The Government of Jharkhand, on December 10, 2025, notified the list of Gazetted Holidays for the year 2026 applicable under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. These holidays are to be observed by banks and financial institutions in the State and include national holidays, religious festivals, regional festivals, and special observances. The notification clarifies that the order shall not be applicable to Government Offices, and establishments where Sunday is a normal working day shall function accordingly.
The notified holidays for 2026 include, inter alia, Republic Day (26 January), Good Friday (03 April), Ambedkar Jayanti (14 April), Buddha Purnima, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakrid), Independence Day (15 August), Milad-un-Nabi, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (02 October), Diwali (08 November, subject to moon sighting), and Christmas (25 December), along with several regional and tribal festivals such as Sarhul, Karma Puja, Sohrai, Hul Diwas, Birsa Munda Jayanti, Surya Shashthi (Chhath), and Rath Yatra. Certain holidays are subject to local customs and moon sighting, and special provisions have been made where holidays fall on Sundays.
The notification also reiterates that the bi-weekly working system shall continue in the Secretariat and subordinate offices, while a six-day working week shall remain in force for regional offices. Banking hours and half-day working provisions remain unchanged as specified. The holiday schedule has been issued to facilitate advance planning by banks and commercial establishments for the year 2026.
