Telangana and Karnataka Announce 2026 Government Holidays for Dussehra and Deepawali
State government offices across Telangana and Karnataka are scheduled to observe multiple festival holidays from October to December 2026. During the month of Navratri and Dussehra, public departments in Telangana will mark Vijaya Dashami and the following day as general holidays. Similarly, Karnataka will observe major closures around Mahanavami and Vijayadasami.
Both states have also scheduled significant holidays throughout November and December 2026. Based on data sourced directly from the National Portal of India, here is the complete official holiday list for residents and state employees.
Telangana Government Holidays 2026
According to the National Portal of India, the Telangana state government has authorized several official holidays to mark national occasions and religious festivals during the last quarter of 2026. Citizens intending to visit state offices are strongly advised to coordinate their plans with this calendar and cross-check directly with the specific departments prior to their arrival.
Below is the complete schedule of holidays designated for Telangana from October to December 2026:
| October 2026 | November 2026 | December 2026 |
| October 2, 2026 (Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti) | November 8, 2026 (Deepawali) | December 24, 2026 (Christmas Eve) |
| October 18, 2026 (Saddula Bathukamma) | November 24, 2026 (Karthik Pournima) | December 25, 2026 (Christmas Day) |
| October 19, 2026 (Mahanavmi) | December 26, 2026 (Boxing Day) | |
| October 20, 2026 (Vijaya Dashami) | ||
| October 21, 2026 (Following Day of Vijaya Dashami) | ||
| October 26, 2026 (Birthday of Hazrath Syed Mohd. Juvanpuri) |
The Navratri and Dussehra period holds particular significance for state employees in Telangana, featuring consecutive general holidays on October 20 and 21, 2026. Additionally, October 19, 2026, is designated as an optional holiday; employees may opt to take this day off, subject to departmental approval. It is also noted that Deepawali falls on a Sunday in Telangana for this calendar year. Personnel are encouraged to consult the official calendar regarding these upcoming dates.
Karnataka Government Holidays 2026
The National Portal of India Calendar 2026 outlines the official schedule for the Karnataka government, which incorporates widespread closures for Dussehra in October, Deepawali in November, and Christmas in December. As with Telangana, individuals requiring administrative services should verify operational status with the respective offices prior to scheduling visits.
Below is the complete schedule of holidays designated for Karnataka from October to December 2026:
| October 2026 | November 2026 | December 2026 |
| October 2, 2026 (Gandhi Jayanti) | November 10, 2026 (Balipadyami, Deepawali) | December 24, 2026 (Christmas Eve) |
| October 20, 2026 (Ayudhapooja) | November 24, 2026 (Guru Nanak Jayanti) | December 25, 2026 (Christmas) |
| October 21, 2026 (Vijayadashami) | November 26, 2026 (Huttari Festival) | |
| November 27, 2026 (Kannadasa Jayanti) |
Public offices under the Karnataka government will officially close for Ayudhapooja and Vijayadashami on October 20 and 21, 2026. November also presents multiple recognized holidays, with the state observing Balipadyami, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and the Huttari Festival.
Important Guidelines for Employees Planning Leaves
The holiday schedules detailed above are strictly referenced from the National Portal of India. This encompasses notified state government holidays alongside selected optional holidays.
These lists apply specifically to state-level administrative bodies and should not be treated as a definitive holiday calendar for every school, bank, central government office, or other autonomous institute. State employees must always confirm the applicable notifications with their specific departmental authorities before finalizing any travel arrangements or leave requests.
