supports quiet time for worship. Cultural talks and readings highlight his message of duty and justice across towns, valleys, and villages.
23 October 2026On October 24, 2026, Saturday, banks shut in Himachal Pradesh. The closure marks the Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday. Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday Himachal Pradesh bank holiday is noted. Many branches pause cash service and clearing for local customers.
Customers may use ATMs and digital apps. Some counters stay closed today.This Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday supports routine banking order. It gives staff time for audits. Plan deposits, cheques, and loan visits early.
Online transfers may still run. Still, some settlement may wait. The day is part of India’s fixed weekend bank breaks. It keeps services steady across branches.
21 October 2026On October 20, 2026, Tuesday, Himachal Pradesh observes Vijaya Dashami. This day marks the victory of good over evil. Many families remember Lord Rama’s return and Ravana’s defeat. It also ends Navratri prayers.
News readers may note a Vijaya Dashami bank holiday for state services and some offices close early.For banking, the Vijaya Dashami Himachal Pradesh bank holiday matters. Branches may stay shut across the state.
Cash counters and cheque clearing can pause. Online banking usually runs as normal. The festival is seen with fairs and Ramlila shows. It honours courage, duty, and truth in daily life for all.
17 October 2026October 10, 2026 falls on a Saturday in Himachal Pradesh. It is marked as the Second Saturday Bank Holiday. Most bank branches stay shut that day. Cash counters and in-branch services pause.
Online banking and ATMs usually work normally across India. This schedule follows common rules for public banking hours.It is the Second Saturday Bank Holiday Himachal Pradesh bank holiday. It gives staff a weekly break.
It helps banks run back-office work. Cheque clearing may slow for the day. Plan cash needs before Saturday. The Second Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday is fixed. It is followed in many states.
7 October 2026October 2, 2026 falls on Friday in Himachal Pradesh. It marks Gandhi Jayanti, India’s national day of honour. The date recalls Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. He led India’s freedom struggle with truth.
His message of non-violence still guides public life. Many schools and offices hold simple tributes across the state today.For banking customers, it is a planned closure. Gandhi Jayanti Himachal Pradesh bank holiday rules apply statewide.
A Gandhi Jayanti bank holiday supports national remembrance. Services may resume next working day. Gandhi’s ideals of peace and equality are highlighted. The holiday also respects public ceremonies and quiet reflection in India.
1 October 2026The nationwide bank strike scheduled for September 28–30, 2026, has been deferred following late-night discussions between the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). As a result, public sector banks and regional rural banks will operate normally during these three days, allowing customers to complete their banking transactions ahead of the September 30 half-yearly closing without disruption.
28 September 2026September 26, 2026, is a Saturday in Himachal Pradesh. It is the Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday Himachal Pradesh bank holiday. Most bank branches stay shut that day. The pause gives staff rest and time for checks.
People may use ATMs and online banking. Some services may run slower over weekends.This is a Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday. Such dates are fixed each month in India.
While not a festival, the day has public value. It helps keep banking hours steady and secure. Many people plan cash needs early. Digital payments often work over the weekend for basic bills.
23 September 2026September 12, 2026 falls on a Saturday in Himachal Pradesh. It is marked as the Second Saturday Bank Holiday. Many bank branches stay closed. Cheque clearing and some counters pause.
Digital banking works as usual. The day helps staff rest and keeps schedules uniform across the state and some offices.For news readers, this Second Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday matters.
It guides cash planning and bill dates. In hills, travel may rise on weekends, during busy season. The Second Saturday Bank Holiday Himachal Pradesh bank holiday aids breaks. It honours fair labour practice in the banking system for all.
12 September 2026September 4, 2026, falls on a Friday in Himachal Pradesh. Banks and many offices will observe a Janmashtami bank holiday. This notice helps people plan cash needs and branch visits.
Digital services may run, yet counters and clearing work can pause. Check local hours, as some branches follow district orders.Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Homes hold prayers, songs, and fasts.
Temples stage Jhankis and midnight aarti. The Janmashtami Himachal Pradesh bank holiday reflects respect for faith. It also supports travel to shrines and family gatherings. Markets may stay busy. Bank desks stay shut for the day too.
12 September 2026August 22, 2026 is a Saturday in Himachal Pradesh. Banks will remain closed for the Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday. This monthly rest day supports bank staff and system checks. It also helps customers plan cash needs and digital payments.
Only ATMs and online services may work during usual banking hours.On this Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday Himachal Pradesh bank holiday, branches in towns and hills shut. The Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday bank holiday is part of RBI norms.
It keeps a work cycle. People can still use UPI, cards, and mobile apps. Cheque clearing and counter service resume next day.
12 September 2026August 15, 2026, falls on a Saturday in Himachal Pradesh. The day marks India’s Independence Day, a key national festival. It honours freedom won in 1947. Many offices and schools observe special events.
People remember leaders, raise the Tricolour, and sing patriotic songs. Parades and speeches add pride across towns.With the Independence Day bank holiday, banks may stay shut. In Himachal Pradesh, lists note this as a bank holiday.
The tag used is Independence Day Himachal Pradesh bank holiday. Customers may plan cash needs and easy digital payments. This public holiday brings flag hoisting and tributes across the state.
12 September 2026