When is Muharram Holiday in India? June 25 or 26? All You Need to Know About Muharram 2026 Date

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the most sacred periods in Islam. Muharram is observed for ten days, and the last day is called Ashura, which has huge importance for Muslims in India and across the world. Since the date of Ashura is based on moon sighting, the Muharram 2026 holiday may change and usually cause confusion.

Muharram 2026 Date in India

The crescent moon for Muharram 1448 is expected to be sighted around June 16 or 17. If the moon is sighted on June 16, then Ashura, the last day, will fall on June 25, Thursday. But if sighted on June 17, Ashura will be observed on June 26, Friday. The final date will be confirmed after the official moon sighting announcement.

If Ashura falls on June 26, Friday, it will create a long weekend, as Saturday and Sunday follow, making it a 3-day break for many.

When Is Muharram Holiday in India?

Yes. Muharram holiday is a gazetted holiday in India across most schools, colleges, banks, and other institutions.

Muharram 2026 Bank Holiday: Banks across India will be closed on Muharram. Both public and private sector banks observe this gazetted holiday. Customers are advised to complete important banking work before the Muharram bank holiday.

Muharram 2026 School Holiday: Schools and colleges in most states will be shut on Muharram. Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and other states include Muharram in their official academic holiday calendar. Private CBSE and ICSE schools generally follow the same gazetted holidays. Students should check their school's notice board for confirmation.

Muharram 2026 Stock Market Holiday: Trading on both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will be suspended for the day.

Muharram and Ashura Significance

In the Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar, Muharram is the first month and is considered the second holiest month in Islam after Ramadan. Ashura, which is the 10th day, has a strong religious significance, as on this day Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

How Is Muharram Observed in India?

It should be noted that Muharram is not a festival of happy celebration; it's a mourning festival.

Shia Muslims observe Muharram through processions, mourning, and recitation of elegies called "marsiya." Most of them wear black clothes as a sign of grief. Many families avoid celebrations, weddings, and entertainment during this period.

Sunni Muslims observe Ashura through fasting, offering prayers, and giving charity.

State-wise School Holiday on Muharram 2026

Karnataka / Bengaluru: Muharram is a gazetted holiday; government and aided schools follow the official Karnataka Department of School Education calendar.

Maharashtra / Mumbai: Schools observe Muharram holiday as per the state education directorate's holiday list.

Delhi: Muharram is listed under the official DoE holiday calendar for Delhi schools.

Telangana / Andhra Pradesh: Muharram is a general public holiday; schools remain closed.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan: Schools in these states also observe the Muharram holiday.