Muharram 2026 in India falls on Friday, 26 June — a gazetted public holiday across most of the country.
Landing on a Friday, it sets up a three-day weekend. Here’s what’s open, what’s closed, and what’s worth planning.
When Is Muharram 2026 in India?
Muharram 2026 is gazetted for Friday, 26 June, the day India observes Ashura (the 10th of Muharram).
The date follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so it is confirmed only after the official moon sighting and could still shift by a day.
As of 16 June 2026, the month of Muharram is just beginning — 1 Muharram 1448 AH falls around 16-17 June. Government and stock-exchange calendars list 26 June as the Ashura holiday, confirmed by the official moon sighting.
Is It a Gazetted Holiday?
Yes. Muharram is a gazetted (mandatory) central government holiday, so central offices, banks, and post offices in cities like Mumbai and Delhi close for the day.
It is not observed everywhere, though. Several states leave it off their official holiday lists, including:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Goa
- Haryana
- Kerala
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Nagaland
- Puducherry
- Punjab
- Sikkim
- Uttarakhand
If you live or work in one of these states, it may be a normal working day.
What Stays Open and Closed
The holiday closes official services but leaves daily life and travel running normally.
| Usually Closed | Open as Usual |
|---|---|
| Bank branches | Shops, malls and restaurants |
| Central and state government offices | Metro, buses and trains |
| Post offices | Airports and flights |
| Stock markets (NSE and BSE) | Online banking and ATMs |
Flights run on a normal schedule, so the holiday itself won’t disrupt your travel plans.
Turning It Into a Long Weekend
Falling on a Friday, Muharram creates a natural three-day weekend with Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June — enough for a short trip without using any leave.
Late June is monsoon season across much of India, so northern destinations are popular for staying drier and cooler.
For a short break, consider flights to Srinagar or Leh, or a city stay in Bengaluru, Jaipur, or even monsoon-quiet Goa.
Long weekends fill up fast, so compare hotel deals and lock in a Friday-to-Sunday stay early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is Muharram 2026 in India?
Friday, 26 June 2026. India observes Ashura (the 10th of Muharram) as the public holiday, and the central government gazette lists it as tentative pending the moon sighting.
Is the stock market closed on Muharram?
Yes, both NSE and BSE are closed on 26 June 2026. Equity, derivatives and currency segments stay shut for the day, though online banking and ATMs keep running.
Which states do not observe Muharram?
Twelve states and union territories leave it off their lists. These include Kerala, Goa, Punjab, Haryana, Assam and Uttarakhand, so it may be a normal working day there.
Could the Muharram date change?
Yes, by up to a day. The date depends on the official moon sighting confirmed by the Ruet-e-Hilal committee, so it is not fully fixed until close to the date.
Sources
- Government Holidays 2026 — List of Central Gazetted Holidays (DoPT)
- Muharram 2026 — Public Holidays India
- Stock Market Holidays 2026 — NSE and BSE
- Muharram/Ashura 2026 in India — timeanddate
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
